Flexible Power Cables
- Lightweight and Flexible
- Easy to Install
- Resistant to Stresses
Flexible power cable, also known within the industry as ‘continuous flex', is designed to connect and power mains electrical appliances. As the name suggests, it is highly flexible, and as a result, is also extremely long-lasting; the flexibility of the cable means that there is less risk of damage and often easier to install within various domestic and household applications.
Often used for indoor general wiring in public or household areas, flexible power cable is usually insulated in PVC or LSZH sheathing to ensure flexibility and resilience. Our range of flexible power cables can be used in applications such as wiring fixtures connecting portable appliances and lamps, connecting fixed equipment, and data processing.
The benefits of flexible power cable include:
- Resilient to damage from movement & pressure stresses
- Long service life – between 1-3 million cycles
- Low profile and narrow in width
- Reliable and easy connection
- Lightweight and flexible
Our range of flex power cable includes:
If you have any questions about our flexible power cable, please do not hesitate to contact our team.
What is the Difference between Armoured Cable and Flexible Power Cable?
When carrying data or conducting power in adverse conditions, it is critical to safeguard your cables to ensure safe and reliable operation. The most suitable cable for such conditions is the armoured cabling – it is mostly utilised in industrial applications, such as cable trays and raceways.Armoured CableArmoured cables have a metal sheath that serves as the initial layer of protection. It is often composed of interlocking or continuous aluminium or stainless steel, although it can also be coated in smooth or corrugated metal tape. The majority of this type of cables are also fire resistant.DifferencesMaterialArmoured cabling has a metal wrap, usually made from stainless steel or aluminium, that is the first line of defence. The wrapping is interlocked or continuous. The armour protects the internal wires from moisture generated by hot weather, increased washdown, and cleaning solutions. Electrical wires are designed to be exceptionally flexible and long-lasting. This type of wire can be flexed, stretched, and twisted as much as you like without causing harm. It is often commonly braided, or foil wrapped as opposed to armoured cabling. ApplicationArmoured cabling: Cable jacketing materials can shield the cables from harsh chemicals, oils, and sunlight. Flexible cabling: For placing complicated constructions, a flexible wire is perfect. Even in the harshest environments, flexible cables assure high-quality performance. It would be advantageous to use a flexible cable wire in applications that need extreme bending and a wide range of motion. Area of ApplicationArmoured: industrial applications – open locations such as electrical wires in factories, and carriers & raceways Flexible power: any application that requires constant bending FlexibilityAs the name suggests, flexible power cables are extremely flexible. Although many cables are flexible, it is important to remember that not all of them fall into the flex-type cable category. For more detailed information, check out our overview of flexible power cables.
Flexible Power Cables Overview
Flexible Cable, also known as, 'continuous-flex' is a type of cable that provides increased flexibility and durability for applications that require difficult cable placement or motion.They are specifically engineered to withstand the tight bending radius and physical stress of moving applications.Flex cables are be used by most of your portable electric gadgets and light pendants.The permanent wiring that goes through the walls/ceilings between the fixture and the power source is known as "cable," whereas the wire used to connect portable items such as lights to a wall socket is known as "flex" or "flex cable."ApplicationsBelow are some of the applications in which flexible cables are used:Drag chain application Repetitive bending and torsion stress Machine tools Data processing equipment Robotics Assembly lines Automation networking Microprocessors Computer interconnects Flex Power ColoursFlexible flat power cables have curved edges and include 2-4 cores. Flex (flexible cable) is circular and has 2-3 cores. The separated copper wires within the cable/flex are known as cores.Each core (excluding the earth core in cables) is insulated with a color-coded PVC insulation that protects and enables for simple identification.The cores are then coated in a final layer of PVC insulation known as a sheath, which is often grey or white.Brown – live Black – neutral Is Flexible Power Cable Suitable for Outside Use?The same principles apply to flexible cables as they do to any other type of electrical wire.A cable must be weather resistant to be regarded suitable for outdoor use.In general, weather resistance comprises resistance to the following elements:Ambient temperature. Ultraviolet radiation. Ozone. Water. Even though many flex-type cables are outdoor-rated, certain flex cables cannot tolerate exterior extremes such as UV radiation.How Long Can You Run Flex Power Cable?There are a few aspects that should be considered when running a flexible power cables. The maximum length should not exceed:12m – for flexes with 1.25mm2 conductors 15m – for flexes with 1.5mm2 conductors 25m – for flexes with 2.5mm2 conductors However, if the extension lead is plugged into a residual current device (RCD) protected socket then 25 metres is still considered safe, but if there is no RCD the maximum length should not be more than 10 metres. That is because the most used flexes are 0.75mm or 1mm2.
