Installing lighting can be daunting, especially if you don’t know which lighting cable size is most suitable for your needs. This is where Vision Lighting comes in.
In this guide, we will cover everything that you need to know to better understand lighting cable sizes in order to determine which type of cable you need for your lighting installations.
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Types of Lighting Cables
Cables can come in a variety of lengths, thicknesses, materials, and purposes. In particular, an electrical installation will require a specific type of cable as these cables are designed to safely carry a certain amount of amps.
This also means that a cable for a microwave, for instance, is not the same type of cable that you would need for an LED ceiling light. As a result, it’s important that you understand the different types of cable sizes and which lighting cable size you need for your particular project.
Why Are There Different-Sized Cables?
Different-sized cables exist because each cable has its own specific purpose. The more amount of electrical power needed, the larger the cable will likely need to be. This is because there’s a significant amount of current flowing through the cable so the cable needs to be designed with a capacity to withstand it.
PRO TIP: British and European standards for lights deem that lighting cables must be at least 0.75mm - anything under this does not meet legal requirements.
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Recommended Cable Size for Lights
As previously stated, the lighting cable size that you will need depends on its intended application. So, when it comes to lighting, you’ll find that there are different recommended cable sizes.
For Domestic Use
For lighting within your house, this will usually require a triad of cables that consist of 1 earth and 2 core/twin cables (brown (live), blue (neutral)). In some cases, you might find a combination of 3 cores (brown, black, grey) and 1 earth.
The cores are all insulated with a PVC outer sleeve, in the colours noted above.
Behind sockets, 2.5mm cabling is typically used. However, the most common lighting cable size in a domestic setting is 1mm or 1.5mm.
PRO TIP: If the earth core comes bare, you must cover it with an insulation sleeve (green and yellow) when you install it for safety reasons.
For Commercial Use
For cable runs within a commercial property, you will most likely find 1.5mm cables, especially if there are multiple lights within the same circuit.
A flexible cable is recommended for commercial use, but you can also use it in a domestic setting.
PRO TIP: For outdoor lighting, steel wired armoured (SWA) cables must be used.
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Common Cable Sizes and Ratings for the UK
Each cable is rated according to the amount of amps it can handle. This rating is significant in helping you determine which lighting cable size you require.
The table below shows different cable sizes, as well as their ratings and capacities.
| Conductor Size |
Current Rating (amps) |
Power Rating (watts) |
| 0.75mm |
6 |
1,380 |
| 1mm |
10 |
2,300 |
| 1.5mm |
15 |
3,450 |
It’s crucial that you find the ideal cable size for your needs. A lighting cable size that’s too thin or with an insufficient rating can be dangerous. The cable can get too hot, increasing the chance of a fire. This also melts the insulation, increasing the likelihood of electric shock.
Understanding Cable Ratings
When it comes to cable ratings and figuring out which lighting cable size you need, it’s worth noting that you must consider the maximum load of the entire circuit.
For example, a 1mm cable would be suitable for at least 12 x 10 watt LED light bulbs (120 watts total), since its power rating is 2,300 watts. Even a 0.75mm cable would be sufficient. However, if the maximum load exceeds 1,380 watts (for a 0.75mm cable) or 2,300 watts (for a 1mm cable), this is where you’ll need to re-evaluate the lighting cable size.
PRO TIP: To calculate the power consumed, you must multiply the current (amps) by the voltage (volts). Most UK homes receive an electricity supply of 230 or 240 volts.
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FAQs
What Is the Standard Cable Size for Lighting?
1mm to 1.5mm depending on how many lights are being used in the same circuit.
What Size Cable for LED Lighting?
A 0.75mm cable is enough to power an LED light bulb. If there are multiple LED light fixtures, then 1mm to 1.5mm is a better choice.
Is 2.5 mm Cable Good for Lighting?
It can be used but is less flexible and thicker. 2.5mm cables are used behind sockets.
What Size Cable Is Used for Domestic Lighting?
1mm or 1.5mm cables can be used for domestic lighting.
For All Your Cable and Lighting Accessories, Look No Further than Vision Lighting
Now that you have a better understanding of which lighting cable size you might need, Vision Lighting’s range of cable and lighting accessories can assist you in your lighting installations.
Vision Lighting is a leading LED lighting specialist that is ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 UKAS accredited, so you can rest assured that product quality is our top priority. Our stock of high-quality lighting cables is the perfect accompaniment to our LED lighting products.
For more information on our products or if you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us today.