10mm Single Core Electrical Cable: Specifications & Supply
Your definitive guide to 10.0mm² conduit wire for main earthing bonding, high-current showers, and industrial power distribution.
10mm single core electrical cable is a heavy-duty stranded copper conductor wire, typically rated at 450/750V, primarily used for main equipotential bonding (earthing) of gas and water services and for high-current power distribution in conduit systems. It offers robust current-carrying capacity while maintaining the flexibility required for drawing through trunking. Available in standard PVC (6491X) or Low Smoke Zero Halogen (6491B), it is a critical component for safety compliance in both domestic and commercial installations. We supply a comprehensive range of BASEC-approved 10.0mm² cables and compatible accessories to support your installation projects.
What Is 10mm Single Core Cable Used For?
Primary Applications: Earthing and Power
10.0mm² cable is the industry standard for Main Protective Bonding Conductors.
Due to its significant cross-sectional area, it handles high fault currents and substantial loads. Common uses include:
- Main Earthing: Bonding gas and water pipes to the main earthing terminal (MET) in residential and commercial properties (Green/Yellow insulation).
- High-Power Circuits: Feeding electric showers (typically 8.5kW to 10.5kW) and large cookers where voltage drop is a concern over long runs.
- Distribution Boards: Internal wiring for linking banks of MCBs or RCBOs within consumer units.
- Industrial Conduit: Single-phase or three-phase power distribution drawn through conduit where mechanical protection is provided by the containment.
How Must It Be Installed?
Single core 10mm cable relies on external containment for mechanical protection.
It is double-insulated in terms of electrical safety (insulation + conduit) but physically vulnerable if exposed. It must be installed within:
- High-impact PVC or steel conduit.
- Cable trunking systems.
- Properly enclosed distribution boards.
Warning: Single core cable (unlike Twin & Earth) should never be clipped directly to surfaces or buried in plaster without conduit.
What Are The Technical Specifications?
10.0mm² cable offers high current carrying capacity, making it suitable for heavy loads where smaller cables would overheat.
Voltage and Current Ratings
- Voltage Rating: 450/750V (U0/U). Suitable for single-phase (230V) and three-phase (400V) distribution.
- Current Rating (Approximate for 10mm² PVC):
- Enclosed in Conduit (Wall): ~57 Amps
- Enclosed in Trunking: ~52 Amps
- Clipped Direct (Reference): ~76 Amps (Note: Single core usually requires containment)
Important: Current ratings are significantly reduced if cables are grouped together or installed in thermally insulating materials.
Physical Construction: Stranded Copper
10mm² cable is exclusively available as a Class 2 Stranded conductor.
At this thickness, a solid copper rod would be too rigid to install. Stranding ensures the cable can be navigated through conduit bends while maintaining full electrical conductivity.
| Class | Structure | Application Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Class 2 (Stranded) | 7 strands of approx 1.35mm diameter | Essential flexibility for drawing into 25mm or 32mm conduit |
Which Type of 10mm Cable Should You Choose?
The choice depends on the building type. Public/commercial buildings often require higher safety standards than domestic dwellings.
Standard PVC (6491X / H07V-R)
6491X is the cost-effective standard for domestic earthing and power.
- Insulation: PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride).
- Operating Temp: Up to 70°C.
- Common Use: Green/Yellow earth bonding in homes; internal distribution board wiring.
Low Smoke Zero Halogen (6491B / H07Z-R)
6491B is specified for schools, hospitals, and public infrastructure.
- Insulation: Thermosetting LSZH.
- Operating Temp: Up to 90°C (Better for high-load circuits).
- Safety: No toxic fumes in fire conditions.
- Common Use: Main bonding in public buildings; conduit runs in escape routes.
Your Partner for Heavy Duty Wiring
We stock 10mm single core cable in all standard colours (Green/Yellow Earth, Brown, Blue, Black, Grey) on 100m reels or cut to length for specific projects. Whether you are upgrading a main earth bond or installing a commercial 3-phase supply, we have the stock ready.
Cable Services supply a wide range of products from leading brands, click here to see a sample range of cables that we can offer:
Contact Us
For further details on our products and services please get in touch.
Tel: + 44 (0) 1978 340 450
Email: sales@cableservices.co.uk
Cable Cutting Service
We have invested in an automatic winding and measuring cable cutting machine at our Wrexham facility. This £90,000 investment reflects our commitment to offering an economically valuable and highly efficient service for our valued customers.
We are known for providing tailored solutions that meet the exact needs of our customers. We recognise the growing demand for a flexible service that eradicates waste and delivers cost efficiencies. The efficiency and precision of this new machine support the industry’s commitment to operational sustainability and allow us to pass on cost savings to our customers.
