Hookup cable. Does it have to be orange?

[Morningside]

Probably a daft question but I have a really long cable here that is white and quick thick as well. Chan this be used or are they special and have to be orange?

If they do, I have an orange one here but it is about as thick as the ones you get on a mower (3 core). Is that OK?

[GAjon]

My cables are blue, never had any issues on sites.

[shovelheadrob]

Generally not a problem what colour is used. Depending on your current requirements you could get away with 1.5mm cable but 2.5mm is better. I believe that the reason for the orange cable is so that it can be seen easily.

[Morningside]

Thanks all. I just wondered if orange was a legal requirement but obviously not.

I may go for the thinner one of the two as it is mainly for a light and TV.

[abbotsmike]

If it's getting a 16A commando plug on the end it needs to be 3 core 1.5mm^2 cable.

This is so that the 16A breaker in the socket outlet adequately protects the cable against short circuit, it is independent of load.

PVC cables (yes including the standard blue and orange "arctic" stuff) aren't really designed to be run outside exposed. PVC cables just arent that tough, but that's a separate argument. 15m of 1.5mm H07 RN-F would be best. It's black, but rubber sheathed, tough and uv/temperature resistant. And flexible. Also pretty cheap. Shouldn't be paying much more than £1 a metre.

If it's going to be longer than 20m or so then it should really be 2.5mm^2. This is to prevent excessive voltage drop with larger loads.

[It's fixable...]

What Abbotsmike said about cable cross sectional area is true.
All our leads are 2.5mm2 cores. We have three each 15-20m long. Only had to use all three once.
Our outer sheathing is white and never been challenged about the colour when camping in the UK or Europe.

[Wacky Racer]

I have a long orange one on a reel, and have made up a short blue one, when we park our motorhome a few yards from the power supply. The Blue lead resists fading better too.

Always try to use the short one wherever possible, as it is less faffing about.

Likewise with the TV aerial lead.