Mains extension lead advice needed

[Mule]

I'm buying an extension lead for doing some work in the garden that needs a drill but next year I'll be using it for an electric hedge trimmer.

I understand that you get a drop in power over longer leads. I'm going to need 15 metres so would this one be okay?

http://www.screwfix.com/p/masterplug-garden-extension-lead-1g-240v-15m/67112

Or should I pay twice the amount and go for this?

http://www.screwfix.com/p/masterplug...240v-20m/49012

Or should I pay even more? Or will it not make much difference?

[muttleymacclad]

Hi mule, I've got both of those types of extension leads . they're both fine, you won't notice a drop in power. I use them for strimmer and hedge trimmer at the same distances you're looking at.

Get a circuit breaker though if you're using hedge trimmers.

Mml


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[B B Leo]

mule the first one only will take 10amps (u need to check the appliance rating) and the other like any extension will only take upto 13amps. also as mml said i would get one with a build in rcd trip for safety outside! like this but im sure u could get one cheaper
http://www.screwfix.com/p/masterplug...240v-25m/92372

[Mickey]

Best advice is

Get a circuit breaker though if you're using hedge trimmers.

all what leo said

[Mule]

Thanks guys, TBH I had forgotten about a circuit breaker so thanks for the reminder on that as well.

[pete252]

Hi Mule, most appliances do not state the current rating in amps. A 10amp cable will be ok for up to 2400 watts and a 13 amp cable will be ok for up to 3,000 watts. I expect your drill and hedge trimmer will be around 1500 watts as a maximum. But the RCD advice is good. As far as voltage drop goes, because we use 240 volts, the drop is insignificant. I'm guessing now at 0.5 volt per meter, so 15 meters would be 7.5 volts. If you were using a 110 volt system over 30 m then the drop would be 15v and your appliance would struggle using 95 v.