Types of Electrical Cables – PLS Electrical Chislehurst
Choosing the right cable is essential for safety, performance, and compliance. At PLS Electrical, we help landlords, homeowners, and contractors across Chislehurst, Lewisham, Kent, Surrey & Sussex select and install the correct cable for every application—from domestic wiring to fire protection and data networks.
PVC Flat Cables
Construction:
- Solid or stranded annealed copper conductors (1.0mm–16.0mm)
- PVC insulation and outer sheath
- Includes uninsulated CPC (Circuit Protective Conductor)
Applications:
- Domestic and light commercial installations
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
- Durable at low temperatures
Colour Coding:
- Cores are colour-coded or numbered
- Green/yellow CPC included for grounding
Mineral-Insulated Copper-Clad Cable (MICC / Pyro)
Construction:
- Solid copper conductors
- Magnesium oxide insulation (melting point >2000°C)
- Copper sheath (melting point >1080°C)
- Optional plastic sheath for corrosion protection and identification
Applications:
- Fire alarms, smoke control, fire pumps
- Nuclear instrumentation and hazardous environments
- Resistant to fire, radiation, and electromagnetic interference
SWA Cables (Steel Wire Armoured)
Insulation Types:
- PVC (Thermoplastic): Older standard, now limited use
- XLPE (Thermosetting): Modern standard, heat and moisture resistant
Construction:
- Stranded copper conductors
- XLPE insulation
- Low-smoke, zero-halogen outer sheath
- Armoured for mechanical protection
Standards: BS 5467, BS 6724, BS 78461
PILC Cables (Paper Insulated, Lead Covered)
Construction:
- Oil-impregnated paper insulation
- Lead jacket for protection
Applications:
- Underground power transmission
- Old buildings which is now largely replaced by polymer-insulated cables
Data & Ethernet Cables
Twisted Pair Data Cables:
- Four twisted pairs of copper conductors
- Backbone of Ethernet networks
- Categories range from Cat 5 to Cat 8.2
Ethernet Cable Categories:
| Category | Frequency | Speed | Use Case |
| Cat 1 | 10KHz | ~1Mbps | Voice-grade |
| Cat 3 | 16MHz | 10Mbps | Basic Ethernet |
| Cat 5e | 100MHz | 100Mbps | Home/Office |
| Cat 6a | 500MHz | 10Gbps | High-speed LAN |
| Cat 8 | 2000MHz | 40Gbps | Data centers |
Length Limit: Maximum 100 meters for rated speed due to signal degradation.
FP200 Fire-Resistant Cable
Construction:
- Pliable aluminium tube
- Laminated aluminium screening tape
- Uninsulated tinned CPC
- Easy sheath removal for termination
Applications:
- Fire alarms, emergency lighting, BS 7629-1 compliant
- Not suitable for chemical plants or server rooms due to lack of internal seal
Limitations: Can transmit gas or water internally—use MICC for high-integrity environments.
Need Help Choosing the Right Cable?
PLS Electrical offers expert advice, installation, and fault finding across Chislehurst and surrounding areas. Whether you’re rewiring a home or designing a fire protection system, we’ll help you select the safest and most compliant solution.
📍 Serving Chislehurst, Lewisham, Kent, Surrey & Sussex 📞 02036330009 🌐 www.plselectrical.co.uk 📧 info@plselectrical.co.uk