EHU cables? (1 Viewer)

2dogs

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A quicky or 2?

EHU cables, is there any restriction on home-made cables on sites (wardens named elf and his mate safety spring to mind) ?

if not then what rated cable should I use to make one up.

If making one for home use, can I just put a standard 13amp plug for the domestic end?

Cheers
2dogs
 

TheBig1

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It would be sensible to just use the correct ready made leads available, /Then if anyone gets hurt you cant be sued.

Otherwise it needs to be a mimimum of 2.5mm 3 core arctic cable

Most sites dont like to see anything but standard orange though


If its just for home then still use the right cable as standard flex will perish in sunlight and temperature variations. Use a good quality ce approved and marked plug with a 16a trailing socket at the van end
 
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pappajohn

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if you know what you are doing there are no restrictions.

SOME caravan club wardens may insist on blue or orange but they are just jobsworths in my opinion.

recommended max length is 25mtrs

ideally you need 2.5sqmm 3 core flex (live, neutral and earth)..anything less may not be up to the job and could overheat.

as thebig1 said, arctic cable is best as it remains flexible at lower temperatures.

put any plug you want on the end.

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2dogs

2dogs

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Thanks for the replies lads,

may stick with made-up when away but home will be self made, will have to rig up an outside socket, (when I get round to it)

Cheers
2dogs
 
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scotjimland

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agree with pappajohn..

being a spark, I've always made my own .. used white, black, orange and blue.. just whatever was to hand ..

however..

orange is the recognised colour for 230v extension cables, with a max length of 25mt

oddly enough when I needed a new one for the caravan, rather than buy cable, plug and socket , it worked out just as cheap to buy a ready made up from JohnsCross Motorhomes.
 
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pappajohn

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Thanks for the replies lads,

may stick with made-up when away but home will be self made, will have to rig up an outside socket, (when I get round to it)

Cheers
2dogs
if its 'outside' outside then make sure its fully waterproof (IP66) and RCD protected.....preferably on its own circuit, you dont want your fridge etc switched off if it trips

i have two dedicated motorhome sockets outside my garage and used the same type 'euro' sockets as you would find on a campsite hookup post.....both waterproof with flip-up covers.

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TheBig1

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Hi Jim, being a fellow sparky, you do realise that your advice could be dangerous. Not looking for an argument, but standard flex, being the most common available in white not only discolours but actually cracks when used outdoors long term. I am only going by what the op said and assumed this was for a hook up at home, which is likely to be outside pretty much permanently. Not good if somebody else doesnt realise the risks and gets a belt from it when its damp:winky:

As I say no offence intended, but with the current paranoia about electrical safety feel it just needed to be mentioned:thumb:
 
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2dogs

2dogs

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Before we start:cry:

the hookup for home will only be used prior to a trip, will be on the ground for minimum time, will probably have less degradation through elements than the mower cable.

Cheers
2dogs
 
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scotjimland

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Hi Jim, being a fellow sparky, you do realise that your advice could be dangerous. Not looking for an argument, but standard flex, being the most common available in white not only discolours but actually cracks when used outdoors long term. I am only going by what the op said and assumed this was for a hook up at home, which is likely to be outside pretty much permanently. Not good if somebody else doesnt realise the risks and gets a belt from it when its damp:winky:

As I say no offence intended, but with the current paranoia about electrical safety feel it just needed to be mentioned:thumb:

Hi .. no offence taken, I've had enough arguments tonight to last a lifetime..

of course it's important to use the correct cable.. but .. I've never come across white pvc flex that degraded any quicker than coloured.. how long is long term ?

I used a piece for about 10 years for my home EHU cable.. yes, it turned yellowish but I never saw any signs of cracking ...

Just had a look at a cable supplier .. this is what they say about white PVC flex.

2.5mm 3 Core 20A White PVC insulated / PVC sheathed circular light flexible cords 300 / 500 volts, BS6500, Harmonised Code H03VV-F.

NORMAL USUAGE: Suitable for use in domestic situations and applications including: Washing Machines, Refrigerators, Power Tools. May be used indoors and outdoors.


so, provided it is to BS6500.. I can't see the issue from a safety point..

