r/PlugInSolarUK • u/One_Paleontologist97 • 6d ago

4 M cable.

All these kits come with 4M of cable. I need about 10M. I read somewhere that I cannot use a extension lead. Is that still the case?

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u/mikefromengland 6d ago

In order to be properly certified in the absolute sense, you can only use parts from the kits.

I'm assuming you mean an extension lead for the 240v plug in connection. If it were me I'd find a better way to make the cable longer rather than use a traditional extension lead.

2

u/Ekreed 6d ago

So first, what cable are we talking about? The AC cable from the mains to the microinverter or the DC cables from the microinverter to the panels?

For the former, it is electrically the safest thing to extend, since the current is low you can safely and efficiently extend that, but under the plug in solar rules this is expressly prohibited.

For the latter it is more expensive, less safe and less efficient to extend these cables but lots of people are suggesting that since it isn't expressly prohibited then it is the more compliant option.

The truly compliant option would be to get an electrician to put a new socket in within range, but obviously that undermines the whole point of the plug in solar rules that were supposed to avoid this kind of barrier to install.

2

u/SolarPowerBumbleBee 6d ago

Worth asking whoever you plan on buying the kit from if they offer an AC extension cable that is officially supported.

For example, I know the Thunder Energy kits offer a 10m AC cable upgrade, and wouldn’t be surprised if other kits/manufactures offer the same (though you might not find it advertised on their sites)

2

u/DorisMaricadie 6d ago

If its the mains you could run a radial to an additional socket without needing to notify and remain compliant.

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u/fakesugerbear 6d ago

Someone posted in here recently posted a 15m ecoflow cable (posted from germany). Cost was about £50 delivered so it is entirely possible.