32amp Shore power cable

[timbad]

Not my specialised area shore power, cable & electrics but fully understand the importance of getting it right.

I wish to improve on my selection of shore power leads. I have 2 x outlets one for the boat the other for the aircon both with Marinco type connectors.
The existing cable I've got is yellow 32amp. I have a spare Marino connector so looking to purchase some cable. My simple question is what type of cable should I purchase and should the diameter of the inner cable be based on the cable overall length?
e.g. 15m cable length what should the inner cable diameter be versus 25m cable length?

Thanks

 

[Sneds]

Hi. The way to size cable is the cross sectional area of each core or conductor.
The trouble with the overall diameter (o/d) is that it makes no allowance for the thickness of the outer sheath or the insulation.
It is quite possible that a 1.0mm sq cable could have the same o/d as a 2.5mm sq cable if the insulation or the sheath materials are not constant.
Take a look at superlec, their web site shows sizing info as a guide on the flexible cable section, 3183Y or artic grade.
The bigger conductor the more current (amps) the cable will carry, check the maximum conductor size the terminal in the plug will take.
The volt drop over the extra 10M would be minimal.

 

[Sneds]

Electrical Wholesaler, Supplier & Retailer - Superlec Direct

 

[simonfraser]

just looking at this too for the garage, will this carry at least 20 A ?

Prysmian 6943X Black 3-Core 10mm² Armoured Cable 25m Drum

 

[timbad]

Thanks Sneds,
Perhaps I didn't make myself too clear, what I was really asking is what diameter should the cores should I be, You have answered my question of 15m - 25m same core diameter will be OK.
Will look to check diameter the terminal will take when out on the boat next as it is in Spain.
Link to Superlec site is great thanks

 

[septiclecky]

just looking at this too for the garage, will this carry at least 20 A ?

Prysmian 6943X Black 3-Core 10mm² Armoured Cable 25m Drum

It will carry 20A easily don't have the IET regs handy it should be able to carry at least 40-50A.

But it would be no good as a shore supply cable as it is not flexible

 

[Gumpy]

just looking at this too for the garage, will this carry at least 20 A ?

Prysmian 6943X Black 3-Core 10mm² Armoured Cable 25m Drum

Easily, provided the garage is not 100m from the supply.
Off the top of my head (cant be bothered to do the calcs) 6mm would be adequate, possibly even 4mm depending on the distance.
Only good for fixed supplies as its not flexible in any shape or form.

 

[Gemini]

Tiimbad
You require 4mm 3 core Blue Artic flex 32A amp rated , if cable runs are getting longer than 25m you require 6mm 3 core Blue Artic flex.( single phase supply )
Blue sheath is UK colour for 230v Yellow sheath colour normally indicated/ used 110v cable cores same size and rating but most boats seem to use Yellow sheath some pre-made 32A leads on Ebay .
.

 

[penberth3]

Tiimbad
You require 4mm 3 core Blue Artic flex 32A amp rated , if cable runs are getting longer than 25m you require 6mm 3 core Blue Artic flex.( single phase supply )
Blue sheath is UK colour for 230v Yellow sheath colour normally indicated/ used 110v cable cores same size and rating but most boats seem to use Yellow sheath some pre-made 32A leads on Ebay .
.

I guess you mean 4 square mm and 6 square mm? There's some confusion in this thread about diameters and areas.

 

[John100156]

Hi Tim, my two pennies worth:

I quickly ran this through a cable calculator (Megga) based on: 15m and 25m runs, 230v, and installation method C (clipped in free air) it gave 6mm2 which in the case of a 25m run gave a volt drop of 5.6v and 30.43A with input load ~7kW.

In reality 4mm2 might be OK as you may not be subjecting the cable to maximum load for long durations, but if it were me, I would opt for a 6mm2 just to keep the volt drop to a minimum.

I would also go for an Arctic cable and whilst the colours suggested above are correct, I would always use a yellow sheath as that colour is best seen by the human eye which is beneficial when trailing cables to power poles in marinas.

 

[timbad]

Thanks all,
The mud is bit clearer now especially the blue / yellow . I have been estimating a bit regarding length of cables required so I intend to measure properly alongside the other leads I have when next on the boat.

 

[Hurricane]

While you are at it, Tim, it might be a good idea to get some adapters. Our electric requirements are a bit bigger than yours but I have often found a visiting a marina that I needed a different connector. Often we get a 3 phase socket so I also have made some various Y plugs and sockets. Over the years, I have accumulated a number of different options so now I can connect to most marinas.