Mains extension lead diameter

Mr H
Mr H Forum Participant Posts: 356
100 Comments
edited April 2019 in Parts & Accessories #1

I have a 25metre mains lead and want to buy an extension. To keep the pitch tidy I try to run the wires a right angles and parallel to the caravan. On some larger pitches the 25 metre is too short. So I want to buy a 10 metre extension. My question is do I need 2.5mm or 1.5mm diameter cable?

Comments

  • Merve
    Merve Forum Participant Posts: 2,333
    1000 Comments
    edited April 2019 #2

    The thicker the better MR H. Voltage will drop over long distances. When I was a ‘hook up ‘ caravanner I bought a 50 metre yellow cable which I still have - lovely and thick capable of carrying the voltage over that length. ( for sale🤣)  I also still have my 25 metre orange lead which is almost a museum piece now although I do use it once in a blue moon when I take the ‘van up to my daughters farm in Scotland. Certainly running the cable in straight lines will help. Never leave it coiled  as you end up with a big resister! 

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,142 ✭✭✭
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    edited April 2019 #3

    I'd say go for the 2.5 as the 1.5 has a lower current carrying capacity and will likely suffer greater voltage drop.

  • Pathfinder
    Pathfinder Forum Participant Posts: 4,446
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    edited April 2019 #4

    If you are using Club sites then all pitches are generally within 25mtr of the electrical bollard, as for cable size you need 2.5mm.

  • Amesford
    Amesford Club Member Posts: 685 ✭✭✭
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    edited April 2019 #5

    To be honest it would be better and a lot safer left looking untidy, the plugs and sockets are IP44 rated (splash Proof ) so not much good lay in a pool of water or wet grass and it does state in the C&MC rules " joints and splitters " cannot be used 

  • Navigateur
    Navigateur Club Member Posts: 3,880 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    edited April 2019 #6

    Of course, if the plug and socket between the two cables is supported off the ground then the IP rating is appropriate.  After all, there are tens of thousands of plugs stuck into matching sockets on bollards throughout the country.

  • Unknown
    Unknown Forum Participant
    edited April 2019 #7
    The user and all related content has been Deleted User
  • Metheven
    Metheven Club Member Posts: 3,987 ✭✭✭
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    edited April 2019 #8

    Likewise 'Mr H', I also run mine parallel to pitch and right angles where possible, a bit OTT maybe but it looks right cool

    Long runs always benefit with less voltage drop the bigger the cross sectional area, so agree with 2.5mm.

  • Mr H
    Mr H Forum Participant Posts: 356
    100 Comments
    edited April 2019 #9

    Thank you  for your responses. I would use the additional cable mainly in France where the pitches we use are much larger than our standard ones. For some reason, the water, electricity and waste points are often not located together. So this can force you into an unusual caravan location. However, the first time I experienced this was at the club site near Folkstone where the cable had to go diagonally underneath the caravan to reach. This was a possible trip hazard.

    Following your advice I will buy a 10m x 2.5mm cable.

    Thanks again

  • Vulcan
    Vulcan Forum Participant Posts: 670
    edited April 2019 #10

    If you are joining cables I would strongly recommend doing the job properly and using IP67 connecters, a bit pricey but a one off purchase and peace of mind.They also connect to standard plugs/sockets.

    Socket

    Plug

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