Just bought one of these
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Cordwheel-Mains-Hook-Up-Leads-Caravan-Motorhome-Tent-/350579614959?pt=UK_Campervan_Caravan_Accessories&hash=item51a02c64ef#ht_500wt_1029
Its a cable reel but it sounds stupid, I dont know how to use it. I dont think its suitable for British 16a hook up leads. It has a hole in the side which I thought it was to put one end of the hook up plugs so it captivates it then roll the rest of the cable around the reel. I feel a bit of a wally because it doesnt seem any better than a plastic reel that holds electric flex.
------------- A barman is just a pharmacist
with a limited inventory
I think it is just a plastic reel that holds your electric flex. I use one and never had a problem. Just remember not to leave the flex wound around it when in use.
I think that perhaps the hook up end of the cable is supposed to fit through the hole but the designer clearly had no knowledge of the plug used for caravan hook up. It won't get through that little hole without you cutting the reel to make it larger. Just have the plug that goes into the hook up underneath all the cable on the reel. That way you will always plug the cable into the van first rather than carry a live plug to the van
Phil
------------- If you're not on a fell your wasting your feet and for 2014 it's.......Feb Castleton Mar North Yors Moors; Apr Sutton on Sea; May Thirsk; Jun Clapham/Riverside (Lakes); July Wharfedale; August Crakehall; Sept Knaresborough; Oct Wirral Park/Clitheroe
Yes some folks were killed in their van last year when it caught fire. It is believed that the fire started from their wound up cable!
Phil
------------- If you're not on a fell your wasting your feet and for 2014 it's.......Feb Castleton Mar North Yors Moors; Apr Sutton on Sea; May Thirsk; Jun Clapham/Riverside (Lakes); July Wharfedale; August Crakehall; Sept Knaresborough; Oct Wirral Park/Clitheroe
What we did was put the supply end plug through the hole (you have to take the plug apart to get it through)then wind the cable on,so you connect to van first then unwind it to supply post then the reel can't be stolen.
Quote: Originally posted by archerypete03 on 11/7/2012
What we did was put the supply end plug through the hole (you have to take the plug apart to get it through)then wind the cable on,so you connect to van first then unwind it to supply post then the reel can't be stolen.
Exactly what we did ........ pretty obvious really.....
thanks for telling us not to leave it wound round reel stephen.
is this in case of fire?
cheers
On most sites you will see the cable laid from the EHU point along the base of a hedge or such like, so that it is as out of the way as possible from folks stepping on it or tripping over it.
Any excess cable is flaked on the ground either under the van or alongside it, again where folks will not be stepping on it but with space between the wires.
All this is perhaps excessive, but it is better to be safe than sorry.
Also, if you have to join two EHU cables together, do so only using a proper EHU Jointing Box. A poly bag and a couple of elastic bands are not suitable.
Quote: Originally posted by archerypete03 on 11/7/2012
What we did was put the supply end plug through the hole (you have to take the plug apart to get it through)then wind the cable on,so you connect to van first then unwind it to supply post then the reel can't be stolen.
The other option is to use the little hole to put a cable tie through to hold the end of the lead.
Quote: Originally posted by markh1 on 11/7/2012
I wonder if anyone completely unwinds an extension lead before they use it? or all of their vacuum lead?
Yep, my neigbour recently asked me to look at his extension lead that had stopped working when he was cutting his lawn. A molten mess is probably the best description of it and to top it all he did not have a rcd on the circuit.
------------- 'A sure cure for sea-sickness is to sit under a tree'
Quote: Originally posted by markh1 on 11/7/2012
I wonder if anyone completely unwinds an extension lead before they use it? or all of their vacuum lead?
That would depend on what I was using the extension lead for. IE How much power I was putting through it. Also, there is a difference between using an extension lead for doing a specific job and slinging one under your van and then going to sleep with it under you.
As for the vacuum, yes, I unreal all the cable but then again I'm a bloke and we all know that blokes will always find the hardest way to do any housework!!!!!
I wonder if anyone completely unwinds an extension lead before they use it? or all of their vacuum lead?
Those who died or had their gear go up in smoke didn't,,,,probably considred health and safety gone mad.
Phil
------------- If you're not on a fell your wasting your feet and for 2014 it's.......Feb Castleton Mar North Yors Moors; Apr Sutton on Sea; May Thirsk; Jun Clapham/Riverside (Lakes); July Wharfedale; August Crakehall; Sept Knaresborough; Oct Wirral Park/Clitheroe
While in France this last month it was noticeable that a lot of foreign motorhomes and caravanners leave the cable rolled up on the reel under their vehicle when in use.
It depends how much current is going through the cable and what its wrapped around.
A coil of cable on the floor will cause no problems, however wrap it around a METAL drum and it's chance of warming up with a lot less current will be greatly increased!
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Topic: Hook up cable reel
