Why Arctic cable

VicS

VicS

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Arctic cable is always recommended for shore power leads. But why? it remains flexible to low temperatures -20, -30 or even -40 depending upon where you look but is that necessary? To what temperature does the domestic stuff remain flexible anyway?

There's no mention of UV stability and the ordinary white domestic cable that runs to my greenhouse shows no signs of deterioration in over 35 years of exposure to sunlight .
 
But is your cable the same as could be bought now? It would probably be pvc now which can be poor in sunlight?
I would look for something intended as extension lead cable, should have a bit more insulation to resist abrasion.
the arctic stuff does coil easier though!
 
I suspect it is a question of the colour. Customers think "aha, blue / yellow / orange", therefore must be good / safer / stronger than white domestic. Perception over specification ?

The only specs I can find are (example only)
Construction - Class 5, arctic grade PVC to BS 6360
Sheath - 300 - 500 volts grade Type 8 to BS 7655
Insulation - Arctic grade PVC Type TI 4 to BS 7655
(T1 means unarmoured)

BS 7655 covers:
Solid electrical insulating materials, Electrical insulating materials, Cable sheaths, Sheathed cables, Insulated cables, Electric cables, Polyvinyl chloride, Plastics, Polymers, Grades (quality), Temperature, Tensile strength, Elongation at fracture, Ageing (materials), Performance, Testing conditions, Electrical insulation, Electrical resistance, Sampling methods

If the cable has the BS standard on it (and I have just bought 50 m of "arctic" yellow from Lidl, and it doesn't /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif ) then it might be of higher quality than domestic white. Primarily, the benefit will be the flexibility through a wider range of temperatures, and possibly a thicker sheath (more resistant to abrasion from being dragged over the pontoon ?)
 
What don't lidl sell?
It's probably made to a different standard, and probably pretty good.
Whatever cable you have, it's not indestructible, we need to keep an eye on it for signs of wear and destruction by UV.
Particularly if you have a marina berth where the cable is in action 24/7. Particularly as you are relying on the marina's rccb to protect this bit as it's outboard of your own circuit breaker.
Bit like the gas pipes really, worth a quick inspection a few times a season, not just at survey time!
 
Arctic cable is always recommended for shore power leads. But why? it remains flexible to low temperatures -20, -30 or even -40 depending upon where you look but is that necessary? To what temperature does the domestic stuff remain flexible anyway?
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Cos in this nanny state its the one that ticks most of the boxes according to its specification...Yes many others will perform OK in a marina environment but the written specs might suggest otherwise. It is also a good readily available source of suitable flexible cable for use on the 240 systems in boats though untinned. We have to remember that UK rules don t ask for tinned wire even if it is the best alternative.
 
then it might be of higher quality than domestic white
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Sometimes there is a really stingy amount of white plastic used on the outside layer of domestic white!!!!!
 
Artic and normal 3 core flex are both to BS6500, and should be marked, if not it could be any spec.

Artic is normally -20C, but is speced down to -40C and upto +70C, so the upper range could be a bigger problem in some areas.
The reason to use it is not low temp, but the fact that artic is very flexiable at normal operating temp, a lot more than normal PVC.

Brian
 
Finding low cost cable is not easy at present with prices changing all the time.

If you are looking for 1.5mm stuff, cable reels in DIY stores can be attractively priced, but for 2.5 you need to trawl the web for todays bargain
 
[ QUOTE ]
but for 2.5

[/ QUOTE ] Probably find it difficult to improve on Arctic grade from Screwfix. You are certainly unlikely to find it attractively priced in in DIY stores because it's not much used for domestic leads except immersion heaters.

It always puzzles me why Arctic cable is offered in yellow, the colour code for gas, or blue, the colour code for fresh water. Why not orange, as used for extension leads?
 
[ QUOTE ]
It always puzzles me why Arctic cable is offered in yellow, the colour code for gas, or blue, the colour code for fresh water. Why not orange, as used for extension leads?

[/ QUOTE ]

By convention the connector colours are:

110V = yellow
240V = blue
415V = red

Probably a standard on it, somewhere. Plenty of 1.5mm^2 'Arctic' cable in my local B&Q. Marginally cheaper than an equivalent length ready made caravan hook-up lead.

Andy
 
[ QUOTE ]
Plenty of 1.5mm^2 'Arctic' cable in my local B&Q.

[/ QUOTE ] But is there any 2.5mm²?
 
B&Q Superstore Gillingham, Kent have 2.5 in 25m, 50m and 100m and a choice of blue or yellow. 100m was £88.98 (Inc VAT) in May this year.
 
I bought 100m of 2.5mm from B&Q about 12 years ago because I didn't want to have a hotch potch of extension cables when I needed power. It is now about 70m long as bits have been cut off for smaller leads and converters from 16A to 13 a and vice versa but it still long enough and in good condition despite being run over by cars etc in the various boat yards over the years. Cost about £50 at the time but it was money well spent.
 
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