19/04/2026
Thinking of running cable outside for lights, a shed, EV charger or garden power?
Standard PVC cable (the grey stuff you see in most indoor jobs) is NOT UV stabilised.
Sunlight breaks it down over time. The insulation becomes brittle, cracks and eventually falls apart — exactly like you can see in these photos.
Once that happens, the live conductors inside are exposed. That’s a serious risk of electric shock, short circuits and fire… and it can happen faster than most people realise.
Don’t risk it with cheap indoor cable just because “it’ll be fine for a couple of years.”
If you’re planning any outdoor electrics, get a qualified electrician in. It’s cheaper than dealing with the consequences later.
Have you spotted any cracked or degraded cable outside your home?
