Lincolnshire farms put their electrics through a lot. Grain dryers and fans run hard after harvest, livestock sheds need reliable lighting and heating through the dark months, and long supplies to barns and workshops are exposed to damp, dust and rodents all year. Before winter sets in, a few checks can prevent breakdowns at the worst possible time. Here’s what a farm electrician in Lincolnshire looks for, and what you can check yourself.
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Why farm electrics need extra care
Agricultural buildings are one of the harshest environments for an electrical installation. The UK wiring regulations (BS 7671) have a dedicated section for agricultural and horticultural premises, with stricter requirements for things like RCD protection, fire protection and equipotential bonding in livestock areas. That’s because the risks are higher:
- Damp and condensation get into fittings and junction boxes, especially in unheated buildings.
- Dust from grain and feed builds up on lights, motors and distribution boards — a fire risk as well as a performance one.
- Rats and mice chew through cable insulation, often out of sight.
- Livestock are more sensitive to small voltages than people, which is why bonding in animal housing matters.
- Heavy loads from dryers, fans, pumps and workshop machinery stress older supplies and cables.
Winter electrical checklist for farms
These are simple visual checks anyone can do. Don’t open up equipment or distribution boards yourself — if anything looks wrong, isolate it if it’s safe to do so and call an electrician.
- Look for damaged, chewed or sagging cables, especially along walls, rafters and between buildings.
- Check outdoor sockets, isolators and lights are intact, with covers closed and seals in place.
- Clear dust and debris from around motors, lights and control panels.
- Test RCDs using the test button (where fitted) and note any that don’t trip.
- Make sure heaters, heat lamps and temporary equipment aren’t run on extension leads or coiled cables.
- Check that emergency stops on machinery and dryers work and are clearly labelled.
When to call a farm electrician
Call us if you notice tripping, burning smells, warm or discoloured fittings, flickering lighting in livestock buildings, or motors struggling under load. We also recommend a full periodic inspection — IET guidance suggests agricultural installations are inspected more often than homes, typically every three years. An inspection gives you a written report, similar to an EICR, showing what needs attention and in what order.
Electrical work we carry out on farms
- New and upgraded supplies to barns, workshops, stables and grain stores
- Three-phase installations and machinery connections
- LED lighting upgrades for sheds and yards
- Motor inspections and planned maintenance
- Solar PV and battery storage on farm buildings
- EV charging for farm vehicles and visitors
- PAT testing for farm offices, farm shops and holiday lets
Frequently asked questions
How often should farm electrics be inspected?
IET guidance suggests every three years for agricultural and horticultural premises, or sooner if your insurer asks or the installation is in poor condition.
Can you work around harvest or lambing?
Yes. We plan work and any shutdowns around your busy periods wherever we can.
Do you cover rural areas across Lincolnshire?
Yes — from the Wolds around Market Rasen and Spilsby to the Fens around Boston and Spalding.
Get your farm ready for winter
Matson’s Electrical Services Ltd is based in Woodhall Spa and works with farms right across Lincolnshire. NAPIT-licensed, CHAS and TrustMark accredited.
Book a farm inspection or talk to us about your next project. Call 07342 039 023 (Monday to Friday, 8am–5pm) or request a free quote online.
