Shorepower Cable Guage?

[Tim Good]

I apologise for my ignorance on this but... the plugs you tend to get at a marina are 16amp. I also have an adapter for the 32amp variation just in case but almost always it’s the standard 16amp version we all see and use.

Anyhow does this mean I should use minimum 16amp 3 core cable and does this mean you should avoid putting more than 16 amps through it? I’m assuming not given that my kettle uses 15 amps alone.

 

[pvb]

I apologise for my ignorance on this but... the plugs you tend to get at a marina are 16amp. I also have an adapter for the 32amp variation just in case but almost always it’s the standard 16amp version we all see and use.

Anyhow does this mean I should use minimum 16amp 3 core cable and does this mean you should avoid putting more than 16 amps through it? I’m assuming not given that my kettle uses 15 amps alone.

Your kettle uses 15A? What sort is it?

 

[Tim Good]

Your kettle uses 15A? What sort is it?

A Dualit. But now you say it that would make it around. 4000w kettle which doesn’t sound right. I wonder if my analogue ampage guage on my AC panel is wrong or configured for 110v. But it does should 15amps when the kettle is on.

 

[superheat6k]

The table I use for multi core cables (YY), carrying single phase AC current (Live & Neutral + PE) says ...

1.5mm[FONT=&quot]2[/FONT] 16a
2.5mm[FONT=&quot]2[/FONT] 25a
4mm[FONT=&quot]2[/FONT] 32a

However, if you are plugging in to a 32a socket, with a 1.5mm[FONT=&quot]2[/FONT] cable as long as the MCB or Fuse at the boat is rated at 16a then this should be fine. It would not be wise to attempt to run 32 amps through a 1.5mm[FONT=&quot]2[/FONT] cable. There is a de-rating factor for warmer ambient temperatures > 35[FONT=&quot]o[/FONT]C of 0.9, so if the cable were being used in a warm engine room. The table does not show de-rating factors based upon cable length.

 

[GHA]

I go for 2.5mm HO7 cable, not for current capacity (think it's something like 25A on the datasheet) but for the getting battered capacity! Tough as old boots is HO7

 

[matthewriches]

I've not used anything less than 2.5mm csa for shore power mains leads. HO5 good or HO7 cable best. It gets used a lot in events too. You could use Artic stuff or general PVC but sunlight will get it eventually.

Also consider that it is good if you have space and the capability to handle it, to increase diameter as the length gets longer to deal with voltage drop.

 

[Norman_E]

Caravan shops sell 25 metre cables with the plugs attached. I have seen both 1.5mm and 2.5mm cables, and you really should have the latter and our local caravan shop only sells the decent 2.5mm cables.
I bought one recently to use as a temporary cable connecting one of my garages to an outside connection point. On Ebay there were lots of 1.5mm cables being offered, so be careful if buying on line.

 

[lw395]

Caravan shops sell 25 metre cables with the plugs attached. I have seen both 1.5mm and 2.5mm cables, and you really should have the latter and our local caravan shop only sells the decent 2.5mm cables.
I bought one recently to use as a temporary cable connecting one of my garages to an outside connection point. On Ebay there were lots of 1.5mm cables being offered, so be careful if buying on line.

1.5sqmm is fine for 16A, but at 25m long, the voltage drop is starting to matter, if you actually draw 16A.

 

[Tim Good]

Ok thanks all. I got some 2.5mm. Spanish made. Seems reasonable quality.

Still unsure why my amp meter on my shore power panel is redoing high. I.e 15amps for my kettle when it’s only rated at 2kw.

 

[johnalison]

We tend to go for low wattage appliances for the boat, since this makes tripping the shore power less likely when it is restricted. Our kettle is only 800w and works perfectly well but will trip the occasional 2 amp supply.