Do I need to be a qualified electrician to make DIY extension lead?

[Sam0204]

Hi,
I am thinking to make some 20m long extension lead for my house and office. But, the question is, do i have to be a certified or qualified electrician for it. If yes, what sort of qualification i need or is there anywhere in 17th edition that it says so. (Any links please).
Thanks in advance.

 

[Davisonp]

Remember the PAT testing rule that the maximum length of an extension lead before it needs it’s own RCD is dependent on the cable size used Eg. 1mm cable cores can only be 10 meters long, 1.5mm can be a max of 15 meters and 2.5mm can be a max of 25 meters (core size times 10) and many longer leads purchased will fail the PAT test the moment they are purchased.

 

[Deleted member 9648]

Bloody hell chaps....the bloke just wants to make up a lead for his home, what's PAT testing got to do with it?

 

[Davisonp]

Bloody hell chaps....the bloke just wants to make up a lead for his home, what's PAT testing got to do with it?

The original post states “I am thinking to make some 20m long extension lead for my house and office” which means the electricity at work must be observed and the leads must be maintained as required by law.

 

[DPG]

Bloody hell chaps....the bloke just wants to make up a lead for his home, what's PAT testing got to do with it?

Because he seems obsessed with relevant qualifications and he mentioned being a pat tester.

 

[Rpa07]

Because he seems obsessed with relevant qualifications and he mentioned being a pat tester.

I got that! Loud and clear!!!

 

[HandySparks]

Remember the PAT testing rule that the maximum length of an extension lead before it needs it’s own RCD is dependent on the cable size used Eg. 1mm cable cores can only be 10 meters long, 1.5mm can be a max of 15 meters and 2.5mm can be a max of 25 meters (core size times 10) and many longer leads purchased will fail the PAT test the moment they are purchased.

Are you saying that extension leads longer than a particular length need to have a permanently connected RCD plug? Is this in the IET ISITEE Code of Practice Book?

 

[Davisonp]

Are you saying that extension leads longer than a particular length need to have a permanently connected RCD plug? Is this in the IET ISITEE Code of Practice Book?

The length of a site-manufactured extension lead should not exceed that given in the table on the right, unless it is protected by an RCD.

Maximum lengths of an extension lead

csa of the cores (mm2)
1.25 1.5 2.5
Maximum length (m)
12 15 25
(IET 140)

IET. Code of Practice for In-service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment, 4th Edition. Institution of Engineering & Technology (IET), 11/2012. VitalBook file.

 

[Rpa07]

25 meters is a long lead - it could get up to all sorts of mischief unless RCD protected.

 

[HandySparks]

The length of a site-manufactured extension lead should not exceed that given in the table on the right, unless it is protected by an RCD.

Maximum lengths of an extension lead

csa of the cores (mm2)
1.25 1.5 2.5
Maximum length (m)
12 15 25
(IET 140)

IET. Code of Practice for In-service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment, 4th Edition. Institution of Engineering & Technology (IET), 11/2012. VitalBook file.

OK, thanks, that's a bit of the book that I didn't remember.
However, it doesn't require the RCD protection to be integral with the cable assembly. So if a non-RCD extension lead is being used in a location where all socket outlets are RCD protected, I would say that it complies.

 

[paul291277]

I think this is outside of BS7671 as it is not part of the installation; as long as a suitable flex is protected by a 13a fuse, what's the issue?

 

[paul291277]

To original OP, you can manufacture whatever you want to plug into a socket without needing qualifications, be it a 20m extension lead, a metal fork or your tongue, but as long as a suitable flex is protected by a 13a fuse at the plug, you're okay

 

[Davisonp]

To original OP, you can manufacture whatever you want to plug into a socket without needing qualifications, be it a 20m extension lead, a metal fork or your tongue, but as long as a suitable flex is protected by a 13a fuse at the plug, you're okay

Except that in an office the Electricity at work act (the law) requires the portable appliances must be “Maintained”, usually PAT tested.

 

[PEG]

Unless...this is a cunning variation on the theme of "...how do i wire a supply to my office,it is 40 meters from the house..."

 

[Deleted member 9648]

Except that in an office the Electricity at work act (the law) requires the portable appliances must be “Maintained”, usually PAT tested.

I may stand corrected but I believe above legislation applies to employers. If the 'office' is a one man home office then would the EAW act apply?

 

[richy3333]

Is it just me or do the questions on this forum just get more weird? I thought every question possible had been asked, clearly not!

Is the OP a wet pants?!