Electrical Safety Advice for Hedge Trimmers

Hedge trimmers usage and safety

Using an electric hedge trimmer is much more efficient and effective than relying on manual tools. But they can pose a safety risk if not used and stored properly.

Electric hedge trimmers with a cable tend to be lighter and need minimal maintenance. But be careful of the trailing cable and have a suitable power socket. This may limit where you can use it.

There is a risk of electric shock if you accidentally cut through the cable, so ensure there is RCD protection for the socket where it is plugged in.

Battery-powered models tend to be heavier due to the weight of the battery but need little maintenance and there’s no cable to worry about. The battery may need recharging frequently if you have lots of hedge to cut.

Key points

All hedge trimmers must be fitted with a UK 3-pin plug and fuse.

Whichever type you choose, avoid buying second-hand trimmers.

Keep the area to be worked on clear of debris.

If using an outdoor socket, ensure it is splashproof or waterproof.

Buying a hedge trimmer

Whichever you choose, buy from a reputable retailer rather than a third-party seller online, as it may not have passed all the necessary safety checks.
Avoid buying second-hand trimmers as you won’t know their history and they may not meet the latest safety standards.
Safety features can include a wraparound front handle so you can have a comfortable hand position whatever the cutting angle, a hand guard to protect your fingers from the blade, a blade tip protector to prevent damage to the teeth, and an anti-blocking system to ensure continuous cutting even with tougher foliage.
Register your hedge trimmer so you can be contacted easily if there is a safety recall. It’s also much easier to return a faulty product or order a repair if it’s registered.

Using a hedge trimmer safely

Wear suitable, non-slip footwear while using the hedge trimmer. It’s also advisable to wear gloves and safety goggles.
Ensure pets and children are kept away from the area you’re working in. And remove any loose debris from the hedge before you get started.
Check the trimmer for any signs of damage or a chewed cable and don’t use it if you spot anything suspicious.
Tie back long hair and avoid wearing loose clothing that could get caught by the blade.
Keep the cable behind you and out of the way. Hold the hedge trimmer with both hands, well out in front of you.
Ensure you have a good footing stance. Avoid overreaching or cutting above shoulder height.
If you encounter a tough patch of growth, don’t force the hedge trimmer over it as it could rebound and cause injury.
Don’t use your trimmer when it’s raining or if the hedge is damp. Electricity and water don’t mix.
Unplug at the socket when not in use. Store it in a cool, dry place, such as a shed or garage. If it's damp after using it, dry it properly before putting it away.
If you notice a burning smell or any unusual noises, switch the hedge trimmer off immediately and contact the retailer and/or manufacturer.
Always unplug the hedge trimmer before cleaning it and follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions carefully.
If your trimmer cuts out, unplug it before inspecting it for any problems or blockages.
If you have to use an extension lead or cable reel, make sure it is suitably rated for outdoor use. It must be fully unwound and fitted with a thermal cutout. Keep it away from water or wet areas.
Sockets which supply equipment outdoors should be protected by an RCD (residual current device) to protect you from electric shocks should there be a fault with the product.

ALWAYS

Do plenty of research first before buying.
Buy a known and trusted brand from a reputable retailer.
Register your hedge trimmer with the manufacturer.
Store the hedge trimmer in a cool, dry place.

AVOID

Buying second-hand hedge trimmers or from third-party sellers online.

Using the trimmer if the weather is wet.

Using the trimmer if you spot any signs of damage.

Putting it away if it’s damp after use. Dry it off first.

Using an outdoor extension lead or cable reel in a wet area.

Stay safe with electrical products

Check plugs and sockets

Don't ignore burn marks, ‘arcing’ (buzzing or crackling) sounds, fuses blowing, circuit-breakers tripping, or if it feels hot to touch.

Unplug and contact the retailer, manufacturer, or a qualified repair technician.

Protect with an RCD

An RCD (residual current device) in your consumer unit (fusebox) protects you from electric shocks if a product is faulty.

If you don’t have RCD protection, use an RCD plug on the socket where the product is plugged in.

Fit smoke and heat alarms

Ensure there is at least one smoke or heat alarm per floor in your property. Fit enough alarms to cover all areas where a fire could start.

Test alarms at least once a month. Replace them every ten years or when the replace by date is reached.

Selected FAQs

If you’re unsure about an appliance or product, you’re not alone. These FAQs bring together expert advice and answers to the questions people ask us most, so you can feel more confident at home.

View all consumer faqs

When does a periodic inspection need to be carried out?

It is recommended that periodic inspection and testing is carried out at the following times:

for tenanted properties, every 5 years or at each change of occupancy, whichever is sooner
at least every 10 years for an owner-occupied home
at least every 5 years for a business

The Landlords and Tenant Act 1985 requires landlords of properties with short leases to keep the electrical wiring in repair and in proper working order. We recommend landlords arrange for periodic inspection and testing to be carried out by a registered electrician at the relevant intervals shown above.

Periodic inspection and testing of the electrics should be carried out more frequently on the places and premises listed here:

3 years for a caravan
1 year for a swimming pool

Who should carry out a periodic inspection?

Periodic inspection and testing should be carried out only by electrically competent persons, such as registered electricians.

My electrician told me that they were registered; however I now believe that they are not, as they have not given me a certificate. What should I do?

First, you need to find out whether the electrician you used is actually registered. To do this, contact the operator of the scheme they have claimed to be part of, and they will tell you whether this is the case. If they are registered, the scheme operator can guide you through their complaints procedure.

If you find out the electrician misled you and is not registered, you should report this to your local Trading Standards Department as they are breaking the law. We would also recommend that you get an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) carried out on your home; this will assess any work that has been undertaken and will act as sufficient documentation to certify that work. This needs to be carried out by a registered electrician and unfortunately will be an added cost for you.

Additional info

The power output of the trimmer’s motor is measured in watts for electric models. The higher the number, the more powerful it is, meaning it can cut through thicker growth more easily.

For battery-powered models consider its amp hour (Ah) rating as it shows how much charge the battery holds. Generally, the higher the number, the longer it will run.

Before using, check the hedge thoroughly for any signs of nesting activity and avoid trimming during the nesting season (typically March to September in the UK) if possible. It is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to trim or cut a hedge if a nest being built or being used by birds.

Has your electrical product been recalled?

Electrical products are recalled more regularly than you might think, but the response rate to a recall is often worryingly low. This means there are potentially millions of recalled electrical items still in UK homes.

Check your appliances

Hedge trimmers