Dangerous usage of coiled up electric cables

Chrystal
Chrystal Forum Participant Posts: 231
100 Comments
edited May 2018 in Caravan & Motorhome Chat #1

It surprises me how many units leave their electric leads still coiled up when plugged in to mains.

Surely this is very dangerous. A build up of heat could cause a fire.

 

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  • Unknown
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    edited May 2018 #3
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  • Takethedogalong
    Takethedogalong Forum Participant Posts: 17,044 ✭✭✭
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    edited May 2018 #6

    We don't worry overmuch about what other folks do on sites, but we do concentrate on having a decent space between us and the hazards all around.....wink

  • Unknown
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    edited May 2018 #7
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  • Cornersteady
    Cornersteady Club Member Posts: 14,427 ✭✭✭
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    edited May 2018 #8

    what spacing would you suggest in case of an exploding gas bottle?undecided

  • Cornersteady
    Cornersteady Club Member Posts: 14,427 ✭✭✭
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    edited May 2018 #9

    what would you suggest happens?

  • ScreenName286C00CBA4
    ScreenName286C00CBA4 Forum Participant Posts: 3
    edited June 2018 #10

    & the load.

  • Unknown
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    edited May 2018 #11
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  • Milothedog
    Milothedog Forum Participant Posts: 1,433
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    edited May 2018 #13

    I personally know someone who lost their house because of this very issue. His Wife left a small heater connected to an uncoiled extension lead in their bedroom when they went out one evening. The insurance company only paid out about 80% of the claim for rebuilding because of the findings of the Fire Services investigation and report. That 80% was only agreed after a lot of negotiation.

  • Cornersteady
    Cornersteady Club Member Posts: 14,427 ✭✭✭
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    edited May 2018 #14

    sorry I didn't mean that DD, I meant what did Crystal suggest we and/or the club do about it? I know the advice given by the club and I follow it, but what should we or the club or wardens do if they see this happening? 

  • Unknown
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    edited May 2018 #15
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  • Cornersteady
    Cornersteady Club Member Posts: 14,427 ✭✭✭
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    edited May 2018 #16

    interesting, so the cable that came with the van, from Swift would be what? 

    Just interested as I always uncoil it anyway

  • scoutman
    scoutman Club Member Posts: 441 ✭✭✭
    edited May 2018 #17

    It never ceases to amaze me how many motorcaravaners go out for the day leaving their hook up lead still plugged into the bollard. On a recent stay at Gowerton, whilst taking my dog for a walk, I noticed that the probable 'live' end was resting in a bowl, left to mark pitch. Fortunately it was one of the few dry days.

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,142 ✭✭✭
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    edited May 2018 #18

    We do that, SM, if it’s the type of bollard with the push button. We release the button to break the connection but leave the plug in place. All is safe but appearances can be deceptive.

  • Unknown
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    edited May 2018 #19
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  • Cornersteady
    Cornersteady Club Member Posts: 14,427 ✭✭✭
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    edited May 2018 #21

    yes I have, it's 2.5 mm sq, had to get a magnifying glass though. Hope others have a look too?

    (The cable is here as the van is in for its service)

  • Unknown
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    edited May 2018 #22
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  • Cornersteady
    Cornersteady Club Member Posts: 14,427 ✭✭✭
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    edited May 2018 #23

    I think you are over estimating my abilities in such practical matters but I'll take the compliment anyway. Anyway on the blue plugs there doesn't seem to be an easy way of opening them up, there is a lock and unlock (padlock) symbol?

  • trellis
    trellis Forum Participant Posts: 1,102
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    edited May 2018 #24

    DD , thanks for info regarding size of flex hadn't thought about that. However I have always uncoiled lead when using it. Sparks , Firecrew or just knowledgeable?🤔🤔.

  • Unknown
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    edited May 2018 #25
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  • Unknown
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    edited May 2018 #26
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  • trellis
    trellis Forum Participant Posts: 1,102
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    edited May 2018 #27

    Yeah , that would be the reason then.😁😁.

  • cyberyacht
    cyberyacht Forum Participant Posts: 10,218
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    edited May 2018 #28

    I leave surplus length coiled but it is in large loops as I don't use a drum for my lead. It's the tightly wound cables on a plastic drum that can generate the heat.

  • Vicmallows
    Vicmallows Forum Participant Posts: 580
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    edited May 2018 #29

    I would hope that no one would be drawing anything remotely close to 16A in this weather  ....  and certainly not for any sustained period.frown

  • SteveL
    SteveL Club Member Posts: 12,303 ✭✭✭
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    edited May 2018 #30

    Anyone recharging their EV, plus a few other things on would be.😉

  • Chrystal
    Chrystal Forum Participant Posts: 231
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    edited May 2018 #31

    If the people doing this cannot be bothered to lift their heads to say Hello, they are not going to take advice from a stranger.