Single Core Cable
Single core cable has one insulated conductor and is used for wiring inside conduit and trunking, for protective earth and bonding conductors, and, in double-insulated form, for meter tails. We stock 6491B LSZH single core in brown, blue, black and green/yellow on 100m coils and 500m drums, 6491X earth cable, and 6181Y double insulated tails cable in 1.5mm and 16mm.
Single PVC/PVC 1.5mm brown and blue with earth (6192Y) is also available. Trade buyers get trade pricing, and in-stock cable ordered by 5pm on a weekday is delivered next working day in NI and ROI.
How to choose the right single core cable
Single core cable comes in a few distinct constructions, and each is meant for a specific installation method. Picking the right code is the quickest way to stay compliant.
Common types and codes
- 6491B (LSZH) – single-insulated cable for use inside conduit or trunking, with low smoke zero halogen insulation. Available in brown, blue, black and green/yellow.
- 6491X – PVC-insulated single core, commonly green/yellow for earthing and bonding conductors.
- 6181Y – double insulated (insulated and sheathed) cable, used for meter tails between the meter and consumer unit.
- 6192Y – single core and earth, used for some switch and lighting circuits.
Installation method matters
Single-insulated cable such as 6491B and 6491X must be enclosed in conduit or trunking, or within an enclosure, unless it is used as a protective conductor in line with the regulations. It should not be clipped direct to a surface. Double-insulated 6181Y has an outer sheath, giving the extra protection needed for exposed meter tails. Choose PVC or galvanised containment from our plastic conduit or steel conduit ranges, and check cable capacity using the cable and conduit factors in published guidance.
Sizing and colour coding
Size conductors for design current, grouping and voltage drop, and size earthing and bonding conductors to the requirements of current wiring regulations (BS 7671). Use brown for line, blue for neutral and green/yellow only for protective conductors; on three-phase circuits use brown, black and grey for the lines. Meter tail sizes are usually set by the supply arrangement, so check with the network operator.
Terminating single core cable
For larger sizes, crimp suitable crimp connectors or lugs, and use earth clamps and terminals rated for the conductor size when bonding pipework. See also our earthing range.
Meteor Electrical keeps a large stock of single core cable in Cookstown, with 100+ trade brands in total. Delivery is free over £30 / €35 ex VAT, or call 028 8675 1515 for trade advice.
FAQ's
- What is Single Core Cable
- Where can I install single core cable?
- What are Single Core Cable used for?
- How to connect a Single Core Cable?
- What Single Core Cables do you stock?
- What sizes of Single Core Cables do you stock?
- Can 6491B single core cable be clipped direct to a wall?
- What size meter tails do I need?
- Can I use black single core cable for a neutral?