Waterproof Extension Cables

SavvySaver24

Do you need one... as in does it HAVE to be waterproof? We have a flymo and we need an extension cable reel. However, we can only seem to get one about 20m and the flymo cable is only 10m. Out garden is nearly 40m. When gardening does it HAVE to be a waterproof extension cable? Or is a non-waterproof one fine?!

First time buyers here and gping ofd advice from parents who say bot to even consider electricity + something that isn't waterproof. But they are way more expensive, not long enough and only 10amps (which also means we can't seem to use with most indoor stuff if we needed an extension cable).

kerri_gt

With a garden that long, would a petrol mower be better? Just an idea.

SavvySaver24

Ah sorry should have said the length of the grass is prohibitive to that at the minute. It is a wreck. Yes eventually we will get a petrol mower.

MX5huggy

The longer the grass the more you need a petrol mower?

Anyway, no you don’t need a waterproof extension, as long as it’s not actually raining it won’t get wet. Do make sure you have an RCD either built in to the extension or on your distribution (fuse) board.

prowla

And when the grass gets tangled around the blades and you have to clear it, UNPLUG THE MAINS FIRST!

DorsetLad

In my opinion, it does not need to be "waterproof", unless you are planning to mow the lawn in the rain or use it when jet-washing, etc.. A non-waterproof one would be fine, provided of course that you are careful and keep water away from it, e.g. if the grass is already wet, put the cable reel on a board. Much more important is to make sure you have it plugged into a working RCD, to prevent you getting a very serious electric shock (caused by any means).

If money was not a concern, you could buy 2 waterproof ones (actually they seem to be called "weatherproof", i.e. they are not 100% waterproof) and connect them in series to get the required length.

10A is a lot of current, which should be enough for most indoor stuff (a 2 kW electric fire, for example, draws 8A).

Carrot007

SavvySaver24 wrote: »

However, we can only seem to get one about 20m and the flymo cable is only 10m. Out garden is nearly 40m.

Have you actually looked for a decent extension reel?


https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B014L2OOYK?!!!!!amz-mkt-fox-uk-21&ascsub!!!!!1ba00-01000-org00-win10-dsk00-nomod-uk000-pcomp-feature-pcomp-wm-8-wm-3-wm-4-wm-1&ref=aa_pcomp


Or argos, B&Q, Wickes, CPC, Screwfix, you know the sort of places that sell such items ;-)


Though too long can be a pain as you really should completely unwind unless you want it to get hot or are not using much power!

Norman_Castle

https://www.screwfix.com/p/masterplug-hdct4513bq-4-xd-13a-4-gang-45m-cable-reel-240v/47295

With a 40 meter garden your flymo should already have about 10 meters of cable so a shorter extension may be enough.

If the grass is still a bit wet when cutting just keep any connections off the ground, the cable should be fine.

Not sure a Flymo is ideal for an overgrown garden.

SavvySaver24

Re the flymo on the overgrown grass, we were advised by multiple gardeners that was the way to go as a petrol moweer just wouldn't get anywhere with how overgrown it is.

Re. The cables, yes obviously I have looked in all the mentioned places but wouldn't fund any waterproof ones long enough (found plenty of non-waterproof ones longer) hence my question around whether waterproof was necessary.

Given the time of year it is highly likely we will be cutting whilst the grass is damp but would avoid cutting the the rain. We have bought an RCD and will remember to place ina board or similar.

troffasky

I have a Flymo with a plastic blade carrier. It was great for 5 years or so on a flat-ish lawn, but I've moved to a garden which has quite a few protruding roots and when it catches it cracks at the point where the blades attach. The blades then fall out whilst in use. Originally I assumed it was "old age" and replaced the blade carrier but it only lasted a couple of weeks before cracking in exactly the same places.

So if you've got a lumpy lawn, don't bother with a plastic-bladed Flymo. I intend to replace it with a metal-bladed one next season.

SavvySaver24

We have bought a metal bladed one.