Core Materials Guide
In the majority of cases, the electrical cabling around your home or business will contain pure copper, or at least mostly copper wire.The properties of these cables can vary due to the sheathing or insulation used, but cables can also perform differently when their cores are made from alternative metals.Here are some of the most common core materials available.Pure Metal CoresCopperCopper is one of the highest standard materials used for electrical conductors. Although not quite as conductive as silver, copper is a far more economical and widely supplied material, making it the standard for most cabling applications.Sometimes, copper can be hard to solder unless a ‘flux’ is used – this is a compound used in the soldering process that cleans the surface in preparation for bonding. Using a flux can result in corrosive residues being left behind, so in some cases, copper will be tinned or plated to avoid this – see more about copper-clad cables below.Pure copper, however, is the gold standard of conduction and is suited for pressure terminations too. Copper is also incredibly malleable and can be bent into any shape or direction - although the sheathing material used can have limitations on this ability.AluminiumAluminium is favoured for cable conductors due to its lightweight nature. It is slightly less conductive than copper, but when balancing this with its weight, performs on a similar level.Aluminium is also relatively inexpensive, but cannot be soldered easily, so is often plated with copper to gain the benefits of both materials in a single wire.SilverSilver is an incredibly good conductor, better than copper in fact. It is, however, substantially more expensive. Silver-plated wire is more common, as it utilises the conductive benefits of silver and allows the wire to operate over a wide temperature range (from -65°C to 200°C).There are a few niche uses where silver’s extremely low resistance is a key element – scientific instruments and cryogenics may utilise pure silver conductors for this reason.GoldGold is a common form of plating for brass connector pins – though it’s not that commonly used for cables due to the expense of the materials.Easily soldered, gold has good corrosion resistance. It’s not as good a conductor as copper and silver, but resists oxidation far better, which is why it is used as a plated layer to protect some inner components.Tinned CableTin is generally not used on its own as a cable conductor, but is used as corrosion protection for copper without affecting its conductivity. Coating a copper cable in tin can also make it far easier to solder.Nickel-PlatedNickel-plated wire also operates in extreme conditions over a wide temperature range. If the nickel-plating is thick, it can withstand temperatures up to 750°C. Nickel also acts as an excellent layer of corrosion resistance.Metal Clad CoresCopper Clad AluminiumCopper clad aluminium cable is aluminium cable plated in copper. This makes the cable less expensive than pure copper, but lighter too, as aluminium in itself is an incredibly lightweight material.However, CCA cable allows the aluminium element to gain more electrical conductivity when combining this with copper, as well as adding to the strength of pure aluminium.Copper Clad SteelCopper clad steel is comprised of a steel wire plated with copper. As copper is more expensive than steel, it allows the cable to combine the benefits of both materials for a lower price.CCS cable is not quite as conductive as pure copper, but this level of conductivity is not needed in every application. Copper clad steel wire has double the mechanical strength of solid copper wire, giving it longevity in harsher environments and under frequent movement.For more information about our range of cables, get in touch with our friendly team.
