Can you crimp 3-core 1mm cable

[paulxedos]

Hi,
Bit of an odd question for this forum but I have a number of mains powered electric treadmills which power an LED console that has the various controls you'd expect on a treadmill ( on/off, speed, display options)

I've cut the wire between the treadmill and console and can see that it looks like a 3-core 1mm wire ( red, green, black) which I guess is providing about 1 amp to power the console. What I'd like to do it to insert a flexi ( phone style cord) cord with connectors between the two to alllow the console to be located at a greater distance

My question is what sort of connectors and cable should I chose to get it all working. Would RJ-45 with crimpers do the trick? ( I'm definitely after push to connect connectors rather than soldering or anything else like that as I need the option for the console to be easily detached )

Thanks
Paul

 

[stillp]

I have a number of mains powered electric treadmills

That sounds as if you're running a gym. If so, does your PLI cover modification of the machines?
Fitness machines have a higher than average incidence of electric shock. (Users tend to be sweaty, to wear less clothing than in say an office environment, and to spill bottled water.) Any modification of the electrics must maintain the original IP rating, and RJ45 is not likely to be suitable.

 

[paulxedos]

Thanks for your reply.

The idea is to convert some existing treadmills with handrails to be without handrails ( http://www.thesportshq.com/confidence-power-plus-motorised-treadmill.aspx ) so that my office can be kitted out with walking treadmillls ( or treadmill desks -which will be a budget diy version of these http://www.thefitnessoutlet.com/lif...=lifespan-tr1200-dt-treadmill&channelid=FROOG )

There's definitely no sweating as the idea is to walk at a slow pace ( about 1mph) so that work is not affected but just enough to stop the problems of all day sitting at a keyboard. The reason for the springy cord is because the desks move up and down ( for sitting and standing)

Cheers
Paul

 

[stillp]

Still sounds like a work environment, so my question about PLI still stands.

Do you know the leakage current for those treadmills? Many treadmills are not suitable for connection via a 13A plug. Unfortunately some of the importers and retailers don't seem to be aware of that.

What happens if the user stops walking?

 

[paulxedos]

Sorry, no idea about the leakage current.

The treadmills have various EU certifications so I think they are up to spec in standard form

With regard to the crimping question is it possible to buy a connecting cable and connect via an RJ45 style connectors or are specialist connectors needed?

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Users tend to be sweaty, to wear less clothing than in say an office environment, and to spill bottled water

I'm sure a bit of Google image searching could find examples where that's not the case

 

[stillp]

Sorry, no idea about the leakage current.

The treadmills have various EU certifications so I think they are up to spec in standard form

With regard to the crimping question is it possible to buy a connecting cable and connect via an RJ45 style connectors or are specialist connectors needed?

If they are properly documented for sale in the EU then the manufacturer should state the leakage current. However it is quite possible for them to meet relevant EN standards but not be permitted in the UK to be connected via a 13 A plug.

I don't think RJ45 would be suitable. I'd want IP65 protection and better protection against accidental pull-out.

Were you going to answer my question about PLI? Who's responsible for Health and Safety in your office?[/quote]

 

[stillp]

Users tend to be sweaty, to wear less clothing than in say an office environment, and to spill bottled water

I'm sure a bit of Google image searching could find examples where that's not the case

BAS, behave!

 

[OwainDIYer]

The treadmills have various EU certifications so I think they are up to spec in standard form

But they aren't as soon as you modify them.

Before a Competent Person (as required by the Electricity At Work Regulations) modifies the machines he will know what voltage, current, and signals are carried on the cables, and then be able to determine what type of connectors are appropriate.

Your insurers really are going to have kittens over you doing this.

 

[paulxedos]

Thanks for the replies. It sounds like I need to use the services of a competent person for this

Regards
Paul

 

[Robin0577]

Quite apart from the IP rating, I don't think the terminal capacity in an RJ45 is anywhere near big enough for 1.0mm2 cores,

Do you know what voltages are present on this cable? Most likely it will be ELV control voltages only but you'd need to be sure when choosing a connector.

Going from your description alone and therefore offering no guarantee of any kind, I would probably be looking at a 3 core curly mains lead like this - http://cpc.farnell.com/pro-power/15...-0-75mm/dp/CB01905?in_merch=Featured Products
Connected with something like the Bulgin Buccaneer series plug and sockets - http://cpc.farnell.com/bulgin/px091.../dp/CN05343?in_merch=Products From This Range

 

[paulxedos]

Thanks very much for taking the time to respond with that explanation, including the links. I'm afraid at this stage I don't know the voltages present but I'll try and find this out.

Cheers
Paul