How far can you run an electricity extension cable?

[alayte]

We need to provide power to a marquee for our wedding reception and are wondering if it would be possible to run a cable from our house to the marquee which will be 100 yards or so away.
If anyone can advise we'd be very grateful thank you.

[scotman]

Are you meaning one of the extensions you can buy in shops? These are usually much less than 100 yards long. If you are intending to have one made up specially then it depends on how much current you will be drawing and the quality of the cables used etc.

[theprof]

It depends on the current demand. In general, it shouldn't be a problem but you need to give us some idea of the loading at the marquee. What exactly are you powering at the marquee? There are specific methods of calculating the voltage drop etc as per the 17th edition wiring regulations but it would be helpful to have some figures.

[alayte]

We were thinking we would have to hire someone to set it up for us, but just wondered if it would be possible as it would be cleaner and quieter than a generator. No idea where to start really.

[alayte]

The chap who is providing the marquee said the 4 sets of lights would take 200watts each. And the band said they would only need 8 amps.

[scotman]

Personally I would go for hiring a generator. Modern ones are virtually silent. You should be able to hear one running at any reasonable hire shop to check the noise. If you run a cable you will also have costs ensuring that it does not get damaged and create danger to people.

[alayte]

Sorry that probably wasn't very clear - we will only need power for the lighting the PA for the band, nothing else at all.

[alayte]

Thanks scotman, we were originally thinking of a generator, but when I went online to try and work out what size we need I got blinded with science and a lot of people seemed to be saying that the noise would be a huge problem.
I have posted another question re how to calculate what size of generator!

[alayte]

Thanks everyone, general consensus seems to be that a generator is the way to go - at least I have a starting point now!

[scotman]

I believe Honda generators are one of the better makes around

http://www.showhire.c...uipment_generator.php

[wildwood]

You'll need a generator that can produce at least 2.8kw but more is preferred.

Please, please, please, don't make up a 100yard long extension cord yourself or use multiple ext.cords.

[qapmoc]

If you go with the generator just be careful that the output is RCD protected at 30mA and the Earth terminal is connected to the Neutral terminal and grounded to a local earth spike. This will be especially relevant if the Marquee has a metal frame with the lights attached to it.

Regards