Thick Question - Shore Power Cables

[Slipperman]

My shore power cable, which came with the boat, has a very stiff plastic outer covering which means it kinks like crazy and is a bit of a pain in the neck. I have noticed that some boat owners have much more user friendly, flexible power cables, but the chandleries only seem to sell the sort I have. Is there a reason for this i.e. is there some EU reg which requires a certain specification? If not, can someone advise me where I can get nice flexible cable which will also be safe to use? (The end fitting are make 16 amp, 230 volts - so presumably 13 amp cable would not be up to the job?).

 

[pvb]

Google for arctic cable - it's more flexible.

 

[KellysEye]

I wonder if it is very old and UV damaged. I have never seen a cable that kinks in a chandler, if they did they would never sell any. Have a look again, they are generally sold coiled up.

 

[sarabande]

most caravan and marina cable is 16 amp, and would indeed have to be 2.5mmsq to meet that spec.


Have you tried twisting the cable as you coil it ? If the internal strands are twisted (very likely) that is the only real way to achieve a neat coil, unless you use a frenchman.

 

[LadyInBed]

http://www.screwfix.com/p/arctic-fl...ue/94475#product_additional_details_container
and make up your own

 

[laika]

Google for arctic cable - it's more flexible.

+1. 3 core blue arctic. I bought mine from an electrical supplies place but it's probably cheaper online. I seem to remember calculating that 1.5mm would be sufficient for my needs but as I was buying quite a long lead I went for 2.5mm to be on the safe side

 

[VicS]

http://www.screwfix.com/p/arctic-fl...ue/94475#product_additional_details_container
and make up your own

And marginally cheaper from Toolstation

 

[nigelmercier]

Or if 14m is enough: http://amzn.to/1leYg1a

 

[Slipperman]

Perfect, just what I need. Thanks to all for replies - what a useful resource this is.

 

[reeac]

+1. 3 core blue arctic. I bought mine from an electrical supplies place but it's probably cheaper online. I seem to remember calculating that 1.5mm would be sufficient for my needs but as I was buying quite a long lead I went for 2.5mm to be on the safe side

I think that this is an application where you need the mechanical sturdiness of the heavier cable as much as its current carrying capacity.

 

[NickTrevethan]

I mDe up one with orange aRctic cable. Got mine at b and q. Connectors from a chandlery. Just be careful to wire it right. I double checked mine with continuity tester.

 

[VicS]

I mDe up one with orange aRctic cable. Got mine at b and q. Connectors from a chandlery. Just be careful to wire it right. I double checked mine with continuity tester.

I dont think the orange cable is arctic grade. B&Q do however sell arctic cable but ITYWF its rather more expensive than other sources suggested

 

[NickTrevethan]

Vic, this was 10 years back. Definitely arctic. And 12 metres was 30 to 40 pounds. The did a great line in armoured too, which used for the new ring main I installed.

 

[VicS]

Vic, this was 10 years back. Definitely arctic. And 12 metres was 30 to 40 pounds. The did a great line in armoured too, which used for the new ring main I installed.

Just have to wait for the next time machine then.

 

[septiclecky]

Artic grade cable comes in 2 colours Blue for 230v and Yellow for 110v

 

[Plevier]

The power cable with my boat is marvellously soft and kink free. Turns out the insulation is polyurethane (PUR) instead of PVC. I don't know if that's what artic/arctic (which is right?) cable is.
Mine is this http://www.es-store.co.uk/extension-cables-and-accessories/SHORECORD-EXTENS-10A-25M.html

 

[David2452]

The power cable with my boat is marvellously soft and kink free. Turns out the insulation is polyurethane (PUR) instead of PVC. I don't know if that's what artic/arctic (which is right?) cable is.
Mine is this http://www.es-store.co.uk/extension-cables-and-accessories/SHORECORD-EXTENS-10A-25M.html

Probably HO7 cable, far more suited to long cables, also more abrasion resistant than arctic and really the first choice for things like shore leads, though arctic seems to have be come the convention.

 

[nigelmercier]

Surely HO7 is rubber? PUR is polyurethane, normally abbreviated PU.

 

[Plevier]

Mine is definitely PUR not HO7 and it is excellent, a delight to handle compared with PVC.
Artic/arctic is just a more flexible PVC isn't it? Lots of plasticiser?

 

[VicS]

HO7 is, IIRC, more abrasion resistant and is, or should be the choice where cables will be on the ground and walked over by many pairs of feet. At outdoor events for example.