Modern Mains Cables

Very heavy gauge singles with two layers of insulation. Typically used for connections between electricity incomer, meter, and consumer units. Common sizes include 16, 25, and 35 mm². Commonly available from distributors as colour coded lengths in pairs. Older tails may only have a single layer of insulation.  

Singles in flexible conduit as pictured on the right. Insulated single conductors (larger sizes are stranded as per T&E table above) Standard cable for use in conduit Typically used in domestic work only for main & equipotential bonding Also available in both PVC (BS 6004) and low smoke (BS 7211) versions.

Note, that cable has the earth conductor bare. When you are going to use the cable you also have to remember to put on a little earth sleeving to protect the earth and keep it seperate.Earth sleeving is a plastic non conductive tube that comes in a variety of diameters, 2 to 6 mm, to […]

Three core and earth. Has three insulated conductors and a bare earth conductor. In all other respects as T&E above. Typically used for two way lighting circuits, or other applications needing a permanent and switched live supply as well as neutral (e.g. feeding light switch activated extractor fans). Also available in both PVC (BS 6004) […]

This is the most common cable used for domestic wiring today. PVC-sheathed T&E cable Live and neutral are individually insulated, and the Circuit Protective Conductor (CPC) (aka earth) is bare There is an overall sheath of grey PVC (BS 6004), or white for low smoke compound (BS 7211) Not suitable for unprotected use outside (outer […]