Shore Power....black marks on hands from cable

[Bouba]

Hi everyone
I used to be able to handle my shore power cable without any problems...now I have to scrub my hands after touching it...black marks...is this how it will be from now on ?...will it be better after the heatwave ?...is there a cure ?

 

[Sticky Fingers]

Gloves.

 

[penfold]

If you can use a screwdriver you could renew the cable, or if not spend some money and buy a new cable assembly; it's probably got plenty of life left but exposure to UV etc has aged the polymer and your hands are getting the worst of it.

 

[dpb]

We have same problem, marks any grp it touches. Wiping the whole length firmly with soapy water makes it 'clean" for the season.

 

[jakew009]

Just replace the cable.

Cheap as chips: Arctic Grade Flexible Cables - BS6004 - Table 44

Or splash out on some nice H07RN-F cable, it's much nicer than the nasty PVC artic stuff: 3183P2/5 | H07RN-F flexible EPR mains & control cable | 3 Core | 2.5mm² copper conductors | Black | Superlec Direct

If it's a 32A plug you'll want 4mm cable, 2.5mm for 16A.

 

[Bandit]

Disconnect your cable and clean it well with a damp cloth.
Also inspect your cable for nicks in the insulation, kinks or twists.
If any damage replace cable or cable and sockets , sockets also corrode.
Don’t keep a damaged cable, not expensive to replace with the same cross section cable.

 

[john_morris_uk]

As someone has already intimated; classic UV degradation. No permanent cure that I know of. Time to replace?

 

[Bouba]

Looks like it’s time to bite the bullet and buy some new cable....do boats ever stop costing money ?....I suppose the good news is that I can get a longer cable

 

[Bandit]

It is not big bucks for cable, examine both sockets and replace as required, remember mains power can kill as well as shorts causing fire.
Cables get a hiding in marinas, salt water and boat yards.