Electricity and Cable Guide for Bouncy Castle Hire

A safe and reliable power supply is essential for bouncy castle hire. This guide explains how inflatables are powered, what type of electrical supply is required, and how cables should be positioned to keep your event running smoothly. Understanding these basics helps avoid delays, unsafe setups, and last-minute changes on the day.

Infl8 Hire provides Bouncy Castles and inflatable hire across Scunthorpe, Hull, Doncaster, Grimsby, and surrounding areas. The guidance below reflects the real power and cable issues we see during everyday bookings.

Why power matters for bouncy castles

Bouncy castles rely on a constant flow of air from an electric fan to stay fully inflated. If power is interrupted, the inflatable will begin to deflate. For this reason, a stable power supply must be available for the entire hire period.

Power planning is just as important as measuring space or checking access, particularly for outdoor events and larger venues.

Standard power requirements

Most bouncy castles require a standard domestic 13amp socket. The fan should be plugged directly into a suitable socket or into a correctly rated extension lead supplied or approved by us.

Sockets should be in good working order and located close enough to the setup area to avoid excessive cable runs.

Using extension leads safely

If the nearest socket is not directly next to the inflatable, extension leads may be required. These must be suitable for outdoor use where applicable and fully uncoiled to prevent overheating.

Cables should never be tightly wound or joined together with multiple adapters. Where extension leads are used, they must be routed safely to avoid creating trip hazards.

Cable routing and trip hazards

Cables should be positioned away from walkways, entrances, and play areas wherever possible. At busy events, poor cable placement is a common cause of trips and accidental unplugging.

For indoor venues, cables are usually run along walls or behind equipment. For outdoor events, cables may be secured or covered to reduce risk, depending on the surface and layout.

Indoor power considerations

Indoor venues such as village halls, schools, and sports centres usually provide suitable power, but it is important to confirm socket locations in advance. Long cable runs through doorways or corridors should be avoided.

Our Indoor Hire inflatables are designed to suit indoor spaces, but power access must still be safe and practical for the venue layout.

Outdoor power considerations

Outdoor events require additional planning for power. Weather protection, suitable outdoor-rated cables, and secure connections are essential. Sockets should be protected from rain and damp conditions.

For garden parties and outdoor community events, checking socket locations before the day helps avoid last-minute repositioning of inflatables.

Multiple inflatables and shared power

Running more than one inflatable from a single socket is not recommended unless specifically agreed in advance. Each inflatable fan draws power continuously, and overloading sockets can cause power failure.

If you are booking multiple inflatables or additional equipment such as food machines, please let us know so we can plan suitable power arrangements.

What to avoid

Common electrical issues include trailing cables across open areas, using indoor extension leads outdoors, and plugging fans into unsuitable power sources. These situations increase risk and may prevent setup from going ahead.

If power cannot be supplied safely, we may need to adjust the equipment used or delay setup until a suitable solution is in place.

How to prepare before delivery

Before our arrival, check where your nearest suitable socket is and make sure it is accessible. Remove obstacles that could interfere with cable routing, and ensure any extension leads provided are fully uncoiled and suitable for the environment.

If you are unsure about power availability or cable routing, it is always best to discuss this with us in advance.

Our approach to electrical safety

Infl8 Hire takes electrical safety seriously. Our team checks power connections during setup and ensures cables are positioned sensibly for the event layout.

Clear communication about power requirements helps ensure your inflatable hire runs smoothly from start to finish.

For advice on power, cables, or suitability for your venue, please visit our Contact Us page and speak to our team.