Also.. irrespective of colour.. the cable should be inspected EVERY TIME before use... any signs of cuts, kinks or cracking .. BIN IT .
I've lost count of the number of cables I've had damaged on airs and camp sites abroad due to cars / vans running over them..

My advice is to buy ready made up.. then no one can accuse me of endangering them..

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spannermanwigan

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When you see the cables used in France and Spain, I doubt any thought is
given to health and safety. Even the hook ups leave a lot to be desired, and
I'm not a sparky.:Eeek:
Broken Link Removed Broken Link Removed Broken Link Removed
The correct cables are cheap enough to buy,and like most I have a small
adaptor lead to connect to uk 13amp standard socket and also 2 pin version
for use abroad.

regards
Steve
 
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Scout

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if your thinking of useing "white" cable to save on lenth as you dont need 25mts at home, why not buy a proper cable, cut one end to suit your home requiments, and make up a short extension for use in the van with the rest, so say 10mts at home, 15mts in van plus normal 25mts ....job sorted
 
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I had a proper pukka 10 metre cable..If I remember correctly I got it at the Peterborough show...from one of the stalls at the show..one of the established ones but the name escapes me..I was on one site a C&CC site and the warden got a bit sniffy about me using it..as it wasn't and I quote "Regulation Length" cable...Now to me what is the point of using a 25 metre cable when a 10 metre will do when the EHU point was next to the van..saves a load of cable all over the place...STILL!!!

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Techno

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25 metre length and 2.5 csa conductors is a specific design criteria to ensure the earth loop impedance is low enough for the rcd to trip within its permitted disconnection time in the event of fault. Keep is simple and safe. I like scouts idea!
EDIT
I should say max length and minimum conductor size. A shorter cable is always better
 
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slobadoberbob

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agree with pappajohn..

being a spark, I've always made my own .. used white, black, orange and blue.. just whatever was to hand ..

however..

orange is the recognised colour for 230v extension cables, with a max length of 25mt

oddly enough when I needed a new one for the caravan, rather than buy cable, plug and socket , it worked out just as cheap to buy a ready made up from JohnsCross Motorhomes.

we purchased both lengths from them and they were just as cheap in the end.. and it saved making them up... I have a couple I did make up for the awning 110v lights on the RV.. used orange wire still.

Bob
 
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scotjimland

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we purchased both lengths from them and they were just as cheap in the end.. and it saved making them up... I have a couple I did make up for the awning 110v lights on the RV.. used orange wire still.

Bob

tisk tisk Bob.. :Doh:

ORANGE ??? ... you will be thrown off the site ....

don't you know YELLOW is the correct colour for 110v ... :winky:

:roflmto:

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I carry a short (7m) cable as well as the long one, have very occasionally had to join them together. I really need to get round to getting a 10m cable instead as my short one is very often a foot or so too short when the post is close. Its the length it is cause I had a bit left over from something else.
 
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pappajohn

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could be a problem on some C&CC or CC site with mine then.....it still has the original Black 50amp cable which is hardwired into the transformer with a eurosocket on the end. :Doh:

the wardens will probably faint !:roflmto:
 
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scotjimland

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could be a problem on some C&CC or CC site with mine then.....it still has the original Black 50amp cable which is hardwired into the transformer with a eurosocket on the end. :Doh:

the wardens will probably faint !:roflmto:

.. so did my RV John..

just for info.. from the Club website , note the BS Number as I advised in a previous post.


B* CONNECTING CABLE harmonised code H07RN-F or H05VV-F or[HI] equivalent (BS6007 or
6500)[/HI] 25 metres maximum ( + or – 2 metres) long of three core cable [live (brown), neutral (blue) and earth (green/yellow)] each core of 2.5mm2 section.

Shorter cables may not reach from the bollard to your van on some sites and
extra connector cables to add length are NOT recommended. The Club cannot accept
responsibility for any damage or injury caused by the use of extra connector cables. [HI]It is
recommended[/HI] that the cable is coloured orange for visibility in long grass


NOTE ... colour ADVISED .. NOT compulsory ..
 
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