making my own extension lead- what wire

mengele

want to make my own extension lead for the yard. now the yard is fitted with old three round pin 15 amp plugs.

what is the 3 core lead that I am looking for in order to make the extension lead so that I know what im looking for before I go into the shop and don't seem like a right fool.

I have a vague memory of the wire that im looking for being called artic- would that be correct. I am also going to get 2.5 strength.

foxy farmer

mengele wrote: »

want to make my own extension lead for the yard. now the yard is fitted with old three round pin 15 amp plugs.

what is the 3 core lead that I am looking for in order to make the extension lead so that I know what im looking for before I go into the shop and don't seem like a right fool.

I have a vague memory of the wire that im looking for being called artic- would that be correct. I am also going to get 2.5 strength.

Arctic blue 3x2.5 mm sq flex is what you're thinking of. White 3x2.5 flex would be quite adequate for your needs. Rated to carry 20 amps. What would you be running off this lead?

mengele

foxy farmer wrote: »

Arctic blue 3x2.5 mm sq flex is what you're thinking of. White 3x2.5 flex would be quite adequate for your needs. Rated to carry 20 amps. What would you be running off this lead?

anything and everything. yes blue artic. is that the same as the white but stronger? would I be as well go with the stronger and it would do me for the next 20 years.

brightspark

I'm guessing this is a farmyard, not just your backyard?

Bear in mind that despite being called "Artic" it isn't suitable for temperatures below 5C

http://electrical.theiet.org/wiring-matters/33/arctic-cables.cfm?type=pdf


Also I would be very concerned about the likely absence of any RCD protection on your 15A sockets, (just slightly less concerned about the sockets themselves, you should be using the blue 16A ones, or ideally using 110V equipment)

The length of cable and the amperage of the load are important factors that should be considered before using any lead.

foxy farmer

Arctic cable is rated for temps down to -25c. Wouldnt be heavier I would think. Just holds its flexibility better. Is it worth the extra expense? Electrical wholesaler your best bet. Canbe bought in 100m coils or cut to length. Looks well where white will get visibly dirty with use.

gctest50

mengele wrote: »

...............

I have a vague memory of the wire that im looking for being called artic- would that be correct. I am also going to get 2.5 strength.

2.5 is a waste of money - may end up damaging your drills etc

4.0 + if you can



http://www.industrialextensionleads.co.uk/maximum-extension-lead-length-3-w.asp

Bruthal

gctest50 wrote: »

2.5 is a waste of money - may end up damaging your drills etc

4.0 + if you can

Unlikely to damage drills with 2.5 compared to 4 square.

2011

Mechanical protection is important in a yard.
Something like SY cable gives a good balance between flexibility and mechanical protection.
However if left outdoors for extended periods the outer sheath can suffer UV from damage from direct sunlight.

When selecting the size of the lead it is important to take the size of the load and the length of run into account.
In most cases a 3 x 2.5 would be more than sufficient.

mengele

so is it white cable or artic cable I should be buying?

Tow

2.5mm HO7 rubber 3 core cable

2011

Tow wrote: »

2.5mm HO7 rubber 3 core cable

Agreed.
This is also a very suitable cable.