Braiding vs Screening vs Shielding
Cables use screening and shielding to protect the cable and add resistance to interference from other cables or devices.Many people often get confused between braiding, shielding, screening and other terms, so we’ve made a handy guide to what all of these types of protection mean! Shielding or Screening?Shielding and screening are the same! They are both a protective layer added over the conductors to protect the cable from, or prevent it from causing, electrical interference. Disturbance can cause lower quality signal or data loss and can therefore result in equipment failure, therefore it is essential to choose the right screening for the right purpose.Shielding and screening come in many different forms, each with a specific purpose.Types of ShieldingBraidingBraiding is when cables are woven in a lattice of thin tin or copper wire, looking like a braid as the name suggests.The coverage of the braid (often referred to as the density) depends on the number of strands or wires within each plait. It also depends on the thickness of the braid strands. The diameter of the braid wires also specifies the level of damage the cable can withstand.Braiding is used for mechanical protection against any electrical or electromagnetic interference, as well as to add strength to the cable. Braiding is usually applied either over the inner sheath if there is one, or directly over the core bundle.Braiding can be applied in different materials for very specific purposes:Copper - used for screening against electromagnetic interference Steel - used for mechanical protection Glass or Ceramic fibres - used for high temperature environments Rayon - used for torsional strength Although braided shielding can be more costly and time consuming to produce, it is flexible and versatile, and performs well at all frequency types.FoilingFoil screening involves wrapping the cable cores in aluminium or polyester laminated tape to increase durability. The foils must be in contact with a bare wire to act as an earthing point.Foil shielding can offer up to 100% coverage and can withstand high-frequency applications. It's also quick, cost-effective and easy to produce due to its lightweight nature.However it is slightly less durable than traditional braiding, so it is not recommended to use foil shielding in areas where a lot of flex is needed.ArmouringArmouring is not a form of screening, but it is a common method of protection for cables. It is often constructed by winding galvanised steel wires over the cable in the form of a spiral.Armouring is often used when cables are to be laid in an outside environment - it prevents vermin and termites from attacking and damaging the cable.Though armoured cable can be less flexible and harder to terminate, there is no better way to protect a cable from this sort of interference.For more information about cable screening, get in touch with our friendly team, or shop our wide range of cables today.
Sheathing Material Guide
With a wide range of cable sheathing options available, it’s hard to know which is best for your installation.A range of factors from population density, temperature and flexibility can all impact your choice of cable.Take a look at our guide and find out all the benefits and drawbacks of the most common sheath materials on the market! PVCPVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is one of the most common sheathing options for cables. It’s low-cost to manufacture, as well as offering durability, flexibility and resistance to oil and water.PVC is suitable only for indoor use as it is vulnerable to UV light and can become brittle when exposed to bright sunlight. It gives off harmful halogen gases when burned, so is not suitable for densely populated buildings or in any situation where it may be exposed to fire.PEPE (polyethylene) is an excellent choice for outdoor cable installations, such as those involving direct burial. When UV stabilised, the material provides great resistance to moisture and extreme weather.PE is tough and rigid in comparison to other sheathing counterparts, and it does not burn but melts and reforms when cool, making it a safer option too. PE sheathing is commonly used for data transmission cables.RubberRubber is one of the most popular material choices for sheathing. It is waterproof, flexible and chemically resistant.Since rubber is more of a high-cost material, sometimes synthetic rubber compounds are used to mimic the effect without such a high price.Rubber sheathing is used when an installation requires water resistance and flexibility in extreme temperatures.LSFLSF stands for ‘Low Smoke and Fume’. This material is a modified PVC material that produces less gas and smoke than traditional PVC when the polymer is burnt.LSF sheathed cables do not meet the highest standard of fire safety (see LSZH cables) as they can still emit up to 22% Hydrogen Chloride gas, however they do meet further standards than standard PVC sheathing would (up to 28%).LSZHLSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) cables are also known as ‘LS0H’ and ‘0HLS’ (Zero Halogen Low Smoke) are similar to PVC but behave differently in the event of exposure to fire.The main feature of these cables is that they do not release large amounts of toxic fumes or smoke when burned. Their fire retardance is much higher, making them often used in commercial or densely populated buildings due to their better quality and safety elements – anything they release is not harmful to humans when burned. This also means they conform to higher fire regulations than many other cables.SiliconeSilicone is a sheathing material that can operate from –50 to 180 degrees Celsius. It is resistant to heat, chemicals and even bacteria growth, making is a great choice for installations in food or medical environments.Silicone boasts UV resistance and does not produce any harmful smoke or gases when burned.This sheathing material is more expensive than most to produce and has limited options for recycling at its end of life, which doesn’t make it the best choice for everyday cabling. However, for specialist applications, its benefits cannot be beaten.PURPUR stands for polyurethane, a material that offers great chemical and mechanical resistance.PUR can be used in temperatures between –40 and 125 degrees Celsius. Some blends can be halogen free and flame retardant, but this depends entirely on the specific make up.Much like silicone, the material is resistant to bacteria growth and can therefore be used in food or medical-grade installations.PTFEPTFE, or Teflon, is a material used in applications that involve extreme temperatures or corrosive environments.Its benefits are that the material is non-toxic and environmentally friendly, as well as being flexible and non-flammable, making it a safe option for many installations.PTFE boasts thermal, chemical and electrical resistance. It can operate between –75 degrees Celsius and up to 200 degrees Celsius. It is also unaffected by most fuels, oils and fluids.FEPFEP is a fluoropolymer incredibly similar to PTFE, with similar benefits such as the ability to operate in extreme temperatures and low chemical reactivity.NeopreneNeoprene is a form of synthetic rubber. The sheathing material provides oil and chemical resistance, as well as strength and flexibility at lower temperatures.NylonNylon is an incredibly abrasive and chemically resistant material for sheathing, though less flexible that its counterparts.For more help or information regarding sheathing, get in touch with our team!
