Nick wrote:
I have an extension lead (from a 13 amp plug) running out of a
window from the house, over the lawn to the shed , to power a light /
fridge in the garage and want to improve this (very unsatisfactory)
arrangement. I am not "part P", don't really want to pay a fortune,
and have the following queries.

Is this technically not actually illegal ? Could I run the outside
bit in buried SWA, but still have it "plugged in" via a 13 amp plug
in the house, so its unpluggable ? Can I leave as is ? What should
I do to comply with all the current regs ( which I am unaware of at
the moment) ?
Thanks,

Nick

Interesting question and this was put to a BCO by me only a few weeks ago
WRT a garage I built, his answer was that you can have armoured cable, T&E,
sleeved or unsleeved or anything you want - as long as it's plugged in it
remains an 'extension lead' - only once it's wired directly into the mains
is it of any interest to BC or anyone else.

Obviously for your own safety you want it below ground, preferably armoured,
but if you use T&E, put it into alkathene (blue plastic water main) it's
unlikely to come to any harm, especially if you place bricks along any
lengths that are likely to be dug into.