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EC-09 · Supply

Earth Wire and Panel Wire for DB Boards and Bonding

Earth wire, bare copper earth and flexible panel wire for DB boards, bonding and control panels. Request a free quote from an electrical supplier near you.

Green-yellow earth wire and coloured flexible panel wire inside an open DB board
Green-yellow earth wire and coloured flexible panel wire inside an open DB board

Earth wire and panel wire are the single-core conductors that make DB boards and control panels safe and tidy. Green/yellow earth wire connects metal parts, appliances and earth electrodes to the earth bar, while flexible panel wire links breakers, contactors and terminals inside panels. ElectricalCable.co.za doesn't sell wire itself. Send us one request with the sizes, colours and quantities you need, and an independent electrical supplier or contractor in your area quotes you directly, free and with no obligation.

Earth wire types

  • Green/yellow PVC-insulated earth wire: the standard protective conductor in conduit and DB boards
  • Bare copper earth wire: stranded or solid copper used for earth electrodes, earth mats and lightning protection
  • Earth core in cable: the bare or green/yellow core inside surfix and multicore cable

Common sizes run from 1.5 mm² to 16 mm² and larger for main earths. A 6mm earth wire is often used for bonding geysers, metal pipes and earth spikes, but the correct size depends on the supply and fault level and is set by SANS 10142-1.

Earth wire colour

The earth wire colour in newer South African installations is green with a yellow stripe. Older installations used plain green or bare copper. Green/yellow must never be used for live or neutral. When adding to an old board, your electrician will keep earths clearly identifiable and replace any that are damaged. If you see a missing or loose earth connection, or get tingles from a geyser or tap, switch off and call a registered electrician rather than trying to fix it yourself.

Panel wire

Panel wire is flexible, finely stranded single-core wire, usually PVC-insulated, used inside DB boards, control panels and motor starters. Its flexibility makes neat looms and tight bends possible without stressing terminals. It comes in many colours so phases, neutrals, control and signal wiring can be told apart, typically from 0.5 mm² to 16 mm², on 100 m reels. Fit bootlace ferrules or lugs on the fine strands for secure connections, so stray strands cannot short across terminals.

Buying and compliance

Prices depend on size, copper content, roll length, colour range and brand. Suppliers often sell earth wire on 100 m rolls or cut lengths, and bare copper by the metre or kilogram. Earthing and bonding are core safety items: they are checked when a registered electrician tests the installation and issues a COC, so have the work done by a registered person. On larger orders, ask for a combined quote covering earth wire, panel wire, spikes, clamps and ferrules.

Comparing panel and earth wire 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

  • Earth wire sizes and whether insulated or bare copper
  • Panel wire sizes, colours and number of reels
  • Any earth spikes, clamps, lugs or ferrules needed
  • What the job is: DB board, control panel or bonding
  • Delivery area and timing

Frequently asked questions

What colour is the earth wire in South Africa?
In newer wiring the earth is green with a yellow stripe. Older installations used plain green, and the earth core in older surfix cable is often bare copper. Green/yellow is reserved for earth only and must never be used as a live or neutral conductor.
What size earth wire do I need for a geyser?
Geyser bonding is often done with 4 mm² or 6 mm² earth wire, but the right size depends on the circuit and supply. Your electrician confirms the size to SANS 10142-1 and checks the bonding when issuing a COC.
What is the difference between panel wire and house wire?
Both are single-core and PVC-insulated. Panel wire has many fine strands, so it is very flexible for wiring inside boards and panels. House wire has fewer, thicker strands or a solid core and is designed to be pulled through conduit.
Is bare copper earth wire sold by the metre?
Yes. Electrical wholesalers sell bare copper earth wire by the metre, by the roll or sometimes by weight. Earth spikes, clamps and lugs can be added to the same quote request, along with green/yellow insulated wire for the board side.

Panel and Earth Wire by province

Panel and Earth Wire by city

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