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Extension lead regulations

BS7671 IET regs construction & demolition site installations

704.522.8.11 For reduced low voltage systems, low temperature 300/500 V thermoplastic (BS 7919) or equivalent flexible cables shall be used.
For applications exceeding reduced low voltage, flexible cable shall be H07RN-F (BS 7919) type or equivalent having 450/750 V rating and
resistant to abrasion and water.
705.422.8 NOTE: For example, cables of the type H07RN-F (BS 7919) for outdoor use are in compliance with this requirement.

We only sell extension leads constructed with BS7919 cable for low voltage applications

BS7671 IET regulations electrical installations in caravans & motor caravans.

721.55.2.6
Table 721 - Minimum cross-sectional areas of flexible cords and cables for caravan connection
Rated current / minimum cross-sectional area mm2

16amp- 2.5mm
25amp - 4mm
32amp - 6mm
63amp - 16mm
100amp - 35mm

512.1.2 Every item of equipment shall be suitable for -

The design current, taking into account any capacitive & inductive effects
The current will likely flow in abnormal conditions for such periods of time as are determined by the characteristics of the protective devices concerned
Switch gear, protective devices, accessories and other types of equipment shall not be connected to conductors intended to operate at a temperature exceeding 70deg at the equipment in normal service. Unless the equipment manufacturer has confirmed that the equipment is suitable for such conditions.

We only use:-
2.5mm for our 16amp leads
6.0mm for our 32amp leads
16.0mm for our 63amp leads

Fig. 708
The means of connection between the caravan pitch socket-outlet and the leisure accommodation vehicle should be an assembly of the following -

a flexible cable type H07RN-F (BS 7919) or equivalent, with a protective conductor and having the following characteristics:

25metres maximum length
for current rating 16A: minimum cross-sectional area: 2.5 mm2.
For higher current ratings, the cross-sectional area must be chosen so that secure tripping of the overcurrent protective device is achieved at the lowest fault current calculated at the end of the cord extension set.
colour identification in accordance with Table 51.
a connector as specified in BS EN 60309-2.
a plug as specified in BS EN 60309-2.

We only use H07RN-F (BS7919) 450/750volt rated cable for our 230v/400v extension leads
We only use BS EN 60309 approved trailing plugs & connectors
The CSA & maximum quoted lengths of all our leads allows secure tripping of the overcurrent device provided the actual Installation complies with BS7671.

IET code-of-practice frequency of inspection & testing
4.1 BEAB document 40, Test parameters for Appliances covered by the BS EN 60335 series of standards

The factory applied limit for appliances with a supply cord is not to exceed 0.2ohm , see table below for reference

All our extension leads are tested not to exceed 0.2ohms.

Code of Practice

15.10 Where extension leads are fitted with a standard 3 pin socket-outlet these should be tested as Class 1 appliances with addition of a polarity check. Any such extension leads that are found to be without an earth wire should be marked as defective and removed from service.
The length of an extension lead should be checked to ensure that it is not so great that the appliance performance may be affected by voltage drop. Additionally the length should not exceed the following
1.5mm csa max length 15metres
2.5mm csa max length 25metres
2.5mm extension leads are to large for standard 13a plugs, although they be used with BS60309 industrial plugs. Extension leads exceeding the above lengths should be fitted with a 30ma RCD manufactured to BS7071

We dont exceed the max lengths stated above for 1.5mm & 2.5mm csa extension leads.
The Code of practice does not directly quote the max length for 32amp or 63amp extension leads but our leads comply with the resistance table above, max calculated volt drop and regulation 512.1.2.
Note:- The fitting of a RCD to a extension lead does not allow for the potential voltdrop.

PAT testing IET code-of-practice frequency of inspection & testing

7.3 The relevant requirement of the electricity at work regulations 1989 is that equipment shall be maintained so as to prevent danger. Inspection & testing are means of determining whether maintenance is required. The frequency of the inspecting & testing will depend upon the likelihood of maintenance being required as a consequence of the lack of maintenance. No rigid guidelines can be laid down, but factors influencing the decision will include the following:

The environment
The users
The equipment construction
The equipment type

IET code-of-practice frequency of inspection & testing

7.4 the intervals between checks, formal inspections & tests must be kept under review, particularly until patterns of failure/damage, if any , are determined
IET code-of-practice frequency of inspection & testing
8.5 user responsibilities
Staff users of equipment must be advised that it is their legal responsibility to comply with the Health & Safety at Work Act etc. And the Electricity at Work Regulations by assisting in the maintenance of equipment

VAT Number: GB159064887