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Quote: Originally posted by chris.barnett on 06/2/2012

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We have never had a problem with this set up, apart from the time my wife was electrocuted.

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 Did you have her insured?

Quote: Originally posted by Bob61 on 06/2/2012

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Quote: Originally posted by chris.barnett on 06/2/2012

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We have never had a problem with this set up, apart from the time my wife was electrocuted.

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 Did you have her insured?

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http://www.wirein.co.uk/2010/03/check-your-%E2%80%98arctic-grade%E2%80%99-cable-for-safety/

Check the above re Arctic cables.The proper cable for outdoor use at 230v should be HORN-7F which has thicker insulation and rated at a higher voltage.

Arctic cables are primarily designed for use on construction sites,there is a lot of discussion re the use of Arctic cables for 230v at sub zero temperatures.

Saxo1

Quote: Originally posted by Dandyman Bob on 05/2/2012

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To comply with reg's cable should be 2.5mm not 1.5mm and bright orange so that it can be clearly seen by anyone cutting grass for example.

Regards Bob

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this I didn't know, have you got any links for this so I can contact the seller and query it? Does seem strange they offer this unit with 14m of blue 1.5m cable or 20m of yellow 2.5m cable

 http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/20m-CARAVAN-CAMPING-MAINS-MOBILE-HOOK-UP-RCD-LEAD-CABLE-/110714059941?pt=UK_SportsLeisure_HikingCamping_Tents_JN&hash=item19c7127ca5

Be interesting to know if its possible to change just the cable, I know my dad has some orange ones left from caravaning.

It isn't a reg that the cable must be orange it is only a recommendation that it should be a high viz cable.

Saxo 1

Quote: Originally posted by chris.barnett on 06/2/2012

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We use 3 x10 metre extension leads purchased from Aldi for £4.99 each, and plug them together to reach the EHU post, i wired on a blue socket to fit the EHU supply. We have recently purchased a 6 socket extension that gives us plenty of sockets. I make sure it's all safe by wrapping plastic bags around the connections outside.We have never had a problem with this set up, apart from the time my wife was electrocuted. 

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Tynxuk,  17th edition Electrical Reg's (BS7671) 721.55.2.6. states that the connecting cable should be a max of 25 metres and a minimum of 2.5mm. The colour recommendation is a by the caravan club.

Regards Bob

The regs are for caravan hookup leads which should be supplied with any new caravan that has an electrical installation,they don't apply to the type of camping hookup that Tynxuk is referring to that's why they can get away with 1.5mm cable.

Saxo1

I have never understood why people seem to think the CC and the C&CC are the law on camping. It matters not what rules they may have for their own punters. They have no control over camping and campsites in general. Most campsites have their own rules, often laid down in their licenses, and which may or may not be similar to the camping club's rules.

It really raises my hackles when the clubs advise something and everyone thinks they have to abide by it.

Oh no, what to do,

my cable is yellow, do you think I should buy a new orange one?

Not so much insulation, but how much resistance is in the cable - the smaller sized cable will actually take longer to trip the RCB in the event of a fault.

Plus other very tecnical stuff which only my wife understands.

The cross sectional area of the cable must (under the regs for caravan hookups) be related to the current rating of the plug to which it is attatched,the blue commando plugs are rated at 16 amps.

The size of the cable required is dependant upon the load applied, although a 1.5mm cable will carry 16amps, in overload conditions it could overheat.Caravans in general have more electrical equipment fitted than a tent based unit and require a2.5mm cable.

The size of the cable makes no difference to the time an RCD will trip.

There a several camping type hookups that are fitted with 1.5mm cable sold by online stores. just because it is sold in a high street store or online doesn't necessarily guarantee that it is fitted with a suitable cable.A popular item that has been recommended by posters on this forum proudly boasts that it is fitted with a cable to HO5VVF,if you look up the spec you will find that it is a light duty cable not for use outdoors at 230v in sub zero temperatures.I suggest that going by what I read on this site that a lot of campers frequently camp in sub zero temperatures.

The regs require that temporary outdoor supplies(caravans etc ) should be supplied with heavy duty flexible cables,a lot aren't,a lot use arctic flex.

How many have checked to see what rating their cable is it should be rated at 450 to 750 volts and be marked at the very minimum HO5RN-F but preferably HO7RN-F,but this only applies to equipment covered by the regs and unless they have changed they don't apply to tents.

Saxo1