I recall finding melted cable reels in building site skips so it definitely can happen. Presumably with high current draw, say running a fan heater for long periods?
I have seen the result of rolled up extension lead fires. They are not pretty.
The manufacturers are aware and do warn against it - from the description on the web
"The Outwell Mains 3Way Roller Kit is a mains electric hook up kit with a roller case to keep the cable nice and tidy, always fully unroll the cable when in use."
Quote: Originally posted by checkley1973 on 08/10/2015
we NEVER EVER unroll ours and it's never got anything more than warm, even if we run at 3kw for extended periods.
You should really whilst the outer coils may only feel warm there can be some serious heat build up in the centre. It will also massively prolong the life of your cable.
Also I don't know what you consider extended periods, but I have trashed several cable reels through not being bothered to unroll them, to be fair I have yet to see one catch on fire but I'm sure it does happen.
Hi all, thanks for pointing the 2 ehu. I did come across them. Just saw GoOutDoors doing the Hi Gear EHU for GBP36 after discount so have decided on that since it's 20m, the plug points are arranged side by side (no obstruction to all 3 plug points) and is a nicer colour :p
Hi, a vote in favour of the outwell ehu you posted in the original link, but we didn't pay that much for it last year from justkampers, had a look but sold out! We get a lot of use out of it, it sits in the corner of the main living area with the light on, then invariably has 2 phones/tablets on charge aswell. Also runs our halogen off it, so all in all wouldn't be without it even if we are paying for the name.
My mate, a certificated sparky, told me that putting an electric current through a rolled up spool of cable works exactly the same way as the bar on an older type electric fire - you know, the ones with the long coiled bit that heats up and glows red. His advice is always to unroll it fully then you can't get caught out as it is better to be safe than sorry.
I have a Sunncamp 4-socket roller mains unit with 15m cable and it is cheaper.
I carry a 25m extension cable all the time in case I need it, and had used it a couple of times.
DK
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Iv made my own got it checked by a friend who a Electrician by trade works great never had no problems and on the plus side it suit our need and fit our tent like a glove and got a amp meter :)
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Topic: Outwell Roller EHU?
