Mains Hook up Cable Colours

[LeeME3]

Hi, will be fitting my mains hookup this weekend so just getting the parts together. Will be a nice simple set up - inlet socket, RCD/MCB, earth connections and a couple sockets - no interaction with the 12v system.

All of the 'mains hook up kits' I've seen include a length of orange 3 core 2.5mm square cable for the run from the 'entry point' (i.e. inlet socket) to the RCD/MCB. Try as I might I can't find anywhere that sells said orange cable by the metre at a reasonable price - is there anything that mandates me to use orange for that or is it just common practice? My thought was to use the same grade cable that the external hook up cable is made of which, interms of specification, equals or even exceeds the orange stuff.

Thanks!

[AdrianC]

Both of our hookups are Orange, but I'd hazard a guess that 90%+ of cables we've shared 'leccy boxes with haven't been. Don't sweat the 2.5mm2, either - our 25m cable is, nut our 10m is 1.5mm2, bought as "Kampa" brand from towsure.

[Titus A Duxass]

Mine's a pinky red or a reddy pink.
I've camped all over Europe with no problems.

[LeeME3]

Thanks but it's the cable that goes inside the van I'm concerned about - from the socket you plug the hook up into to the RCD/MCB. If you look at this kit http://www.justkampers.com/shop/mains-h ... 11915.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; which is sold under various brands you'll see it includes orange cable for the run in question. I will definitely be using the larger 16A stuff (I know most hook ups are 13A but there are a few 16A ones around and I'm very much a 'belt and braces' type when it coms to leccy!) - just don't want to breah any wiring regs by using blue rather than ornage internally!

Think I'll start with blue and then get my friendly local sparky to check it out - if he's happy then I will be.

[kevtherev]

There are no regs, Mine was white 13A, it's now orange 13A.

[LeeME3]

There are no regs, Mine was white 13A, it's now orange 13A.

Hmmmm....doesn't BS7671 17th Edition Section 721 "Caravans and Motor Caravans" apply? (I don't have a copy - just a summary link covering the fact that Caravans and Motor Caravans now have their own section - http://www.esielectrical.co.uk/blog/bs7 ... allations/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; )

I agree that it is unlikely anyone will ever actually check compliance with regs, certainly an MOT tester wouldn't, (and I certainly agree many of us are perfectly capable of making safe installations that may not be fully compliant - I hate the 'if you need to ask you shouldn't be doing it attitude' - how else do we improve our skillset ohter than by asking and practising?!?!?) but whether we agree with regs or not they are legally enforceable - I wouldn't, for example, wish someone (particualrly me!) to have an insurance claim denied due to lack of compliance. And let's face it...insurance companies are pretty good at finding reasons not to pay!

[kevtherev]

I think you may find that the section referred to is for the attention of caravan and motor home builders.
The equipment you buy from just crankers has already passed any regulation.
I really dont see what the fuss is about.
If you install what has been supplied, and it fails, litigation can be brought on the supplier/manufacturer.
If however some bloke wearing a belt and braces comes along and changes the equipment... He will put himself outside the regulators specification and therefore outside any hope litigation.