EHU cable modification question.

[h8ten]

Looking for advice on killing two birds with one stone figuratively speaking. I have an outdoor power extension (a rubber plug at one end and a splashproof socket at the other). Is there any reason to stop me from cutting the cable in half and adding a commando plug and socket in the middle, it will then be a 13 amp plug to a commando socket and a commando plug to a 13 amp socket. The reasoning is I can use them combined as either a domestic extension when the commandos are connected or an EHU cable with the 13 amps connected and also a hook-up cable at home when the van is parked up. I know that the commandos aren't waterproof so they won't be out in the rain or damp.

 

[Stealaway]

Is your cable extension 2.5mm three core flex - ideally coloured blue?

 

[h8ten]

Bright orange and no indication of cable size other than 'Total maximum load of 13 amps = 3120 watts 220-240 Volts a.c.' Might be better to buy an EHU cable and insert a 13 amp plug and socket?

 

[Stealaway]

Thats the standard method. make up a short UK adaptor and French on just in case

 

[kev54]

Thats the standard method. make up a short UK adaptor and French on just in case

View attachment 734439

Yep. The blue 16amp connectors are pretty good in rain (maybe not flood). Sometimes French sites have polarity reversed (2 out of 6 in my experience) and sometimes the system in your van (depends on the age) won’t like polarity being reversed, so I’ve made my own adaptor.

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[autorouter]

Those round blue plugs and sockets are 'weatherproof', and there are millions in use throughout Europe with no problem. Technically the protection is 'IP44', which you can google to see that it means 'protected against splashes from all directions'. It is not proof against high pressure water jets or immersion, so keep them out of puddles. You have to assemble the blue connectors correctly to ensure water doesn't leak near the cable entry point.

You can buy IP67 (immersion up to 1m for an hour or so) versions of this connector, which have a rubber sealing ring that screws tight.