Mains Hook-up Cable (1 Viewer)

Tweedie

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A silly question - The 25m mains hook up cable that was supplied with our new motorhome is very stiff to handle it's like wrestling with a snake!! when trying to pack it away and it just seems stay kinked, it is rated 16 amp & 2.5mm core which I assume is the norm. Was just wondering if all mains hook ups are the same, will it get more plyable with use. Also would keeping it on a storage reel make it easier to handle. Thanks for advice in advance (y)
 
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A cable reel would make it easier.

It probably will soften a bit with time but for now when you pack it away, if you haven't got a reel, coil it in loose coils trying to make sure it isn't twisted as you go.
 
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Old Soldier

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They do become more pliable after use so be patient. Not recommended to keep the cable coiled, on or off a drum when in use, particularly at this time of year when high consumption items are used (heating, hot water heaters and kettles) There will be those on here who say it does not matter but perhaps they are not the ones who have seen coiled cables melt or worse vans going up in smoke. :smiley:

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scotjimland

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Badknee

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They do become more pliable after use so be patient. Not recommended to keep the cable coiled, on or off a drum when in use, particularly at this time of year when high consumption items are used (heating, hot water heaters and kettles) There will be those on here who say it does not matter but perhaps they are not the ones who have seen coiled cables melt or worse vans going up in smoke. :smiley:
I will second that. What ever you do uncoil the whole cable by lying it on the ground in long lines if need be.
image.jpg
 
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Another vote Artic cable.

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I recognise that scenario. When the weather gets colder that happens to my cable too. I always fully unwind it when on hook up and I have tried using a cable spool, but found that makes things even worse (it is only a cold weather problem in my experience, never happens when warm).
So now I never use the cable spool, I do what we were taught to do when coiling climbing ropes back in the 60s; hold one end at arms length in your left hand and take a hold of the cable about six feet down in your other. Then swing your arms outwards and as your arms come back together, transfer the cable from your right hand to your left. Keep on until you've coiled the whole lot. You will end up with a neat coil about two feet or so long, and it is good exercise for your arms, best of all it won't kink. Gary
 
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JeanLuc

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After eight years, my orange cable is still stiff and awkward to coil. If I ever have to buy another I will look for Arctic cable but since we don't use the hook-up cable that often, this is unlikely to be any time soon.
 
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mike mcglynn

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I find that if you use a reel it will wind up better and unwind without kinks if you alternate the end from which you start winding/unwinding by moving the reel to the other end of the cable when on site .
 
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pappajohn

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A cable in large, loose coils is fine....no need to lay it out in lines as any heat produced will easily dissipate..

A cable tightly wound or on a drum will overheat and possibly melt due to the heat produced having no way of dissipating and getting hotter and hotter.
 
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Tweedie

Tweedie

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Thanks all. very helpful funster advice as usual.

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also i thought 1.5mm cable was enough to cope with a 16amp supply or does the length make a difference?
Length will also make a difference - longer the cable, higher the volt drop.
16A through a 25m cable in free air is right at the top end limit for 1.5mm cable. Recommend using 2.5mm
 
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Anthea M

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We are on our second cable already ! The problem being my OH is cuddy-wifted! Yes left handed , he always winds it the wrong way once it's been used so it coils and kinks every time we use it! Have tried telling him!! And done it myself but as @tonyidle says it tries to find its own way back!

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Badknee

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A cable in large, loose coils is fine....no need to lay it out in lines as any heat produced will easily dissipate..

A cable tightly wound or on a drum will overheat and possibly melt due to the heat produced having no way of dissipating and getting hotter and hotter.
Ah, well you do it your way and I'll do it mine thank you.
 
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Gorse Hill

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Arctic blue is a great cable but not specced for this use. That being said I will use one where I am on grass and no vehicles or other heavy things run across it. My thick orange cable is 11 years old now and has had serious abuse but is still going strong. This gets used whenever I am on a hard surface or if there is any risk of abuse to the cable. I wouldn't dare use the arctic on a hard standing etc...

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scotjimland

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But doesn't have BASEC approval for Caravan Cable application so not compliant, regs specify H07RN 2.5sq mm so if anything goes wrong, problems

do you have a link to this regulation, please ?

This is the information from the Caravan Club and it doesn't specify HO7RN


British Standard 7671, 2001 for Caravan/Motorhome Mains Hook-up Cable :

"For connecting the caravan to the Site socket outlet, a connecting cable is required. This cable must be 3 core 2.5mm², PVC/PVC, flexible cable and 25 metres (+/- 2 metres) in length".


Nor does the

IEE Regulations

7.9.2 - Caravan installations

Every caravan which includes an electrical installation must be provided with a flexible lead not more than 25 m long fitted with a BS EN 60309-2 plug and a BS EN 60309-2 connector with the keyway at position 6h. The cross-sectional area of the cable must be related to the rated current of the plug as shown by {Table 7.6}.

if anything goes wrong, problems

Arctic Blue cable in my link complies with this regulation.. what could go wrong and what problem ?



 
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Gorse Hill

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Table 7B BS7540
Bs6500 Cable Specc
BS 7919 Table 44 (not harmonised), commonly referred to as 3183A (Arctic Grade Flex), was specifically designed and, hence, included in the British Standard, for use at 110 V a.c. from centre tapped transformers (55v - 0v - 55v).
regulation 721.55.2.6(ii)
BS7671
BS7919 Table 4 (3183A)
One question to ask yourself Jim, have you ever seen it for sale at caravan shops/dealers
 
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Gorse Hill

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@Gorse Hill

For future reference.. You can buy Arctic Blue extension lead at Screwfix..

CED 240V Extension Lead Blue 2.5mm

Manufactured from artic grade 3 cord flex. With 16A 3-pin plug. VDE approved.
ae235



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View attachment 89228
When did screwfix start selling caravans (y) To be honest Jim from a technical point of view the cable meets nearly all the requirements to be used on site, however it doesn't have the required approvals which could be a problem if anything goes wrong

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SuperMike

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What regulations ? I made my own cable from 25m of yellow artic cable, one line plug and one line socket. :sneaky: I doubt you would ever have any problems, with a correctly made cable.
 
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9526

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European notorhomers appear to use any old domestic flex or extension lead, often run from van to van, or joined together in lengths far greater than 25m

I don't recall ever seeing them having major problems, they just seem to get on with it. :)
 
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