[ftp]

Are you using your vac (230v) in the rain? I know Kev R does fom his covered generator. I have some jobs lined up but the weather is not looking good. I could easily make a clip on cover for my generator but still don't feel safe operating electrical equipment in the rain.

[matt]

240 in the rain is dodgy to say the least

[Captain Scarlet]

cover over plugs with tough plastic bags, and buy a trip switch for any extension cables. Wear electrical gloves if you are really scared

66.102.9.132/search?q=cache:CTSN5m3DVNkJ:www.directa.co.uk/site/scripts/product_browse.php%3Fproduct_id%3D13135+electrical+gloves&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=7&gl=uk

[RSWindows]

It is against the law to use anything other than 110v outside.

[matt]

so we have gone safer with ditching ladders, good move

now people are advising to use 240 in the rain  : : :

just dont do it

[Glyn H]

It is against the law to use anything other than 110v outside

This is statement is simply not true, what about commercial use of pressure washers, steam cleaners, gardening equipment etc.?

[dmlservices]

personally i think you have got to be stark raving bonkers to use 240 volt out side in the rain,

as matt says it makes a mockery of ditching ladders to take the safer route 


daz

[Elginn]

Glyn H is correct.

But to be safe you must always check with local bye-laws, H&S, and IE regulations, these regulations are constantly up-dated and I'll give you and example.

If I was to ask you if you were allowed to install a socket out-let into a bathroom, you would all come on here shouting NO, you can't do that its illegal, well guess what?

You would all be wrong?, I just bought my new updated copy,  know as IEE Regulations 17th edition at a cost of £65 and it clearly states the new changes from the 16th edition and installing a socket into a bathroom is now legal BUT you must follow the guidelines set out in the 17th edition.

Using 240v outside is not illegal on building sites it is also NOT illegal but building sites took the lead in following H&S guide lines regarding the use of 240v against 110v, more people were killed on building sites through the use of 240v, there have been no reported deaths since the introduction of 110v on building sites.

If you are going to use 240v outside then use the proper equipment and not bodged up diy electrics or make do's, you can't smell electric, you can't see it, but IT BITES hard and if your wet the resistance in your body is lowered to an extent that if there is a fault in your leads and improper gear, then the chance's are your DEAD.

[dmlservices]

all that may be correct , but i still think you are mad to use it in the rain,

which is what this topic is about


daz

[Mr H]

Are you using your vac (230v) in the rain? I know Kev R does fom his covered generator. I have some jobs lined up but the weather is not looking good. I could easily make a clip on cover for my generator but still don't feel safe operating electrical equipment in the rain.

If you don't feel safe then don't do it..... I personally don't vac in the wet. Not because I think I might get electricuted but because I don't want to damage my equipment. The vac may well me a wet and dry one but the wet thats sucked in doesn't go near the actual electrics. I use trip switches and cables suitable for the job in case of a sudden downpour but I don't work if it is actually raining.

Regards
Mr H

[ftp]

I've got the proper cables and connectors but decided not to attempt it. Live to fight another day. Bloody weather. 

[RSWindows]

i would assume that if it were highlighted to SAFE Contractor that u used 240v externally you would not be granted approval to the scheme.

I never use 240v outside when representing my company, i do however use 240v mains supply for external household tasks.

The reason i quoted the word "illegal" is that my many dealings with estates surveyors and facilities managers it seems to be an across the board......BIG, NO NO!


Even if it is not yet law that the use of 240v for outside work is prohibbited i still would not take the risk. Im sure most of us have kids that we go home to and want to keep it that way and so as to keep on topic i would NOT contemplate using 240v supply externally either in summer conditions or winter.

[ftp]

What do you cut your grass with or wash the car - do you have a jet wash?

[matt]

ref the building sites

when i was still a carpenter on sites, you COULD NOT use 240, it was all 110, thus i have TWO lots of power tools in the garage, a 110 lot for site work, and a 240 set for in people homes ( i owned the 240 lot before the reg's / rules came in )

working with 240 in the rain is just plain dangerous, you might not have anything happen in 20 years, but you might tomorrow, and 240 is very unforgiving

[RSWindows]

What do you cut your grass with or wash the car - do you have a jet wash?

Yes i do.....why?

If you are going to refer to that being 240v then read my post above i clearly stated i DO use 240v for household tasks such as lawnmower etc.

I have a petrol generator and petrol pressure washer for company work.

[Jimmy1]

Ive just bought 240v omnivac, but as I intend to do mostly houses I did not go for a generator as people are quite happy for me to plug into their mains and if I cover the extension cable with thick plactic bag or similar - would I still be unsafe?

[RSWindows]

in wet conditions?  i would say so, yeah.

in dry conditions? not necasserily.

if it is domestic work you do then i doubt many home owners will care what ur doing as long as you clean their gutters but larger scale sites whom are controlled by estate surveyors and or facilities managers then if they see you they will kick up a fuss.

this is all my opinions and findings, nothing i say should be taken as gospel, but just be carefull, dont put your or anyone elses safety at risk for a sum of money

[Kevin R]

I amazed at some of the idiotic posts on here - if you don't know the facts don't scare monger!!!!!

240v is not illegal - is safe to use if your equipment is in good condition and fit for purpose. Personally I turn off my generator before I go moving cables etc etc. (and by the way a generator is much safer than using an electrical socket or supply you know nothing about).

I am a member of Safe Contractor and all my risk assessments etc were passed. I use it and have used it is the pouring rain with no problems. What is it with Window cleaners and not working in the rain? - how do you make a living? Mind you with all the DIY nonsense I don't think many of you do! LOL

Like I said - if you don't know the facts - I suggest you shut up and leave it to those who do 

[Chris Galloway]

well after posts by Kev R previously, i decided to go down the route of using arctic cable for rating and use splash proof blue standard rated plugs and sockets,  - you know the ones.. im not technically gifted on this bit. (not just on the extensions but on all appliances such as my vac and my domestic pressure washer just for home use!)..

Its a common sense approach to turn off any power before you disconnect something (sockets etc) even indoors!

Obviously where you can, cover things up, or put them in splash proof housings the better you will be. But if it can wait for another day, then of course its safer to do that.

[ftp]

So, if you buy an Omnivac, the company can recommend operating their product in a downpour? It's perfectly safe to do so and they will back you all the way?
My generator has stickers on it telling me not to get it wet so that would need to be protected. I've been brought up not to touch anything electrical when water is about. So that's why i'm asking.