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EC-10 · Supply

Flex Cable for Appliances, Tools and Extension Leads

Twin flex, three-core flex and extension cable for appliances, tools and sites. Send one free request and an independent cable supplier near you quotes you.

Coils of white and black three-core flex cable on a workbench with cut ends showing coloured cores
Coils of white and black three-core flex cable on a workbench with cut ends showing coloured cores

Flex cable is the soft, round, multi-stranded cable used wherever a lead has to bend and move: appliance cords, power tool leads, pendant lights and extension leads. Unlike surfix or house wire, it is made from fine copper strands so it can be coiled and flexed thousands of times without breaking. ElectricalCable.co.za does not sell cable. Tell us the type, size and length of flex cable you need and where you are, and we pass your request to an independent cable supplier or electrical wholesaler in your area, who quotes you directly.

Types of flex cable

Flex comes in a few common forms, and the right one depends on the load and where it will be used:

  • Twin flex cable: two cores (live and neutral) for double-insulated appliances and some lights
  • Three-core flex: live, neutral and earth, the standard choice for most appliances and extension cable
  • Four- and five-core flex: for three-phase portable machines and site equipment
  • PVC-sheathed flex: light and affordable for indoor use
  • Rubber-sheathed flex: tougher, stays supple in the cold and handles oil, abrasion and outdoor work better

Sizes and what they carry

Flexible cords are made to SANS 1574 and are sized by conductor cross-section. 0.75 mm² suits lamps and light appliances, 1.0 mm² covers most household appliances, and 1.5 mm² or 2.5 mm² is used for kettles, heaters, power tools and long extension leads. The longer the lead, the more voltage it loses, so heavy tools on a long run need a bigger size. Newer flex uses brown for live, blue for neutral and green/yellow for earth.

Extension leads and site cable

Many people searching for an electrical wire extension cord actually need a length of flex fitted with a plug and a coupler or multi-plug. For building sites, workshops and gardens, a rubber-sheathed three-core flex in a bright colour is easier to see and survives being dragged and driven over far better than thin PVC cord. Always fit the right plug top, use a cable reel that is fully unwound under load, and keep connections out of water.

Buying flex cable

Flex is sold by the metre (cut lengths), in coils of 50 or 100 m, and as ready-made leads. Price depends mostly on the copper price, core count, conductor size, PVC or rubber sheath and the quantity. When you request a quote, say what the cable will power and how long the run is so the supplier can confirm the size. Flex is for movable connections only: it is not a substitute for fixed wiring, which must be installed by a registered electrician.

Comparing flex cable prices

Cable prices change with the copper price, size, brand and quantity. When quotes arrive, check:

  • Exact specification: size in mm², cores, conductor, insulation, armour and voltage rating.
  • Quantity: cut length or full drum, and whether the drum deposit is refundable.
  • Standards: SABS-marked cable to the relevant SANS standard, not unmarked imports.
  • Delivery: lead time, delivery to site and offloading of heavy drums.

What to include in your request

  • Number of cores and conductor size (for example 3-core 1.5 mm²)
  • PVC or rubber sheath, and indoor or outdoor use
  • Length needed and whether you want cut lengths or full coils
  • Whether you need plugs, couplers or ready-made extension leads
  • Your suburb and whether you want delivery or collection

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between flex cable and surfix?
Flex has fine stranded conductors and a round sheath so it can bend repeatedly, which makes it right for appliance leads and extension cords. Surfix is flat twin-and-earth with solid or few-strand conductors, made for fixed wiring clipped to walls and roofs. They are not interchangeable.
What size flex do I need for an extension lead?
For general household use, 1.5 mm² three-core flex is the usual minimum. For power tools, heaters or runs longer than about 20 metres, many electricians recommend 2.5 mm². The supplier can advise if you tell them the appliance and the length.
Can I use flex cable outdoors?
Yes, but choose a rubber-sheathed or outdoor-rated flex that resists sunlight, oil and abrasion. Ordinary PVC flex goes brittle in sun and cold. Plugs and couplers outdoors should be weatherproof and the circuit should be protected by an earth leakage unit.
Do you sell flex cable?
No. ElectricalCable.co.za is a free quote-request service. We pass your request to an independent cable supplier or electrical wholesaler near you, who quotes you directly. There is no cost and no obligation to accept.

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