Recommendation for a heavy duty extension cord

[Ericlim]

Hi

I received a Bosch Universal Aquatek 130 pressure washer as a Xmas gift. I would like to ask for a few recommendation for a heavy duty 15-20m extension cord for this pressure washer; preferable with some safety features.

Thanks

[JacobZ]

Hi @Ericlim,

With your extension lead being used with a pressure washer, the main thing you'll need to consider is water, so protecting the connection between the plugs is the most important thing.

I'd suggest this Arlec 15m Heavy Duty Extension Lead With Bonus IP44 Cord Safety Box, or a similar heavy duty extension lead with an Arlec IP44 Outdoor Safety Box.

Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob

[Ericlim]

Hi Jacob

Merry Christmas! Thanks for your prompt response. 

Does this comes with auto switch off for overheat / overload so that it would not affect the fuses at the home electric switchboard? 

Is it better to get those with reel for easier storage? 

[JacobZ]

Hi @Ericlim,

Merry Christmas to you, too. 

No, they do not come with built-in overload protections, although I wouldn't say they are 100% necessary, as electrical circuits are protected by circuit breakers at the switchboard.

If you were concerned and didn't want to rely on the circuit breaker in your switchboard, then you could always use a Click 25m Heavy Duty 4 Outlet Cable Reel which has these inbuilt protections, but I would still recommend using an IP44 cord box to protect the connection between the pressure washer and extension lead from water.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[AlanM52]

Hi @Ericlim,

I strongly recommend also purchasing this extra item.

Or this item.

The 1st one is ideal for your application and that is what I recommend.

The 2nd one is ideal for DIY out in the yard and both have RCD protection.

Note: Some of the info below is from Google AI and some from myself and... I never commit plagiarism.

Domestic Switchboard AKA Meter Box:

An RCD (Residual Current Device) protects people from electric shock by detecting earth leakage (current going where it shouldn't), while an MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker) protects wiring/equipment from fires by preventing overcurrent's (overloads and short circuits). They perform different jobs: RCDs (30mA for people) for shock, MCBs (Amps) for overcurrent, but both are essential for a complete, safe electrical system, often used together, or combined in an RCBO.

Maybe it's because I have both electrical and electronics engineering degrees and also a trade qualification (not sparky) that I feel compelled to promote electrical safety. When using your Xmas gift it's important to understand what type protection is behind that power point you plug into (as above) or simply play safe and get one of those RCD's I first mentioned.

Cheers

[Ericlim]

Hi AlanM52

Thanks for your suggestion. Just 1 query

1. Instead of the 1.8m arlec, epyld the arlec 15m (see attachment)

 would this do so that I do not need to buy the other recommendation in earlier response? I needed a longer extension than 1.8m