SWA Cable on campsite fence

[Thunderpants]

Removed a rotting picket type fence on our campsite which supported 4 electrical 10 amp hook ups and replaced with new fence. As the new fence has different post spacings the previously installed SWA cable is either to long or worse to short. As the cable is above ground and running along the fence does this cable really need to be SWA cable or can it be non armored which of course is cheaper and easier to work with.

 

[littlespark]

Ideally, the cable should be buried, seperate from the fence so the fence can be changed without affecting the cables....
However, i know some small caravan sites are simply set up on rented ground, and digging up trenches arent an option..

The cable does have to be armoured, or protected in someway, and believe it or not, SWA is the cheapest option.
It can be jointed fairly successfully, if too short... but replacement is a better option. Some lengths can be recycled for shorter routes if needed.

Caravan parks come under "special locations" in the regulations.... so it might be worth researching what that entails.

 

[Thunderpants]

Thank you for the advise, would you happen to know where exactly the regulation concerning the use of SWA cable above ground on campsites?

 

[James]

Thank you for the advise, would you happen to know where exactly the regulation concerning the use of SWA cable above ground on campsites?

read section 708, 521, 522
for starters.

 

[Tom256]

Caravan parks are listed as a special location in BS 7671. One of the reasons for a lisitng in section 7 is the regulations within can modifiy regulations from within the main body of 7671. This is normally because of factors that require additional consideration at the design stage of the installation.

The additional considerations within a caravan park are certainly that they are outdoors, people including children can come into contact whilst outdoors and people may additionally be bare foot in wet conditions lowering body resistance.
It is a 'shall' requirement that equipment installed within a caravan park shall be protected against mechanical damge of IK08. I would struggle to argue this cannot be applied to surface mount cables readily accessible. Regulation 708.512.2.1.3 refers. This is just one consideration.

Cables on a fenceline are likely to be subject to grass growth and the subsequent maintenance of the grounds. This [if so] could see the use of strimmers in that location and as such cables to be used must be suitable protected. This protection must be provided set against the damage that could result from contact.
I take it there was a reason why the original design required SWA and this may be but one factor, it would require reasons to replace with a cable offering lesser protection. The over-riding factor can not be that a cheaper cable is well... cheaper.

Picket fences are hardly robust structures and the designer - I take that will be the OP's name on the certification - must take such into consideration.
This is offered for just a few considerations. The Electricity At Work Requirements apply let's not forget that factor also.