How to repair pond pump cable?

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PaulUszak

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I'm in the happy position of having to connect together two halves of a pond pump's electricity cable. It got cut. Some details:-

  • Otter 3000 pump.
  • The cable is the standard factory fitted 3 core 0.75mm² rubber cable.
  • The cable measures approximately 7mm in diameter.
  • It's not armoured.
  • The connection will be outdoors, but not under water.
  • The loose end (indoors) is plugged into a RCD protected 13A socket.
What options do I have to make the connection safely, please? I thought of twisting the cores together and wrapping it all in restaurant quality cling film.
 
Do you have confidence in these? I'm worried that even though it's rated IP68 and 5 bar, the cable size is at the small end - min 0.75mm 3 core. It won't be under water, but will the connector work safely on the very smallest cable size?
 
I'd replace the whole cable. Electrical cable is not expensive and a complete cable (of the right type) is going to be completely waterproof.
 
PaulUszak said:
The cable is factory fitted to the impeller motor. I can't remove it. The only way to replace the cable is to replace the pump :(
Click to expand...
Yes, that's a good point. A new pump would be expensive, so a cable joint as recommended on here would save you a bob or two.
 
PaulUszak said:
Do you have confidence in these? I'm worried that even though it's rated IP68 and 5 bar, the cable size is at the small end - min 0.75mm 3 core. It won't be under water, but will the connector work safely on the very smallest cable size?
Click to expand...

They're not perfect, there is no perfect solution if the whole cable can't be replaced, but they are adequate provided you ensure the joint doesn't end up lying in a puddle for a long period. If that occurs, the joint will eventually suck in water as the air pressure inside it changes with temperature.
 
PaulUszak said:
Do you have confidence in these? I'm worried that even though it's rated IP68 and 5 bar, the cable size is at the small end - min 0.75mm 3 core. It won't be under water, but will the connector work safely on the very smallest cable size?
Click to expand...
I have used these on some pvc 0.75 2 core cable and I found them to be quite secure, this is going on 0.75 rubber which will be a bit thicker and should work well. There is not much in the way of mechanical strength as it is only stuffing glands
I'd actually come up with the same link to post here but Robin beat me to it.
 
For complete security you can connect the end then use one of those potting boxes that you fill with epoxy. They use those for cables in the road etc.
 
PaulUszak said:
Yes I've seen those used. Are you suggesting that I can get a smaller version for a garden? The ones in the roadside are ~500mm long and probably cost quite a bit... Do you happen to have a source?
Click to expand...
You only need an old tupperware box and a tin of resin.
 
I could Google, but if it was me I'd probably just use whatever I could get hold of. The mould sn't important it's the fact that the joint is surrounded by the compound. Even one of those tiny Ice cream pots would do.
 
If you can make a gas and water tight joint with adequate insulation resistance using only those ingredients you're doing well:LOL:
 
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