"Thin" extension cables?

Hi all electrical wizards,

I posted this question a while back - New power point fed from AirCon Isolator Switch? about putting an power point on an aircon circuit. No go.

The dills who built these units have no provision for external power. Christ I hate cheap buildings.

Annnnyyyway... I can run an extension cable out of a window, but was hoping to find the flattest one available.

Seems they aren't made*

Reason for wishing a flat one? So I can close the window in summer (40°+) and winter (-4° last night).

Other than having someone making one up using some electrical cable, does anyone know of a reseller of flat extension cables?

They must exist... running under rugs, in lounge rooms, conferences etc....

I cant find them anywhere!



* for Aust that is...e.g. of what Im after: Slimline 2241 Flat Plug Extension Cord, 3-Wire, White and Convention Center Flat Extension Cord

The 5mm or so you will save is not going to make much difference to your heating & cooling.

Better option would be to use a window insert to fill the gap, and create a hole/notch in the insert for the cable. That is non destructive (in case you are not the unit owner) and will seal the gap so you minimise any issues in heating & cooling.

What type of windows is it? For sliding windows it is super simple to make a filler, and easy to set it up so its secure. Hopper or casement windows are a bit trickier, but do-able.

If you own the unit, then you could simply drill a 10mm hole in the windows frame or the wall. Remove the plug from one end of the extension cord , feed it through & re-assemble it (to be perfectly compliant, you could get a sparky to re-join the plug)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by woodPixel

They must exist... running under rugs, in lounge rooms, conferences etc....

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I always though it was definitely not code to run extension cords under rugs?

Never seen one at conferences either - Conferences use standard round cable and a flat triangular ramp up-down with slot for round cable

They're probably not up to aussie code?

Is 4 core flat cable OK?

1.5mm 3 Core + Earth Flat TPS (Blue Airconditioning) Cable 100mtr Roll

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Originally Posted by Lappa

Is 4 core flat cable OK?

1.5mm 3 Core + Earth Flat TPS (Blue Airconditioning) Cable 100mtr Roll

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That looks like solid core; what is needed here is flex cable.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen flat flex in 3 core. I do like RossM’s suggestion to simply fit a solid spacer in the window; the only issue I can see would be with whatever window locking arrangements are currently fitted but there’s generally nothing that can’t be improvised.

Lappa, this is exactly what I was thinking.... but I'm sure the sparkies would have a fit over it.

Yes, I'm renting. Its a curse, but its one I need to live with right now. When life pulls you into a rip, its best not to fight it.

On the windows, RossM, they are bottom opening hoppers. They have a wee bit of rubber sealing extrusion around the edge, but not a lot. I really don't think they will close enough, its a bummer about the design.

I think the flat design to run under carpets must be "against code" as well, from the fact they aren't buyable. It seems odd though, for I've seen MANY cables tucked right up hard under the edges of cables along walls, especially in older Sydney houses (god some of those 40's and 50's inner city places are shitholes).

Thanks for the advice all. Such a stupid little problem that's causing me a big headache.

What about adding a thick rubber seal along the sill - window can seal against it with room for the cable.
Thick tape

Maybe a dowel above the window to prevent it being opened if you can't lock it.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by woodPixel

On the windows, RossM, they are bottom opening hoppers. They have a wee bit of rubber sealing extrusion around the edge, but not a lot. I really don't think they will close enough, its a bummer about the design.

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OK. Run a normal extension cord through the window & close it as much as possible.
Measure the gap at the side, and measure the height of the window. This will define a long, narrow triangle.
Measure the width of the window. Together with the gap, this will define a rectangle.
Go to Bunnings and buy this:
Knauf Insulation 30 x 600 x 1200mm XPS Multi-Use Foam Board
Cut out two of the triangles and the rectangle you measures above. Fit these into the sides and bottom of the window. This will allow it to remain ajar, but sealed from drafts. You could glue the pieces together, but probably not necessary.
Cut a notch in the corner of the foam to allow the cord to pass through.
(if needed, you can glue foam to get longer than 1200mm)

If you get landlord permission and have the cash, you could get a sparky to run a new powerpoint from an exiting GPO circuit. It's possible that the conduit for the a/c has room to pull another cable. Would need investigation, and may be pricey.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by RossM

If you get landlord permission and have the cash, you could get a sparky to run a new powerpoint from an exiting GPO circuit. It's possible that the conduit for the a/c has room to pull another cable. Would need investigation, and may be pricey.

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LL is very responsive to any improvements. Permission obtained. :)

Had a bloke here when we moved in (place had two dud GPOs) and he looked at it and said... "yyyeeeeaaahhh nnnaaahhhhh. It would cost a bomb mate".

I'd figured he was softening me up for a Bull$hit Number :)

Just drill a hole through the mortar between the bricks push the cable through, put the plug on. Easy to patch the mortar up when vacating. Selleys sell different colours tubes of goo to patch mortar, done ot heaps of times.

Just choose the location of the external GPO to be as close to the other side of the wall of an internal GPO. A short piece of wire, and pierce the damp proof course. Should be a half-hour job. 200 bux would be my estimate. 75 bux for half hour labour. 40 bux for GPO and cable. 50 bux for travel there and back, the extra is for being a small job.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Chief Tiff

That looks like solid core; what is needed here is flex cable.

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Looks like multi stand to me.

Attachment 475202

That 4 core flat cable looks like standard fixed installation TPS cable.