Here we will run through all the different sizes and current ratings for flat twin and earth cable. The types of gland that should be used and the clips that fit each size.
What is twin and earth cable used for ?
This cable is mainly used in houses flats and other Domestic dwellings. It should be installed in fixed installations clipped onto surfaces or installed in oval conduits if there is a risk of damage due to mechanical impact. Dry conditions are ideal for this cable but some damp will also be fine i.e. under floorboards or in garage installations.
Twin and Earth Sizes and Uses
- 1mm used for small lighting circuits
- 1.5mm used for lighting circuits
- 2.5mm 16A Radial sockets and 32A ring mains
- 4mm 32A Radial sockets
- 6mm Cooker cable
- 10mm Cooker and shower cable
- 16mm Large showers have stranded conductors
What Sizes Are Available In Twin and Earth Cable ?
1.0mm – 1.5mm – 2.5mm – 4mm – 6mm – 10mm – 16mm
1mm up to 2.5mm are solid cores, anything larger comes with stranded cores, this makes the cable easier to bend and install.
Twin and Earth Cable Ratings
| NOMINAL CROSS SECTIONAL AREA mm2 |
REFERENCE METHOD A* (IN CONDUIT IN WALL) Amps | REFERENCE METHOD C* (CLIPPED DIRECT) Amps | VOLTAGE DROP mV/A/m |
| 1mm | 11.5 Amps | 16 Amps | 44 |
| 1.5mm | 14.5 Amps | 20 Amps | 29 |
| 2.5mm | 20 Amps | 27 Amps | 18 |
| 4mm | 26 Amps | 37 Amps | 11 |
| 6mm | 32 Amps | 47 Amps | 7.3 |
| 10mm | 44 Amps | 64 Amps | 4.4 |
| 16mm | 57 Amps | 85 Amps | 2.8 |
Further Information and Technical specifications for twin and earth cable
We have a dedicated page for each size of twin and earth cable please click the links provided to the right to the cable size you need. If you feel this page is useful to a site or forum feel free to link to us.
If you would like to read in more detail on this topic, going into volt drop and calculation formulas this link should be helpful Twin And Earth & Flat Cable Technical Specifications.
Twin and Earth Cable Colours
| Twin and Earth Colour Chart | Harmonised | Old colour |
| Live Conductor | Brown | Red |
| Neutral Conductor | Blue | Black |
| Earth CPC | Green and Yellow | |
Correct Glands to be Used For Flat Twin Cable
Plastic or Metal Gland ?
The metal type is a premium compression gland constructed from Nickel Plated Brass, these glands are a great choice when terminating cables into industrial applications such as control panels, isolators consumer units etc. These glands also carry an IP66 ingress protection rating, meaning they’re resistant against strong water jets as well as being completely dust-proof.
Plastic twin and earth glands have many of the same property’s as above but have the added benefit of not corroding in damp conditions, perfect when entering plastic moulded pattresses or plastic isolators.
Why not to use normal compression glands on twin cable
There are two main reasons not to use a standard compression gland on flat twin and earth cable.
- As the cable is not round the gland will not seal around the cable and not give a water tight seal.
- the gland will deform the shape of the cable pushing the cores together inside the outer sheath.
Wiska Plastic 6mm Twin And Earth Glands
Wiska Brass 1.0mm – 1.5mm Twin And Earth Glands
Selecting the Correct Cable Clips
Since the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations there is a need for metal to be used for Cable Supports including clips and cleats, as a part of the installation. It is still permissible to use the older type plastic clips for a lot of your installation. But over doors as an example should be a metallic type that will not give way under fire conditions.
