3 phase cable. Why are distributors so unhelpful?

[ajlelectronics]

I have just dropped an axle hub onto the cable for my 3 phase portable lift, rendering it too short to reach the outlet. As it has already been repaired once, I want to replace the run, which is about 10m and maybe extend it a bit.

I called Denmans this morning and talked to someone about needing less than 50m and could they help. Oh yes they could. So after firing up his computer, I gave him a simple spec of 4 core 1.5mm or better, ideally Arctic cable as it used outdoors, but I will take what they have. However I need it today.

"Can you bring a piece in?"

"No I can't, mainly because this has never been wired with the correct spec cable. What I need is something like 3184Y. "

"Oh we only do 1mm and 1.5mm".

"No problem, can you do Arctic? "

"Oh yes, we have blue and yellow."

"Great, 15m possible? "

"No we only do 100m drums."

"OK, give me a price on 100m."

"We only do it in 3 core."

"So you can't help me with 3 phase cable of any sort? "

"No, sorry".





So I have a lift that I need to use in the morning and no cable. I could mail order some off Ebay but no certainty that would arrive in time. I could joint the damaged one, but as it may be damp tomorrow, I think that is too much of a risk.

 

[Wendelspanswick]

If it's going to be at risk of mechanical damage again I would use SWA. At least most whole sellers should have that on the shelf.

 

[ajlelectronics]

SWA will be difficult to move about surely? This being a portable unit needs flex.

 

[carbon]

I don't use cef very often, but my local branch sells cable by the metre. Not sure about the Glos branch. You also have Wilts Wholesale that may be able to help but I don't know if the sell by the meter

 

[ajlelectronics]

Interesting about Wilts. They are just down the road. I looked at their website and a search for cable comes up with everything except cable. So does a search for 3 phase! I will try them and CEF. Thanks.

 

[WorkshopChris]

Hi i cant help with a supplier as mine are all based in the south but, if you need it today have a search and see if you have anyone locally who does professional stage/ event sound and lighting equipment servicing and repairs. These sort of places normally have a good stock of 3 phase flex. Worth a try.

Another option is SY cable although technically its classed as a control cable. Most people use it for 3 phase extension leads. I also think machine mart do a few extensions off the shelf.

 

[Shox Dr]

You want SY cable. It's flexible armoured.

 

[ajlelectronics]

CEF offered me YY cable which they say is lightly armoured, so will go and have a look at that later. Just over a pound a metre too, so not expensive. Appreciate everyone's help.

 

[brightspark]

sy flexible armoured as above for safety in a working environment . none armoured and your asking for it

 

[daleyd]

YY has no steel braid, just PVC sheath. As BS says above, SY is probably the best for your application.

 

[Welderpaul]

We use SY for all our 3 phase extensions - we've not had one damaged yet. We chop up 110V cables for fun.

SWA is a bit unwieldy as an 'extension' and I believe not the right thing to use anyway and the armouring cannot be properly terminated in the plugs.

 

[Johnseat]

All our workshop equipment uses SY CABLE, even so we have managed to chop through it when lowering HGV's using the weemers.

 

[armalites]

Try Edmundson electrical down by Toolstation Gloucester, I'm pretty sure they supply by the metre, the one in Hereford does anyway

 

[mike os]

Swansea is not designed to be regularly moved or flexed

For 3 phase you should be using SY really

 

[awemawson]

TLC will deliver and charge by the metre:

https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_Index/Cable_Index/Multi-Flex/index.html

 

[TechnicAl]

Just bought 50 metres for wiring the new shed. 6mm armoured and it was £120 off ebay. 4 core so we can switch from the house.

 

[Robotstar5]

Another option would be Kopex they do a wide range of flexible steel conduit. The lift end probably has a standard M20 inlet and plug end could be adapted to it, then just run YY inside.

 

[HughF]

SY definitely...

 

[ajlelectronics]

15m of 1.5mm SY cable purchased and fitted. All is now well again. Thanks to everyone for the advice.

 

[Westfield-builder]

15m of 1.5mm SY cable purchased and fitted. All is now well again. Thanks to everyone for the advice.

Did you also get the correct glands for both ends? Lots of wholesalers fob you off with stuffing glands that don't allow you to earth the wire protecting the conductors.