Frayed mower cable

[paullieo]

Hi all

Have tried googling this but all I can find are repairs to cables that have been completely damaged.

After pulling out the mower for the first cut of the year, I think repeatedly tying up the cord in the same way after each use has taken its toll and resulted in several sections of frayed outer rubber insulation/protection sleeve. See picture below.



Are there any fixes for this?

Thanks in advance.

 

[ETAF]

i cut through a hedge trimmer cable and use this to repair

Masterplug NC102O 10A 2-Pin Connector Orange - Screwfix

Order online at Screwfix.com. Rewirable heavy duty connector for use with garden machinery. FREE next day delivery available, free collection in 1 minute.

www.screwfix.com

but that also meant i could use another very long cable and short cable depending on what i was doing , rather than an extension lead
worked really well , until i went cordless
mower is petrol
but there are other permanent inline connectors available

 

[jurassic sparkk]

Electrical tape would do the job as you have only cut through the outer sheath of the cable. Inner sheath still remains intact based on the picture.

 

[Sureitsoff?]

Probably better to replace the cable as if it has cracked in one place then it has probably cracked in others as well.
Toolstation do a 25m roll of three core orange for £16.

Pitacs 3 Core Flex Orange Cable (3183Y)

• HAR / BASEC• PVC insulated, sheathed• BSEN 50525-2-11

www.toolstation.com

or just two core here

Orange 2 Core Flex Mains Wire Cable 20 m 1.0 mm | eBay

This orange flexible cable, with a size of 2.5mm² and a length of 20 meters, is perfect for your electrical needs. It has a 3 core type and is made by Flex, a trusted brand in the industry. The cable can be used for various purposes, thanks to its featured refinements and type as cables and...

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[ericmark]

I would agree with @Sureitsoff? as even if you remove the plug and slide shrink sleeve over the damaged bits, what has happened is the plasticiser has leached out of the cable, and it will just crack else where.

 

[foxhole]

Have used these in the past .

https://amzn.eu/d/a7GkeVo

 

[bernardgreen]

The outer sheath has cracked because as mentioned the plasticiser has gone, This can create comparatively sharp edges ( the white area ) which as the cable flexes can cut into the insulation of the Live and/or Neutral wires. Wrapping tape around the damaged area will not prevent this.

When the insulation on the Live is damaged dampness / moisture can create the hazard of electric shock

 

[plugwash]

I would agree with others, if a cable is failing in one place then a repair may be sensible, if a cable is failing in many locations then it's likely reached the end of it's life.

If possible I would replace the whole cable, if that is not an option then I would cut the cable and insert a joint (probablly one of the 2 pin plug and socket types) close to the appliance.

 

[paullieo]

Thanks everyone. Yes the cable has failed like this in several places. Think I'll go ahead and replace the whole thing.

Thanks!

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

Note to OP - What ever repair you decide upon, first check whether two core (double insulated appliance), or three core cable is used, and replace with the same. If you decide to use those inline plug and sockets, likewise match them - two pins for 2core, three for three core.

 

[paullieo]

Absolutely, will cut through and see what the set up is first. Thanks.

 

[blup]

Hi all

Have tried googling this but all I can find are repairs to cables that have been completely damaged.

After pulling out the mower for the first cut of the year, I think repeatedly tying up the cord in the same way after each use has taken its toll and resulted in several sections of frayed outer rubber insulation/protection sleeve. See picture below.

View attachment 337384

Are there any fixes for this?

Thanks in advance.

You could try waterproof heat shrink, or even tape it (though it will probably come undone), but avoid a mechanical joint because it will get stuck on every twig branch or other obstruction the garden has to offer. When I cut through mine I put in a complete new length of orange cable, long enough to meet most needs, and used extension cable for the rest.

 

[SUNRAY]

With respect the state of the cable will fail ANY PAT test, way before any electrical tests would be attempted.

Proper solutions have been suggested, namely:
If the end of the existing cable is still sound where it enters the mower; cut it leaving a foot/30cm and use the flex connector, OR
If you are competent to do so; Replace the whole cable right into the mower.

Pretty much anything else is a botch and in all honesty the costs involved don't warrant a botch.

 

[paullieo]

...cut it leaving a foot/30cm and use the flex connector, OR
If you are competent to do so; Replace the whole cable right into the mower.

Thanks - leaning towards one of these options.

We've a fairly long garden, stretches up to 30m deep. Are these 3 core cables (https://www.screwfix.com/search?search=3+core+flex&page_size=20&page_start=20) stable enough? They don't seem to have the outer layer? Is getting a flexible 30m cable like this suitable?

 

[Sureitsoff?]

Arctic cable is more flexible and is made to be used outside ie

Time 3183YAG Blue 3-Core 1.5mm² Flexible Cable 50m Drum - Screwfix

Order online at Screwfix.com. PVC-sheathed cable suitable for transformers and site lighting. FREE next day delivery available, free collection in 1 minute.

www.screwfix.com

available in blue or yellow and although the usual convention is blue for 230v and yellow for 110v the cable is the same. I personally would use yellow for a mower lead as it easier to spot when it's lying in the grass

Time 3183YAG Yellow 3-Core 1.5mm² Flexible Cable 50m Drum - Screwfix

Order online at Screwfix.com. PVC-sheathed cable suitable for transformers and site lighting. FREE next day delivery available, free collection in 1 minute.

www.screwfix.com