Fixed wiring cable, such as twin and earth or NYM-J, has solid or few-stranded conductors and is installed permanently in walls, ceilings and containment. Flexible cable has many fine strands so it can bend repeatedly, making it suitable for appliance leads, pendants and portable equipment. Each should only be used for the purpose its manufacturer specifies.

Cable size is chosen from the circuit's design current, the protective device rating, the installation method, grouping, ambient temperature and voltage drop over the run length. Use the current-carrying tables in current wiring regulations (BS 7671) or the manufacturer's data, and get a qualified electrician to design anything beyond simple like-for-like replacement.

LSF stands for low smoke and fume, and LSZH for low smoke zero halogen. Both describe sheathing that gives off less dense smoke and fewer harmful gases than standard PVC when burned. They are often specified for escape routes, public buildings and enclosed spaces; check the project specification for which is required.

Buried supplies are commonly run in steel wire armoured (SWA) cable, which provides mechanical protection and an earth path through the armour. Depth, route marking and any additional ducting should follow current wiring regulations and site requirements. Size the cable for load and run length, and use suitable glands at each end.

Yes, several lines are sold as metre cuttings, including some twin and earth, single core, NYY-J and SWA sizes. Others are supplied on 100m coils, 305m boxes or larger drums. The product title shows how each item is sold, so you can match the quantity to the job.

Yes. Order in-stock cable by 5pm Monday to Friday and it will be delivered the next working day across both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, using our own vans and DPD. Orders over €35 ex VAT ship free, and England, Scotland and Wales deliveries take 3–5 working days.

It depends on the appliance rating, the circuit length, the installation method and the protective device. Cookers commonly use 6mm² or 10mm² twin and earth, and electric showers often need 10mm² or larger, but these are only typical figures. The cable must be sized by calculation to current wiring regulations, so have a competent electrician confirm it.

6242Y is standard PVC-sheathed twin and earth cable used in most domestic wiring. 6242B is the low smoke, halogen-free (LSF or LSZH) version, which gives off less smoke and toxic gas if it burns. LSF cable is often specified for escape routes, public buildings and commercial projects. Both are used for fixed wiring of lighting and socket circuits.

Standard twin and earth is designed for indoor fixed wiring and is not suitable for burying or long-term outdoor exposure. For outdoor and underground supplies, steel wire armoured (SWA) cable is the usual choice, terminated with the correct glands. Where a short outdoor run is protected, such as inside conduit, check that the cable and installation method meet current wiring regulations.

Cat6 cable supports higher bandwidth and is better at reducing interference than Cat5e, making it a common choice for new installations and faster networks. Cat5e is still widely used for standard home and office connections. Both use the same RJ45 connectors, but the whole link, including patch panels and outlets, should match the cable category.