Whether you’re clipping horses, sheep, or cattle, a reliable clipper is a vital piece of kit. Mains powered clippers are often the go-to choice for tackling heavy duty jobs, thanks to their steady and reliable power source throughout use. But while they offer fantastic performance, they do need a bit of extra TLC to stay in top condition.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through some simple but essential care tips of the clipper cable to keep your mains powered clipper working safely and effectively.
The Benefits of Constant Power
- Unlike battery powered clippers, mains powered clippers offer unlimited clipping time with immediate power taking away the hassle of pre-charging batteries beforehand.
- They are the best choice of clipper for tackling very coarse coats. Mains clippers tend to have a higher torque, which can handle dense or matted or dirty hair more efficiently.
- The constant power supply allows for them to be useful for longer clipping sessions, ideal for clipping livestock back-to-back such as shearing large flocks of sheep, clipping store cattle or for maintaining a large yard of horses.
- Mains powered clippers are also more cost-fffective in the long term as there's no need to replace worn batteries, which can degrade over time.
Care of the Clipper Cable
With such intensive use, it’s important to take the time before and after each clip to check over the clipper and the power cable for signs of wear or damage. Splits in the cable that go through to the electrical wires pose a safety risk. At the first sign of damage, send your clippers to our dedicated workshop team who can properly investigate the damage and replace the cable if needed.
At Masterclip, we carry all spare parts for our clipper models for repairs to be carried out swiftly in-house. Regular clipper servicing, once a year will also ensure that your clipper is fully safety tested and thoroughly checked over for any potential issues to ensure they are always working optimally.
Watch our YouTube video guide to clipper cable care below.
Essential Checks for Mains Powered Clippers
Before and after each use, it's important to check your clipper's power cable to ensure it's in safe working condition. Regular inspections and careful handling will help extend the life of your clippers and keep them running safely.
- Clean the cable after each use with a dry cloth to remove dirt and debris, which can hide signs of damage. You can see how to do this in our YouTube clipper care guide .
- Inspect the connection points – check where the cable joins the clipper handset and the plug. These should be securely fitted, with no internal wires visible.
- Examine the entire length of the cable for kinks, splits in the outer casing, worn patches, or exposed wires.
- Avoid water and wet surfaces – never let the cable come into contact with water or urine-soaked flooring.
- If a horse stands on the cable, even if there’s no visible damage, we recommend sending the clipper to our workshop for PAT testing and cable replacement, as internal damage may not be visible.
- Store the cable loosely – avoid wrapping it tightly or bending it sharply, as this can cause strain and lead to internal wear over time.
- If the clipper stutters or cuts out stop using it immediately. This may indicate hidden cable damage. Please contact us to arrange a repair.
Why You Should Always Use an RCD When Clipping
Safety should always be a top priority when using electric clippers, especially around animals. One simple yet highly effective way to reduce the risk of electric shock is by using a Residual Current Device (RCD).
An RCD is a safety device that automatically cuts off the electricity supply if it detects a fault – such as a sudden surge or electricity flowing through an unintended path (like through a person or wet surface). This rapid response can be lifesaving, preventing serious electric shocks and reducing the risk of electrical fires.
When clipping horses, dogs or livestock, you're often working in environments where moisture, dust, or movement could compromise the safety of the equipment. For example:
- Animals might accidentally step on or chew the cable.
- Cables could become damaged or frayed over time.
- Outdoor clipping can expose cables to wet or damp conditions.
Using an RCD adds an essential layer of protection, giving you peace of mind while you work. The adaptor fits easily between your clippers and the power socket – a small, affordable investment that can make a big difference to your safety and that of your animal.
If there is an increased risk that a fidgety or horse may stand on the cable, consider using a cordless clipper instead.
Electrical Safety When Clipping
Taking a few extra minutes before and after each clipping session to inspect and care for your mains powered clipper can make all the difference.
Taking a few extra minutes before and after each clipping session to inspect and care for your mains powered clipper can make all the difference. Not only will it help to prolong the life of your equipment, but it also ensures a safer clipping experience for both you and your animals.
If in doubt, our friendly workshop team is here to help – from spare parts to professional repairs and annual servicing. A little maintenance goes a long way!