Using H05VV-F cable outdoors

[mishev]

Hi,

I'm planning to put an RCD socket on my balcony through the wall, which would mean ~1m of the cable will be outdoors (The other end would be plugged in a socket inside).
Now I have the perfect length cable lying around (PK TSE HAR H05VV-F 3x1.5 PX95), however after some research I found that H05VV-F cables are not suitable for outdoor use. I couldn't find the reason about that though - the cable looks pretty solid to me.

I guess my question is, could you help me understand what the danger of using it in my case would be?
Would it make any difference if I put it in some trunking?
If there's a good reason not to use it at all, what would be the right cable to buy for this?

And one side question - does that fall into the category of an electrical installation that must be certified by a qualified electrician?

 

[davesparks]

Off the top of my head I think that is white pvc flex which will degrade in sunlight, this is why it's not suitable for external use.
Also 1.5 is normally too small for UK socket circuits.

 

[Midwest]

If you google the cable, like I’ve just done, you’ll see it’s primarily for indoor use.

I believe H07RN-F is more suited.

 

[GeorgeCooke]

Hi,

I'm planning to put an RCD socket on my balcony through the wall,

Is the installation already RCD protected? If so you don't need or want an RCD socket.

 

[mishev]

@davesparks, if 1.5 is too small for UK socket circuits, what width should I get then?

@GeorgeCooke, I have no idea if the current installation is RCD protected, how do I know? I've already bought the one on the picture. I suppose having that extra protection couldn't hurt, could it?

 

[Midwest]

That’s an expensive extension lead.

Why not employ the services of a competent electrician and have you outdoor socket professionally installed?

 

[davesparks]

@davesparks, if 1.5 is too small for UK socket circuits, what width should I get then?

@GeorgeCooke, I have no idea if the current installation is RCD protected, how do I know? I've already bought the one on the picture. I suppose having that extra protection couldn't hurt, could it?

It's not the width of the cable but the cross sectional area (CSA), the size varies between different types of circuit but as a general rule it will need to be the same CSA as the rest of the wiring in that circuit.

You need to know what protection the circuit has in order to know how you can extend the circuit safely and in a compliant manner.

 

[James]

The OP says that the other end will be plugged in to a socket inside (not wired in)
This means it will not be considered as part of the fixed wiring.

It will surely be fused at 13A and as we all know, standard 13A plugs are only designed to accept up to 1.5mm flex.
I think you would be better to get a professional in to fit you a socket correctly.
However if you really want a diy type extension lead then just go to a wholesaler and buy some 3 core flex suitable for outdoor use.
Black is the best colour as the carbon used to make the colour is a natural uv protection.

 

[davesparks]

The OP says that the other end will be plugged in to a socket inside (not wired in)
This means it will not be considered as part of the fixed wiring.

I missed the bit about the plug, oops.

 

[GeorgeCooke]

@davesparks, if 1.5 is too small for UK socket circuits, what width should I get then?

@GeorgeCooke, I have no idea if the current installation is RCD protected, how do I know? I've already bought the one on the picture. I suppose having that extra protection couldn't hurt, could it?

2.5mm is the correct cable for UK socket circuits. However, as has been said, if it comes from a plug 1.5 is OK.

Look for a RCD in your consumer unit. It is a cutout with a test button.

Two in line won't give extra protection, it will mean both or either will trip on a fault leading to confusion.