Veggielover Posted June 19, 2013 Share Posted June 19, 2013 Could anyone advise please whether the 'size' of cable for hook up is critical? ie does it have to be 2.5 or can smaller cable be used? Thanks in anticipation. Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sshortcircuit Posted June 19, 2013 Share Posted June 19, 2013 The cable is normally attached to a 16A plug connected into a 16A socket. The socket can be fused up to 16A. It is therefore necessary that the cable is able to take this current. In addition the smaller the cable the higher resistance which results in volts drop . Is there a reason you are asking? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lennyhb Posted June 19, 2013 Share Posted June 19, 2013 The IEE regs require 2.5 mm sq cable to be used. 2.5 mm flex is rated at either 20 or 25 amps depending on the insulation & the purity of the copper used, 1.5mm flex has a ratting of 15 or 16 amps The 2 pin & earth connectors used on hook up leads are rated at 16 amp the reason 2.5 mm cable is specified is that traditionally 1.5 mm cable was rated at 15 amps. However it's only in the UK 2.5mm cable is used the rest of Europe is happy with 1.5 mm cable for their hook up leads. I have only ever used 1.5 mm cable which I am about to change for 1 mm sq cable as I do not use hook ups and just need a lead in the event of an emergency I would not recommend that any one else does this unless they fully understand the implications. The only advantage of using 2.5 mm cable over 1.5mm 16 amp cable (apart for building up your biceps & complying with the regs) is if you are using a 16 amp outlet to it's full capacity on a long cable run you will reduce the volt drop across the cable, in practice it's not likely to be a problem. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Kirby Posted June 19, 2013 Share Posted June 19, 2013 There is one other thing that should be taken into account, and that is what load you are likely to require. If you are likely to draw near 16A (approx 3.7kW), the max permissible with the blue CEE connectors, then it would probably be wise to go for the 2.5mm - and to make absolutely certain you fully uncoil the cable while doing so! On the other hand, if your connected load is well below that figure then, as Lenny implies, 1.5mm should be OK. As he says, most mainlanders seem quite happy with 1.5mm cable, and in any case most mainland feeders are "fused" at 5-6 A (approx 1.4kW), some at 10A (approx 2.3kW). Under those circumstances, you will trip the feeder well before you fry a 1.5mm EHU cable! Just don't travel with a 3kW electric kettle! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Veggielover Posted June 19, 2013 Author Share Posted June 19, 2013 I sought advice as I have the male and female connectors, and before I purchased 2.5 cable I was wondering if I could get away with a long length of orange (former lawnmower) cable that I have amongst all my other 'junk that will come in useful one day'. I do not anticipate using mains very often, other than to charge up the batteries. Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keithl Posted June 19, 2013 Share Posted June 19, 2013 Veggielover - 2013-06-19 8:53 PM I was wondering if I could get away with a long length of orange (former lawnmower) cable that I have amongst all my other 'junk that will come in useful one day'. Chris Chris, I doubt very much if 'Lawnmower' cable will be suitable as it is normally only 2 core cable and you MUST use 3 core for your hook up lead. Check before using it (well you will have to anyway when you wire up the plugs). If you only want to make a short lead then why not use something like this Link? The cable does not have to be orange, it's just the norm as it is more visible in longer grass. Keith. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Retread24800 Posted June 19, 2013 Share Posted June 19, 2013 Extension leads follow the universal rules, maintain Flexibility and the thicker the better, long and thin just will not do the trick :-) If you want to become very continental, or if you already have some of this kit, a good tip is to obtain the following:- http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/9821493.htm Extension lead roll 40M x 13ABecause you can be sure that on an average 'Muni' the 'Borne' will be over 25m from your outfit, you may have this already and if not it comes in useful for round the garden and connecting up at home. http://www.amazon.co.uk/UK-MAIN-HOOK-UP-ADAPTOR/dp/B001AVLPF2/ref=pd_sxp_grid_pt_0_0 13-16A adapter http://www.amazon.co.uk/Silverline-341082-16-13-Lead-Converter/dp/B003IJAKLE/ref=pd_sim_sg_13 16-13A fly lead converter http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kampa-Continental-Adaptor-Caravan-Electric/dp/B0029OIVQU/ref=pd_sxp_f_pt Continental adapter http://www.amazon.co.uk/splitter-Generator-Industrial-Commando-connectors/dp/B001CDFI1A/ref=pd_sim_sg_24 3-way mains adapter or ‘piggyback’. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Veggielover Posted June 19, 2013 Author Share Posted June 19, 2013 Many thanks chaps, I'm grateful for the good advice. Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flicka Posted June 19, 2013 Share Posted June 19, 2013 I think, if using 1.5mm2 cable due to it's smaller diameter could enable water ingress at the entry points to the CE 16A plugs / sockets. Not a wise move IMHO for something that will only a very small amount of cash. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crinklystarfish Posted June 20, 2013 Share Posted June 20, 2013 Veggielover - 2013-06-19 8:53 PM I sought advice as I have the male and female connectors, and before I purchased 2.5 cable I was wondering if I could get away with a long length of orange (former lawnmower) cable that I have amongst all my other 'junk that will come in useful one day'. I do not anticipate using mains very often, other than to charge up the batteries. Chris In which case your lawnmower cable will be just fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pepe63xnotuse Posted June 20, 2013 Share Posted June 20, 2013 Although this cable may well do you(..at least for how you envisage using it)..but as it's an old cable, kept from an old mower, can you be sure what state the insulation/sheathing is in?...even if it isn't visibly cracked, it may well be stiff/brittle in places?