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Temporary supply to workshop

JDW

I've started to work from my garden shed/workshop (like quite a few people at the moment) but I have no power 


I have run a temporary supply using an extension lead, but I’m a little concerned about the safety aspects of doing this 



The lead is not overloaded consumption is 400w to 2kw max (if I need additional power I use a second lead) Its protected by a 30ma RCD, and the extension is 10m long 1.5mm three core



This is only temporary, as I plan on having it hard wired in a few months time


  • 0
    Long term use of extension leads is considered poor practice, but I see very little actual danger provided that common sense is used.

    1) RCD prorection is required, stated to be in place.

    2) 1.5mm flex is prudent, stated to be used.

    3) Both ends of the extension lead are in dry conditions.

    4) Take care to avoid damaging the cable. Replace if in doubt.


    Just in case some hidden damage or defect is present, I would avoid handling or touching the outdoor portion of the cable whilst wet. Either unplug the house end or wait for dry weather before handling, touching, or re-locating.

  • 0
    If it is out in the fresh air for months, I suppose it may suffer some degradation of the plastic in the sun (not this time of year I suspect !) and there is a risk of it being chewed by animals - the softer insulation on flex is favoured as tooth cleaner by some rodents. !!

    So from time to time, unplug it and inspect along it for damage, and in any case unplug it when not in use.

    Consider that film sets and pop festivals have miles of flex, usually rubber covered, that gets used for single and 3 phase, and despite being trodden on  and driven over , the working life of the cables is several productions.

    The risk of one well nurtured lead is acceptably low !

    If at some point you  do want to dig the garden to bury a duct or whatever and do a more permanent thing come back, we can advise.

    I note you mention using two leads for higher load - please do  not plug both into the same socket in the house, most dual sockets are really rated for a maximum of 13A total, not 13A each side, and not everyone realises that.

    Mike.
  • 0

    Thank you for your help.


    I do most of the above, both ends are in the dry, I do inspect the cable regularly, it's always disconnected when not in use, (but left in situ) 


    When I use the two leads they are both plugged into the same double socket, but I would never exceed  more than 16a  


    My biggest concern is the leads lying in wet grass and puddles!


  • 0
    PVC is largely impermeable (rubber is better in some cases for deep immersion). It is only joints and connectors, or damage, that will give trouble, if the outer jacket is OK, there is nothing to worry about.

    I suggest, that unless the puddles start frothing and steaming when you turn it on, it is not serious. And if they do, keep out of the puddles but the RCD will probably trip soon after.

    Mike.

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