10amp cable 13amp plug... Ask questions and find answers to many subjects relating to electrics and electrical work

[nowdue]

is it safe to attach a 13amp plug and 13amp double socket to either end of a 3 core 10amp cable to make a short (5m) extension lead?

[ericmark]

With a 10 amp fuse in the plug yes but what is 10 amp cable? I will assume 1mm²? Where you can be certain the right fuse is always used but is it so hard to use 1.25mm² ratted at 13 amp?

[nowdue]

thanks for the reply. the cable in question is from sparkpak - CP26 / 1.0 3183Y / 10 AMP / ROUND FLEXIBLE CABLE / 3 CORE.

that's all it says on the label. bought it because the assistant at the local DIY store said it would be ok for a table lamp which is what i need the extension for. only later realised there was an incompatability between ampages of cable and plug / twin sockets...

[ericmark]

Although it is under the maximum rating as long as you fuse to correct size I would not really worry. There are loads of pre-made extension leads only rated at 5 amp so the only difference between yours and theirs is sticker saying 5 amp.