(..possibly due to how it's been coiled/hung up?).... Just a thought... ;-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sshortcircuit Posted June 20, 2013 Share Posted June 20, 2013 A two core lawnmower cable WILL NOT DO. You need an earth. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pepe63xnotuse Posted June 20, 2013 Share Posted June 20, 2013 sshortcircuit - 2013-06-20 10:33 AM A two core lawnmower cable WILL NOT DO. You need an earth. Ooh!..is it only a two core cable then? I hadn't realised that... :$ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crinklystarfish Posted June 20, 2013 Share Posted June 20, 2013 Me either, but even if it is, why wouldn't that be adequate just to charge batteries? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pepe63xnotuse Posted June 20, 2013 Share Posted June 20, 2013 Electrickery isn't really my thing..but I'd always assumed that any lead that would be used outside, should really be earthed?.. I hadn't even realised that mower cable was only 2 core.. :$ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Kirby Posted June 20, 2013 Share Posted June 20, 2013 crinklystarfish - 2013-06-20 11:35 AM Me either, but even if it is, why wouldn't that be adequate just to charge batteries? It would be adequate in terms of load, but unsafe if a fault developed. The van would have a mains connection, but no earth path (being insulated by its tyres). If a fault developed, it is possible the van could become live without the occupants realising. Then, just stepping in or out, when you would be in contact with the ground and the van, would make you the earth path! Same true under those circumstances if anyone outside touched the van metalwork. The RCD in the van or the feeder pillar SHOULD then work, but it would work far quicker, and with far greater certainty, if the earth connection was present. I know, it's all about risks, and the chances are slim. :-) However, the consequences could be quite nasty, so better to make sure the earth is there by using a three core flex, and eliminate the risk. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave225 Posted June 20, 2013 Share Posted June 20, 2013 I note the OP was asked why he was raising the question, but to date no response. That makes me slightly suspicious. A proper mains cable is about £30 which to my mind is cheap for a life. Dodging about with alternatives is foolishly shortsighted. They also will last for a very long time again making the cost peanuts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lennyhb Posted June 20, 2013 Share Posted June 20, 2013 Dave if you read the OP's 2nd post on the thread he Chris clearly states why he asked the question and in a later post thanked everyone. It is perfectly safe to use 1.5mm sq 16 amp cable, UK hook up leads are oversized and very heavy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Veggielover Posted June 20, 2013 Author Share Posted June 20, 2013 Thank you Lenny. Regards Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
granddad Posted June 20, 2013 Share Posted June 20, 2013 hi while on about cables i have a yellow cable which is for 110v would it be safe to use for 16 amp thx granddad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keithl Posted June 20, 2013 Share Posted June 20, 2013 granddad - 2013-06-20 8:44 PM hi while on about cables i have a yellow cable which is for 110v would it be safe to use for 16 amp thx granddad Hi Granddad, In a word it won't work :-( The yellow 110 volt plugs and sockets are different to the blue 230 volt version. The pins are rotated differently between the two. You could use the cable and fit new blue plugs but probably easier just to get the correct one ready made. Keith. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T8LEY Posted June 20, 2013 Share Posted June 20, 2013 Brian Kirby - 2013-06-20 2:20 PM crinklystarfish - 2013-06-20 11:35 AM Me either, but even if it is, why wouldn't that be adequate just to charge batteries? It would be adequate in terms of load, but unsafe if a fault developed. The van would have a mains connection, but no earth path (being insulated by its tyres). If a fault developed, it is possible the van could become live without the occupants realising. Then, just stepping in or out, when you would be in contact with the ground and the van, would make you the earth path! Same true under those circumstances if anyone outside touched the van metalwork. The RCD in the van or the feeder pillar SHOULD then work, but it would work far quicker, and with far greater certainty, if the earth connection was present. I know, it's all about risks, and the chances are slim. :-) However, the consequences could be quite nasty, so better to make sure the earth is there by using a three core flex, and eliminate the risk. It wouldn't actually be adequate for a 16A load, because the cross sectional area is too small and the voltage drop associated with that size of cable would be double what is tolerable. It's unsafe to use a smaller cable when you don't make the decision about what is protecting it. The IEE Regs require a cable to be adequately sized for the rating of its protection. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
granddad Posted June 20, 2013 Share Posted June 20, 2013 thx for the reply keith i have the yellow cable but no plugs all i need then is the blue plugs thx again Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T8LEY Posted June 20, 2013 Share Posted June 20, 2013 granddad - 2013-06-20 9:44 PM hi while on about cables i have a yellow cable which is for 110v would it be safe to use for 16 amp thx granddad No. The insulation on 110V cable is inadequate for 230V. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lennyhb Posted June 20, 2013 Share Posted June 20, 2013 Yellow flex normally used for 110v still has insulation rated at 400v the cable is no different to orange or white cable. Colour is not specified in the IEE regs but the NCC recommend orange, my own cable is yellow. If you are going to use a hook up in the winter is best to use blue arctic grade cable as it remains flexible down to -20 deg where standard cable gets very stiff as the temperature falls towards zero. Edit: You can get arctic rated yellow cable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.