DIY Help - Joining 2 halves of a cut power cord

HL82 · Feb 25, 2019

Hello -

I bought a corded hedge trimmer today and started using it. In about 5 minutes I had managed to chop through the cable! Rookie error. Here are the cut cable ends (I am in the UK btw)

So I need to repair the cable. Having googled around, I could solder the wires together, but I don't much fancy my soldering skills - so I was thinking that it would be a lot easier instead if I could buy a 1 gang extension cable, remove both the plug and the socket end and then wire the plug to one end of my cut cable, and the socket to the other end and just plug them together.

Any reason this won't work or any reason I shouldn't do this? What is the best way to do this?

Cheers.

Bait Account · Feb 25, 2019

Something like this would be better bud. https://www.screwfix.com/p/masterpl...VbbvtCh2hEQ6lEAQYASABEgKJp_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Bait Account · Feb 25, 2019

Just make sure and put the female end on the live side of the cable.

SparkyChick · Feb 25, 2019

You need one of these....

10A 2 Pin Lead Connector Orange - https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/TLRC2OR.html

And if you don't have RCD protection in the house, fit one of these...

13 Amp RCD Protected Plug - https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/TLPRCD.html

littlespark · Feb 25, 2019

That’s clever hedge trimmer. It’s managed to strip the outer sheath and the individual conductor insulation.

Andy78 · Feb 25, 2019

Use one of these

https://www.screwfix.com/p/teetube-...RnzoauNUhOjRdhKhGpwaAjOREALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

HL82 · Feb 25, 2019

Great - thanks very much for the responses

PEG · Feb 25, 2019

Hi,I would repair that,with a new lead.
I do not know how many times,you have used a powered hedge cutter,but your first ever cord repair,does not need to be this one

Deleted member 26818 · Feb 25, 2019

The connector types shown in the previous posts are not really suitable, as they easily pull apart.
You need a Flymo type connector:
B&Q 10A 2 Pin plug & socket | DIY at B&Q - https://www.diy.com/departments/b-q-10a-2-pin-plug-socket/171009_BQ.prd?utm_source=google_cpc&utm_medium=shopping&utm_campaign=PX_GSC_EPHC_+_Generic&ppc_type=shopping&ds_kids=92700041283649913&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIwr-zn4HY4AIVbRHTCh15nQzREAQYAyABEgI2F_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
Also the connector, should not be in a position in the lead where it will be dragging on the ground through wet grass.
You need to shorten the lead at the trimmer end to about 12 - 18 inches.
I would also suggest you consider purchasing an RCD plug:
RCD Plug - https://www.toolstation.com/rcd-plug/p99372
Having an RCD in your consumer unit is all well and good, as long as you test it regularly.
Having an RCD plug gives you the opportunity to test the RCD every time you use the trimmer.

littlespark · Feb 26, 2019

People keep suggesting having an RCD in circuit.
I think there is one already- owing to the fact that the OP is still here and not jiggling around on his back with a hedge trimmer in one hand and a severed flex in the other.

Andy78 · Feb 26, 2019

littlespark said:
People keep suggesting having an RCD in circuit.
I think there is one already- owing to the fact that the OP is still here and not jiggling around on his back with a hedge trimmer in one hand and a severed flex in the other.

Dunno. Seen a few cut flexes where the 3036 wire stayed intact and the human operative suffered no ill effect. One of them even picked up the flex to inspect the damage

(dopey friend of the missus)

littlespark · Feb 26, 2019

My sister in law had a shock once from a grazed lawnmower cable. Hadn’t cut right through, but copper showing.
She had finished and was looping the flex round her hand to collect it up.

I told her to buy one of those RCD plug adaptors.