Enhancing Safety - LSF vs LSZH
Understanding The Key Differences Between LSF and LSZH Cable Sheaths:In the intricate realm of the electrical industry, safety remains an unwavering priority.Amongst the many components that contribute to safety, cable sheaths play a crucial role in containing potential hazards during fire incidents.Two essential terms commonly used amongst the electrical industry are "LSF" (Low Smoke and Fume) and "LSZH" (Low Smoke Zero Halogen).While they may appear similar, it is crucial to understand the difference and purposes of each cable sheath material.Securi-Flex® knows it's important to understand the differences between the two materials. In this article, we'll examine these differences more closely.LSF Cables:Manufacturers produce LSF cables using a modified PVC compound that produces less HCL gas and smoke than regular PVC cables. LSF cables create between 15-22% of HCL gas and emit black smoke because of the presence of PVC. It is vital not to confuse LSF cables with LSZH cables, as LSF cables do contain halogen materials. They are often chosen as a cost alternative to LSZH, however they should not be confused with LSZH cables. They are not recommended for use in public or commercial buildings, as well as poorly ventilated areas. LSZH Cables:LSZH cables are manufactured using halogen-free compounds. They are effective fire retardants while emitting less than 0.5% hydrogen chloride gas and smoke when burned. During a fire, LSZH cables produce small amounts of light grey smoke and HCL gas. The absence of PVC in LSZH cables ensures no harmful fumes or black smoke are emitted during the event of a fire. Ideal for public buildings such as airports, railway stations (London Underground), computer rooms, and data centres. Low smoke generation ensures evacuation routes and signage remain visible during emergencies. Choosing the Right Cable:The choice between LSF, and LSZH cables depends on the fire risk, flexibility needs, and safety considerations.LSF cables offer a slight improvement over PVC cables but can still emit toxic gases and dense black smoke.However, LSZH cables reduce emissions and experts recommend them for high-risk areas.The CPR categorises cables by fire performance, however it doesn't cover toxic fumes and smoke.Installers must carefully choose cables appropriate for the specific fire risks in a building or application.In Summary:Understanding the differences between LSF and LSZH cables is vital for making informed decisions that prioritise safety in different scenarios.While LSF cables can offer cost advantages, they may not be suitable for critical areas, where LSZH cables are strongly recommended to ensure a safer environment during the event of a fire.Choosing the right cable can significantly contribute to enhancing overall fire safety and exposure.If you have any questions that weren't answered in this article, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team.We're always happy to help!
