Outdoor Extension Cables

[alex2x]

Hello I am looking for some advice regarding these garden outdoor extension leads, can they be powered 24/7 and be left unattended. My neighbour who lives below me has two of these cables running though the vents of the property I dont think it is its very safe looking any advice would be appreciated.

Thank you. Alex,

[trickywoo]

Any permanent outside cable should be armoured (offer protection from mechanical damage).

What he’s doing isn’t sensible but getting anyone to enforce rules on him will be virtually impossible unless there is any third party risk.

If he’s using it to power lights that are annoying it’s best to go to the council on that point.

[dhutch]

trickywoo said:

Any permanent outside cable should be armoured (offer protection from mechanical damage).

If run in a location where damage is to be expect....

....clipping unarmored cable to the outside of a house for lighting for instance, is allowed by regs as far as I am aware.

For rugged outdoor use for temporary installation, such as outdoor event/festival wiring then H07RN-F tough rubber cable is the industry norm.
But for boat and caravan hook ups, building sites etc, normal PVC cable is common place. Blue for 240v yellow for 110v, or Orange.

Assuming it's protected by an RDC the risks are really fairly low.

If its happening outside or your property, what are you worrying about?