The only cables I'm aware of that are to the required standard are either blue or orange. I have two cables which my 10 metre cable is blue and my 25 metre cable is orange so I can identify which is which. As 'LlaniDavis' has said, the plugs are different in which case is probably right as 110 amp I believe is what they use on the continent.
The yellow 110v leads, with the yellow plugs and sockets, are used on UK building sites etc, along with industrial 110v power tools. The plug/socket shape look similar to the 240v blue ones, but the pins and locating lug are in fact different, so won't fit on a 240v EHU.
Whilst it's not ideal to run over a yellow lead with a heavy telehandler, or even a caterpillar tracked site vehicle, (and often on course stoned ground) as examples, it's less dangerous than doing so over a 240v lead! Also less dangerous for using 110v all day out in the rain!
For camp site EHU, you need the 240v blue/grey plugs/sockets.
The cable itself could be blue or grey, but orange is preferred simply for a higher visibility (to avoid running over them etc.)
I stand to be corrected on that last paragraph, particularly re blue/grey cables!
I've no idea whether there is a physical difference in the cables themselves (110v versus 240v) other than the colours used/recognised, but there certainly is a difference with the plugs and sockets.
The plug/sockets are different but it's ok to use the cable. If you are able to change plug/sockets then plug & socket are about £4 each so if say 25mtres of cable is a couple of quid then worth a punt but you will need to check cable for damage/cuts along it's whole length.
Why would one even think of using a cable not designed for the voltage one is going to use it for? Seems to me it is just motivated by doing so cheaply irrespective of its implications
If it is marked by the maker as 110 volt cable that is what it is intended for; that its insulation might be adequate for use with over twice that is a gamble, not one that will impress anyone should a related accident occur.
There are the correct cables out there for the job so use them if not for your own sake for the safety of others.
A brand new caravan mains lead cable complete with the correct connections will cost you about £25. Why risk getting something other than the correct item, how much are you going to save? How much are you going to risk using something not designed for the job?
Many hookup cables are supplied with yellow arctic cable,strictly speaking it is only rated at 110V for outdoor use.
You will find many ready made caravan hookup cables that are actually wired with the incorrect cable!
There are lots of people who use Yellow arctic cable for hookup cables but the correct cable is spec HO7RN-F or similar rubber insulated cable as it is rated at 400V-750V and is more robust.
Try getting that in Orange it.s rarer than hen's teeth!
saxo1
its wrong to think 110 volt cable is inferior to household 240 volt cable.. it likely to be superior.. its used on building sites for safety reasons.. 110 volts with power tools being less lethal than 240 volts if something goes wrong..
half the volts does mean double the amps.. this requires much heavier duty (superior) cable.. the plugs will be the wrong kind but that is all..
It is the size of the conductor that determines the amount of Amps that a cable can carry.
A 2.5mm yellow arctic cable is exactly the same size conductor as a 2.5mm Twin with earth flat domestic cable.
It is the insulation and cable sheath that determines the toughness.
saxo1
true but for any given wattage 110 volt cable needs to carry double the amps that 240 volt cable does..
if the UK used 110 volts instead of 240 all household cabling would need to be of heavier duty..
as for toughness cable designed to be used on a building site is gonna be on the tougher end of the scale..
my main point was in pointing out that lower voltage cabling will not be inferior in any respect.. in fact its likely to be superior.. the only problem being the wrong plugs..
i am out of the thread now before it becomes too anal.. :)
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Topic: 110v cable to hook up?
