Self-amalgamating t...
 

  You don't need to be an 'investor' to invest in Singletrack: 6 days left: 95% of target - Find out more

[Closed] Self-amalgamating tape to repair electrical cable?

11 Posts
11 Users
0 Reactions
267 Views
Posts: 1109
Full Member
Topic starter
 

Have an electric hedge trimmer with a flex that someone managed to cut through (not me guv).  Is it safe to repair using SA tape or do I have to use insulation tape?  Ta


 
Posted : 04/05/2018 7:32 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

I would just shorten it and re-terminate the flex. Bit of a pain but better than doing the strip, twist & tape bodge


 
Posted : 04/05/2018 7:38 pm
Posts: 7433
Free Member
 

I've done the twist and tape method plenty but always use a bit of solder to hold the wires together and would also normally tie a knot in the cables to prevent the joint taking any tension. Actually I can't remember doing it on mains 240V systems but won't swear I haven't ever...

I like self-amalgamating tape, looks like it does a better seal for outdoor use than insulating tape will achieve.


 
Posted : 04/05/2018 8:19 pm
Posts: 3412
Free Member
 

When this happened to my hedge trimmer I used a screwed scotchblock to reconnect the cables and then wrapped the whole lot in self-amalgamating tape, and then in black and yellow warning tape, it's been good ever since, and no-one else has cut through it...


 
Posted : 04/05/2018 8:29 pm
Posts: 2661
Free Member
 

Inline crimp connectors and self almagamating tape, do each core individually then a couple of wraps over the pair.


 
Posted : 04/05/2018 8:32 pm
Posts: 21461
Full Member
 

Heat shrink is also useful in situations like this. You can use a bit on each core, and then over the whole repair.


 
Posted : 04/05/2018 8:37 pm
Posts: 1109
Full Member
Topic starter
 

All sound advice, ta chaps.  Can see the crimping part being fiddly and too bodgy with me at the helm so I'll get a pack of splicelines from Screwfix tomo morning and SA tape over them.  Ta.


 
Posted : 04/05/2018 8:58 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

Would be more inclined to replace the flex, but a inline connecter al la  https://www.screwfix.com/p/teetube-ip68-3-pole-in-line-cable-joint/92911                                                Would be ideal, it’s IP67, completely waterproof! Always good if the flex is running across grass or your driveway. They are a bit of a faf to connect but it’s not complicated. Just make sure your slide the components on too each side of the cable before you make the connection.


 
Posted : 04/05/2018 9:40 pm
Posts: 1428
Full Member
 

I used on of These last time someone (ahem!)  cut the cable on my hedge trimmer.


 
Posted : 04/05/2018 10:41 pm
Posts: 6071
Free Member
 

You really want something with a proper cable clamp, think wago box or (better) inline plug/socket (plug end on the hedge trimmer). Pull too hard and tape won't hold, exposing live cable


 
Posted : 05/05/2018 6:45 am
Posts: 97
Full Member
 

Crimp, heat shrink & self amalgam.

Me, I’d just replace the cord.


 
Posted : 05/05/2018 6:48 am
Posts: 33325
Full Member
 

Considering just how cheap cable is from somewhere like Wilco, and having had a trimmer cable cut through three times, and fixed once with a Scotch-block and electricians insulating tape, I’d just replace the cable every time, it’s not much more phaff opening up the trimmer to replace the cable than it is using any of the other bodges suggested.

And yes, I have managed to cut through the sodding cable twice! And that was despite looping the cable over my shoulder, supposedly out of the way.


 
Posted : 05/05/2018 9:09 pm

6 DAYS LEFT
We are currently at 95% of our target!