Modifying Clarke 160TE

[cantfindausername]

Hi all,

I've got a Clarke 160TE and its always bugged me how short the Earth Clamp and Power Supply cables are.

I've eye'd up some General Purpose Rubber Flexible Cable rated to 16Amps from the local TLC which I plan on using to re-wire the power supply up to a good couple of meters. Does this sound ok?

ALso, what short of thing should I look for to extend the Eath Clamp?

Thanks,
Ant

 

[peterd51]

Hi,

if you put 160 amps into a work-piece, where does it go?

You'd maybe get away with multiple strands but I guess it'd be a bit thick by then.

You're looking to replace a lead that's about 8mm diameter. Any thinner and you'll run into problems with it.

Regards
Peter

 

[cantfindausername]

How comes it runs off 13amp house plug then? The wire thats supplied with it doesn't appear any different to that of my girlfriends hair straighteners to be honest.

Ant

 

[Wozzaaah]

Peter misread your post, he thought you were planning to lengthen the return lead (earth clamp) when in fact you're planning to lengthen the power supply lead.
1.5mm 3 core would be fine for that, I expect that's what's on it now.

 

[cantfindausername]

Cool thanks Wozzaaah.

I would also like to lengthen the earth clamp lead eventually. But will probs leave that for now and see how I get on with just the power supply lead.

Cheers,
Ant

 

[peterd51]

Hi,

yes, sorry, my fault!

You'll definately need thicker wire for the earth return lead though.

Regards
Peter

 

[cantfindausername]

Absolutely. Wouldn't "down grade" anything on there. Was more a check to see what people recommend for an Earth Lead, and an "is this ok for the power lead" type of post.

Cheers,
Ant

 

[Jake SS]

Hi all,

I've got a Clarke 160TE and its always bugged me how short the Earth Clamp and Power Supply cables are.

I've eye'd up some General Purpose Rubber Flexible Cable rated to 16Amps from the local TLC which I plan on using to re-wire the power supply up to a good couple of meters. Does this sound ok?

ALso, what short of thing should I look for to extend the Eath Clamp?

Thanks,
Ant

Could use 25mm sq welding flex cable, 4 or so mtrs, for your work cable with a descent work clamp

Cheers

 

[cantfindausername]

Thanks Jake. Will look into the welding flex cable.

 

[bigbird76]

Just a thought what about jump leads for a car battery etc?? If you had them liying around it might be a cheap upgrade??

Leigh

 

[Wozzaaah]

Welding cable really isn't expensive Leigh, also it's designed for the job.

Supposedly 'heavy duty' jump leads are sometimes not actually that big, A typical example is that Silverline do a set that are rated at 600 amps but they're only 5.65mm²
A 25mm² set of jump leads will most definitely set you back more than the equivalent sized welding cable, metre for metre.

 

[bigbird76]

Ah ok well you learn sommet everyday

Cheers

Leigh

 

[shenion]

Jump leads also do not have that many strands (fewer, thicker strands for the same overall diameter.) So, they will break when flexed repeatedly. you often see the wires fraying off at the clamps.

My #0 welding cables have something like 3000 strands.