What is Twin and Earth Cable?
Twin and earth cables are the most common wiring for domestic cable management. They consist of two insulated conductors and one un-insulated circuit-protection conductor, known as Earth. The outer sheathing is made from high-quality polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or low smoke zero halogen (LSZH) material. These cables are BASEC approved, ensuring they meet safety and quality standards.
Common Uses for T&E Cables
Also known as T&E, these cables have a flat profile suitable for various fixed wiring tasks. They are ideal for powering sockets, switches, light fixtures, and alarm systems in homes, offices, and industrial buildings. T&E cables can be installed in dry or damp environments, clipped to surfaces, mounted on trays, or suspended.
Outdoor Suitability of Twin and Earh Cables
Many people wonder if T&E cables can work outdoors. Unfortunately, they do not suit external because their sheathing lacks UV protection. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight will cause the cables to deteriorate, requiring frequent replacement.
PVC vs LSZH Outer Sheathing
T&E cables feature either PVC or LSZH outer sheathing, each offering distinct properties and uses.
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) sheathing: PVC sheathing provides a smooth, flexible, and durable outer layer for cables, known for its resistance to oxidation. It has high tensile strength, making it suitable for various applications including wall sockets and horizontal runs. PVC cables frequently serve general purposes, domestic wiring, and other technological applications. In the event of a fire, PVC sheathing can release heavy smoke and hydrogen chloride gas, harmful health and electronics. PVC cables are typically identifiable by their grey outer sheathing.
LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) Sheathing: LSZH sheathing is flame-retardant and safer in fires, emitting no harmful gases. It produces less smoke than PVC, reducing risks to human health and sensitive electronics in the event of a fire. People commonly use LSZH cables in high-risk environments like ships, mass transit systems, central office facilities, and telecommunications. They are also resistant to humidity and chemical agents. However, LSZH cables have limited elasticity and are not ideal for applications involving continuous bending.
2.5mm Twin and Earth Cable
- Non-stranded, solid core conductors
- Mainly used as indoor domestic and office cables e.g., for circuits that provide power to sockets.
- Two cores: Brown-Live and Blue-Neutral + Earth core covered with identifying green and yellow sleeve when installed.
2.5mm T&E PVC cable
We offer a PVC insulated 2.5mm twin & earth cable which has solid (non-stranded) conductors consisting of two cores – Neutral (blue), Live (brown) – and an Earth core that must be covered with an identifying green and yellow sleeve for installation. In domestic circuits that provide power to sockets, the 2.5mm twin & earth cable is the ideal cabling solution for the job.
This cable commonly serves 32A current-rated main circuits, and its current-carrying capacity depends on the installation method (whether in conduit walls or clipped directly).
2.5mm T&E LSZH cable
The 2.5mm 2 Core Flat Insulated Twin & Earth LSZH Cable has a 1.5mm² cross-sectional area. As it comes with a low smoke halogen zero sheathing insulation, it is ideal for installation in premises where there is a high risk of fire and a lot of people. This is because of its fire-retardant quality’s, release minimal fumes, toxic or corrosive gas emissions in the event of a fire. Furthermore, it offers good humidity and chemical agent resistance for enhanced safety of use.
It has BASEC approval and is ideal for 32A ring mains and 16A current-rated radial socket circuits in indoor residential house wiring and office applications.
6mm Twin and Earth Cable
- Stranded conductors
- Typically used for supplying internal power to appliances such as electric showers, domestic cookers and induction hobs
- Brown (LIVE) and blue (Neutral) conductor cores with a bare earth, all protected by a durable PVC or LSZH sheathing/insulation.
6mm T&E PVC cable
We stock the 6mm twin & earth cable with a rigid PVC insulation sheathing and a 2.5mm² cross sectional area in a 100m drum. The cable consists of a brown, blue and Earth core and has a flat profile for ease of use especially in plastering. In addition, the PVC material offers incredible tensile strength, oil and water resistance which makes it ideal for installation in dry or damp premises on walls, trays, or even in channels for domestic installations. It typically serves domestic cooker and shower circuits, handling a 40A current rating that the 6mm twin and earth cable can safely carry for these installations.
6mm T&E LSZH cable
We also offer the 6mm twin & earth cable with low smoke zero halogen (LSZH) insulating outer sheathing, which is BASEC approved and ideal for commercial wiring.
It is also flat making for a tangle free, easy to organise cabling applications.
In areas where there is a higher risk of fire and several people in the building, the 6mm 2 Core Flat Insulated Twin & Earth LSZH Cable is the ideal cable management tool. This is because of its incredible flame-retardant capabilities whereby, in the event of a fire, it emits very little fumes or toxic and corrosive gas emissions, making it safe for humans as well as any nearby appliances.
Additionally, for enhanced safety of use, it has amazing resistance to chemical agents and humidity, making for a durable, long lasting cable.
Overall, it comes in a 100m drum which is consistent with the varying diameter sized twin and earth cables we offer here at Go Sparky.
10mm Twin and Earth Cable
- Often used for shower installations and cooking circuits
- Stranded conductors
- Brown (LIVE) and Blue (Neutral) conductor cores with a bare earth. Protected by either PVC or LSZH sheathing.
10mm T&E PVC cable
If you are looking for 10mm twin & earth cable with a PVC sheathing, look no further as we stock it here at GoSparky! It is perfect for internal use and can be used in a wide range of household fittings (electric showers & cooker hobs etc.).
Due to the flat build of this cable it offers the ability for a snug fit when installing, as nobody wants messy cabling.
10mm T&E LSZH cable
Also in stock here at GoSparky is 10mm twin & earth cable with a LSZH jacket, a brilliant option for use in the workplace. This is due to the low smoke zero halogen emissions in case of a fire, protecting both human life and other electrical devices.
The cable is flat making installation a hassle-free experience without the worry of tangled cables, allowing you to organise your wiring neatly.
In conclusion, twin and earth cable is understandably a popular choice for electrical contractors, offering versatility in sizing and installation applications. Also, with options for either PVC or LSZH insulating sheathing, it makes for a fantastic cabling solution. If you’re looking for external cable solutions we don’t recommend these cables. However, we do offer a wide range of cables here at GoSparky to cater to your needs.