Cheapest & easiest way to run a cable in garden

[harveyc]

Hi all,

I'm going to have a bit of a party as summer approaches, and need to run about 100m of cable down to the garden to provide the marquee with power.

I suspect we'll have a speaker system (nothing huuuge), some lights and possibly an electric heater (although the latter is not a necessity if it's likely to overload it...).

What's the most cost effective, safest and easiest way to do this?

What "core" do I need, and should I use one of those big industrial socket things (the blue ones with the waterproof flaps) or am I safe just putting 100m of cable onto a plug and plugging in a gangway?

Thanks in advance to anyone that can help

 

[bernardgreen]

You could use industrial 240 volt 30 amp leads hired from a hire shop.

You would then need to make up a 13 amp plug ( with built in RCD if you don't have RCD protected sockets ) with a short lead to a socket to match the industrial lead. At the marque end have a multiway adaptor wired to a plug to match the industrial lead if the hire shop cannot provide such.

Using a 30 amp lead for the 100 metres will keep the voltage drop low.

If it is going to going on late after dark consider emergency lighting as a marquee suddenly plunged into darkness by a tripped RCD or blown fuse can become a very hazardous place. NOT oil lamps or candles......

.

 

[Adam_151]

100m?

what size is your garden?

 

[RF Lighting]

Would it not be cheaper, easier and safer to hire a generator for a day?

 

[harveyc]

Hmm, maybe not 100m, probably more like 70-80 actually - well, it's about 100m long since you ask...

Hiring a generator seems a little excessive to power some speakers and a light or two! Perhaps I gave the wrong impression about the size of the party - just a few mates in a fairly small marquee with some tunes.

Bernardgreen, thanks a lot for your help. Having had a look around, simply getting a big reel of cable seems like a good idea - this sort of thing http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/pro.jsp?id=15712&ts=43657.

Sorry for the silly questions!

 

[davy_owen_88]

Bernardgreen, thanks a lot for your help. Having had a look around, simply getting a big reel of cable seems like a good idea - this sort of thing http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/pro.jsp?id=15712&ts=43657.

Sorry for the silly questions!

Did you even read Bernardgreens' post? He clearly states the need for an industrial cable. Due to the distance involved voltage drop will become excessive with a standard 13A reel, especially since you'll need 2 plugged into each other to make up the distance required.

 

[harveyc]

Okay, thanks, I'll keep that in mind and look for something of at least 30A.

 

[RF Lighting]

The two extention leads you linked to would cost you £40 (and are not suitable for the job), or alternativly you could buy this little generator from Ebay for £35.

 

[harveyc]

Thanks RF, I see your point now.

Cheers

 

[breezer]

what about clicky and clicky

or have your gathering closer to the house

(quicker to get to the loo and cold beers too)

 

[harveyc]

Could be an option, although the best spot's definately towards the bottom of the garden.

See your point about the candles though, and do already have portable ipod speakers. Candles would be more atmospheric too...

Beer and toilets, well why not:

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/0198754.htm
http://www.drinkstuff.com/products/product.asp?ID=2585(!)

 

[breezer]

i was actually being serious.

you dont want some joker having a p in the dark corner do you?

also you could opt for flame torches (ive got those too)

 

[ColJack]

tiki torches.. just be aware that alcohol+fire+tent=6 monthe in a burn unit.. or eternity in a little metal urn...

I do like those stone lights though.. i'll be off to argos first thing to get me some... ta...