GeorgeCooke · Feb 26, 2019

spinlondon said:
The connector types shown in the previous posts are not really suitable, as they easily pull apart.
You need a Flymo type connector:
B&Q 10A 2 Pin plug & socket | DIY at B&Q - https://www.diy.com/departments/b-q-10a-2-pin-plug-socket/171009_BQ.prd?utm_source=google_cpc&utm_medium=shopping&utm_campaign=PX_GSC_EPHC_+_Generic&ppc_type=shopping&ds_kids=92700041283649913&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIwr-zn4HY4AIVbRHTCh15nQzREAQYAyABEgI2F_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
Also the connector, should not be in a position in the lead where it will be dragging on the ground through wet grass.
You need to shorten the lead at the trimmer end to about 12 - 18 inches.
I would also suggest you consider purchasing an RCD plug:
RCD Plug - https://www.toolstation.com/rcd-plug/p99372
Having an RCD in your consumer unit is all well and good, as long as you test it regularly.
Having an RCD plug gives you the opportunity to test the RCD every time you use the trimmer.

Completely unnecessary if there is a RCD in the CU already. It just means you have 2 to reset when there is a fault.

Also quite often testing the RCD in the plug will trip the main RCD as well.

DefyG · Feb 26, 2019

How close to one end is it damaged? If only a few meters might be best to just make the lead a few meters shorter and 'hard wire' it in.
Alternatively one of the many 'in line' connectors readily available (IP44 minimum).

Deleted member 26818 · Feb 26, 2019

GeorgeCooke said:
Completely unnecessary if there is a RCD in the CU already. It just means you have 2 to reset when there is a fault.

Also quite often testing the RCD in the plug will trip the main RCD as well.

Yep, unnecessary, until you find the RCD in the CU has never been tested and is seized.

GeorgeCooke · Feb 26, 2019

Never found a seized one yet.

Deleted member 26818 · Feb 27, 2019

GeorgeCooke said:
Never found a seized one yet.

There’s a few here and on other forums that have found ones that won’t trip until after the test button has been pressed.

HL82 · Feb 27, 2019

Hello - OP here again.

Noticed a few questions mentioning an RCD. Yep I have one fitted and I also have another cut-off in the extension reel I use, so hopefully I am safe there.

Update - I bought one of these - https://www.screwfix.com/p/masterplug-orange-connector-2-pin/46232 - after receiving a couple of recommendations to do so (thanks again). I fitted it tonight, but I have a question. Since the two halves of this plug can be slotted together either way round - is there not a risk that I would connect live to neutral? What would happen if I connected them the wrong way round?

I marked the outside of the plug so I know which way is the right way - but still, I'm curious to know if this is potentially dangerous.

rsgaz · Feb 27, 2019

HL82 said:
What would happen if I connected them the wrong way round?

It would work as normal.

It is Alternating Current, so it's changing polarity 100 times a second anyway.

GeorgeCooke · Feb 27, 2019

If the switch in the hedge trimmer is a single pole it would end up switching the neutral. not good.

SparkyChick · Feb 28, 2019

GeorgeCooke said:
If the switch in the hedge trimmer is a single pole it would end up switching the neutral. not good.

Which presents no problem since all cables controlled by said switch are contained within the body of the device.

rsgaz · Feb 28, 2019

George, do you have a problem with C7/C8 connectors?

Deleted member 26818 · Feb 28, 2019

The problem with the connector you have used, is that they easily pull apart.
As long as it’s the female half of the plug attached to the supply lead, there should be no live exposed parts for you to touch.
Where it can be dangerous, is if the cable and the connector are lying in wet grass.
You pick up the two halves of damp cable to re-connect and get a belt.
The connector I suggested has a catch to prevent the two halves from coming apart.

w0z · Mar 2, 2019

HL82 said:
Hello - OP here again.

Noticed a few questions mentioning an RCD. Yep I have one fitted and I also have another cut-off in the extension reel I use, so hopefully I am safe there.

Update - I bought one of these - https://www.screwfix.com/p/masterplug-orange-connector-2-pin/46232 - after receiving a couple of recommendations to do so (thanks again). I fitted it tonight, but I have a question. Since the two halves of this plug can be slotted together either way round - is there not a risk that I would connect live to neutral? What would happen if I connected them the wrong way round?

I marked the outside of the plug so I know which way is the right way - but still, I'm curious to know if this is potentially dangerous.

The cut-off in the extension reel is for excessive current, and won't offer any protection against shock. The 3 pin version of what you used (not sure if you can get an orange one though) would always be correct polarity because the centre pin (unused in your case) is offset so you can only plug it in one way.