Ensuring Safe and Compliant Electrical Installations
CPR and BS6701:2016+A1:2017Construction Products Regulations (CPR):The Construction Industry has witnessed significant advancements in electrical systems and technology. This in turn has led to safer and more efficient electrical installations.Various standards and regulations govern these advancements in the United Kingdom and across the European Union.Two crucial standards that play a pivotal role in ensuring electrical safety and compliance are:Construction Products Regulation (CPR) British Standard BS6701:2016+A1:2017  What is CPR?CPR, or the Construction Products Regulation, is a European Union (EU) Regulation that came into effect in 2011.The primary purpose of CPR is to harmonise the performance requirements for Construction Products, including cables, within the EU Member States.CPR Categorises Construction Products into different classes based on their performance characteristics. This Classification helps ensure that products meet specific safety and performance standards. Application to Cable Types:One of the most critical applications of CPR is in the Classification and regulation of cables used in buildings and infrastructure.CPR sets clear requirements for fire safety and reaction to the fire performance of cables.  Key Elements of CPR for Cables:Cable Classification - CPR classifies cables based on fire performance. These classes range from Aca (the highest level of fire safety) to Fca (the lowest). The Classification depends on criteria such as heat release, flame spread, and smoke production CE Marking - Cables that comply with CPR must carry the CE Marking. This indicates that the product meets required standards and is safe for use in Construction Declaration of Performance (DoP) - Manufacturers have an obligation to furnish a Declaration of Performance (DoP) for their cables. A DoP details essential information such as Product Classification, intended use, and fire performance characteristics  What is BS6701:2016+A1:2017?British Standard BS6701:2016+A1:2017 is the UK standard that provides recommendations and requirements for telecommunications cabling infrastructure within buildings:Planning Design Installation Testing Maintenance While it primarily focuses on telecommunications cabling, it also addresses key aspects of electrical safety in relation to cabling installations. Key Elements of BS6701:2016+A1:2017 Structured Cabling:The standard highlights the significance of structured cabling systems by stressing the need for organised, documented, and maintainable cabling installations.Safety: BS6701:2016+A1:2017 includes safety requirements for cabling installations to reduce the risk of electrical hazards.This includes proper grounding, bonding, and protection against overcurrent.Compliance: Compliance with this standard is critical for telecommunications cabling installations, as it ensures network performance, reliability, and safety. The Intersection of CPR and BS6701:2016+A1:2017While CPR and BS6701:2016+A1:2017 primarily address different aspects of construction products and installations.Cables used for data and telecommunications transmission are subject to:CPR Classification for fire safety BS6701:2016+A1:2017 for structured cabling requirements In the construction industry, electrical and cabling installations play a vital role in ensuring safety, efficiency, and performance. CPR and BS6701:2016+A1:2017 are integral standards that guide the design, installation, and maintenance of cables and cabling infrastructure.Compliance with these standards is a legal requirement, and a crucial step in ensuring the safety and reliability of electrical and telecommunications systems.As technology continues to advance, staying up-to-date with these standards becomes increasingly important in the construction industry.  In Summary:Securi-Flex® proudly announces our comprehensive knowledge of CPR (Construction Products Regulation).We have invested significant time and resources into understanding and adhering to these crucial regulations. This helps to ensure the highest level of safety and compliance in all our products and services.We are dedicated to keeping up with CPR regulations to ensure that our products meet the highest safety standards. This allows you to have full confidence in the reliability and quality of Securi-Flex® solutions.Securi-Flex® is your trusted source for a diverse range of Dca CPR rated cables which are in stock as standard.Securi-Flex® curates its' extensive inventory meticulously to meet the highest safety and quality standards. This ensures that your projects comply with the necessary regulations and standards.If you require CPR rated cables for the following applications, Securi-Flex® provides a wide selection of options to suit your specific needs:Residential Commercial Industrial  If you have any questions regarding CPR, please don’t hesitate to contact the Securi-Flex® team, we’re always happy to help!
Twin and Earth Cable
Our Twin and Earth cable, also known as 6242Y, or T&E, is a range of flat cables in a grey PVC sheath. This type of flexible power cable is commonly used within fixed wiring applications for domestic and commercial applications. Operating at a low voltage, for applications such as sockets and
NYY Cables
NYY J cable is an economical choice for power and control cables where mechanical protection is not required. You can bury these cables into the ground through ducts, depending on local laws. NYY-J cables are suitable for internal and external permanent installations where power and control connecti
H07RN-F
H07RN-F cable is a heavy duty and flexible rubber-insulated and sheathed cable designed for demanding electrical power applications requiring 450/750V. The copper conductors typically have EPR (Ethylene Propylene Rubber) insulation and PCP (Polychloroprene) sheathing, staying flexible in tough condi
Mains Flex
H03’s Our range of 2182 and 2192 mains flexible cables, also known as H03’s under the Harmonized European Standard, are light duty, flat cables most commonly used in domestic and household applications. These cables are design for internal domestic and commercial office buildings. Availabl
Arctic Flex Cable
Our range of 318-A arctic grade cables, also known as arctic flexible cable, are available in both yellow and blue sheath options and are insulated and sheathed in PVC. Our range of artic cables are designed to operate at temperatures as low as -25° Celsius and are cold bend tested to -40° Celsius
Heat Resistant Flex
Our range of Heat Resistant Flex cables also known as 309-Y, Heat Flexes or H05’s under the Harmonized European Standard, are available in 3 and 4 core options with a white PVC sheath. Specifically designed for high temperature installations, Heat Flex cables are suitable for commercial and ind