Outdoor extension lead with minimum cross section of 1.5mm2 ?

kaveman

Hello,

Anyone know where I can find an outdoor power extension lead. I want to plug it into standard domestic 3 pin socket.

It's for a power washer, and the manual says the minimum cross section for conductors must be 1.5mm2 fort a cable 10m or less. For cables more than 10m, it must be 2.5mm2. I've done a lot of searching online, and for products that include a full spec, I can only find cross section of 1, or 1.25mm2 for cables < 10m. I have found a few with 1.5mm2, but they are greater than 10m, so do not meet the spec.

Thanks a lot.

10-10-20

You might need to make one up yourself by getting a good quality reel and replacing the existing cable (only if the reel is already rated for 13A).

This is what used to be called Pondflex and has a strong rubberised sheath at 2.5sq, but only come on a coil of 10m.

https://www.screwfix.ie/p/time-3183p-black-3-core-2-5mm-flexible-cable-10m-coil/425jy

Most electrical wholesalers should do a roll of an equivalent, at a better prices, above 10m long.

MrMusician18

https://www.eurosales.ie/products/id-7231.html

This looks like it's 2.5mm2 conductors

Or making up your own is always an option.

The Continental Op

A small point worth mentioning is that a massively long extension cable can be a right pain because if you are using the full power on it with something like a power washer you should really unwind it. I saw a very interesting fire once when someone was vacuuming and pulling along a burning part wound cable drum behind them. Get the length you need so you unwind it each time.

If I need an extension I make it up out of "Artic Blue" cable, all electrical wholesalers have it in 2.5mm2. I don't know what use its specifically rated for but I've used it outside for years and it also handles well in the cold when some cables get very stiff.

10-10-20

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119080241#Comment_119080241

Indeed. A common off the shelf spool from Woodies is marked as being derated from 2200w to only 650w when left coiled. That is of course worst-case for all temperatures & environments, but it's a good demonstration of the potential effect.