Cable Types Selection Guide
Guide to cable types used in UK installations — T&E, SWA, FP, MICC, SY, and flex cables
Cable Types at a Glance
Selecting the correct cable type depends on the installation environment, mechanical protection needs, fire performance requirements, and the applicable British Standard.
Common UK cable types, standards, and applications
Relevant British Standards| Cable Type | BS Standard | Max Temp | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| T&E (flat twin & earth) | BS 6004 | 70°C | Domestic fixed wiring, clipped or in plaster |
| PVC singles | BS 6004 | 70°C | In conduit or trunking |
| SWA (PVC/PVC) | BS 5467 | 70°C | Underground, outdoor, industrial |
| SWA (XLPE) | BS 5467 | 90°C | Higher current rating, same applications |
| FP200 Gold | BS 7846 | 70°C | Fire alarm, emergency lighting |
| MICC | BS 6207 | 250°C | Highest fire rating, critical circuits |
| LSOH singles | BS 7211 | 70°C | Public buildings, escape routes |
| H07RN-F (flex) | BS EN 50525 | 60°C | Outdoor portable, construction |
| SY cable | BS EN 50525 | 70°C | Industrial control, VFD motor feeds |
Max temp is continuous conductor operating temperature. XLPE cables have higher ratings than PVC equivalents.
T&E Cable — The Domestic Standard
Twin and Earth (T&E) flat cable to BS 6004 is the standard for domestic fixed wiring in the UK. Available from 1.0mm² to 16mm², it consists of two insulated conductors (line and neutral) plus a bare CPC, all within a grey PVC sheath. The bare CPC must be sleeved with green/yellow at every termination point.
T&E current ratings — Method C (clipped direct)
BS 7671 Table 4D5, Column 6 (Method C)| Size (mm²) | 2-core Rating (A) | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | 15 | Lighting, smoke alarms |
| 1.5 | 20 | Lighting circuits |
| 2.5 | 27 | Ring final, radials, immersion |
| 4.0 | 37 | 32A radial circuits |
| 6.0 | 47 | Cooker, EV charger |
| 10.0 | 64 | Electric shower |
| 16.0 | 85 | Large shower, sub-main |
SWA and Fire Performance Cables
Steel Wire Armoured cable is the go-to choice for external and underground installations. The steel wire armour provides mechanical protection and can serve as the CPC when properly terminated with glands. For fire-rated circuits, FP200 and MICC cables maintain circuit integrity during a fire.
SWA Gland Selection
MICC Termination
Environment-Based Selection
Cable selection by installation environment
BS 7671 Chapter 52 and Building Regulations| Environment | Recommended Cable | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Indoor domestic | T&E (BS 6004) | Standard choice, PVC sheath |
| Outdoor above ground | SWA (BS 5467) | UV and mechanical protection |
| Underground | SWA with marker tape | Direct burial at 500mm min. depth |
| Public escape routes | LSOH (BS 7211) | Low smoke, no toxic fumes |
| Fire alarm | FP200 (BS 7846) | PH30/PH120 fire survival |
| High temperature | MICC (BS 6207) | Up to 250°C continuous |
| Corrosive / chemical | LSF or XLPE SWA | Chemical-resistant sheath |