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EC-13 · Supply

Welding Cable for Electrode and Earth Leads

Flexible welding cable in 16mm to 95mm for electrode and earth leads. Send one free request and an independent cable supplier near you quotes you directly.

Black rubber welding cable coiled on a workshop floor beside a welding machine and earth clamp
Black rubber welding cable coiled on a workshop floor beside a welding machine and earth clamp

Welding cable is an extra-flexible single-core cable that carries welding current from the machine to the electrode holder and back through the earth clamp. It is made from thousands of very fine copper strands in a tough rubber sheath, so it stays supple when dragged across floors and steel. Fabrication shops, mines, farms and contractors all go through it. ElectricalCable.co.za does not sell cable. Tell us the size and length of welding cable you need and where you are, and we pass your request to an independent supplier in your area, who quotes you directly.

What makes welding cable different

Welding cable has many more, much finer copper strands than ordinary single-core cable, which makes it very flexible and resistant to fatigue from constant movement. The sheath is usually a heavy-duty rubber or synthetic rubber compound that resists abrasion, oil, heat and sparks, and stays flexible in cold weather. It is designed for welding circuits only. It must not be used for mains supply or fixed wiring, which have different insulation and voltage requirements.

Choosing a size: 16mm to 95mm

The right size depends on the welding current and the total length of the electrode and earth leads. Small stick welders often use 16 or 25 mm². 35mm welding cable suits most workshop machines, and welding cable 50mm is common on heavier machines and longer leads. 70 and 95 mm² are used for high-current or very long runs. Undersized cable runs hot and wastes current, so the arc becomes unstable. Check the machine's manual or ask the supplier.

Connectors, holders and clamps

A full welding lead needs the cable, a twist-lock welding plug to suit the machine's socket, an electrode holder or torch connection, and an earth clamp. Ends should be crimped with lugs or fitted with proper cable connectors rather than wrapped. Inline cable joiners let you extend leads, and heat-shrink protects the joints. Many suppliers will make up complete leads to length so they are ready to use.

Welding cable price

Welding cable price is driven mainly by the copper price, which moves with world markets, followed by size, sheath type and the quantity. Buying a full drum costs less per metre than cut lengths, while made-up leads cost more but save time. Welding cable is a target for copper thieves, so store it safely. When you request a quote, give the size, length and whether you need connectors fitted.

Comparing welding 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

  • Cable size and total length of electrode and earth leads
  • Welding machine type and maximum current if known
  • Cut lengths, full drum or made-up leads
  • Plugs, electrode holders, earth clamps or joiners needed
  • Your suburb and whether you need delivery to site

Frequently asked questions

What size welding cable do I need?
It depends on your welder's maximum current and the length of the leads. 35 mm² suits most workshop machines with average lead lengths; heavier machines or longer runs often need 50 mm² or more. Your welder's manual or the supplier can confirm the size.
Can welding cable be used for house or mains wiring?
No. Welding cable is designed for low-voltage welding circuits, not for mains supply or fixed wiring. Fixed wiring must use approved cable to SANS 10142-1 and be installed and certified by a registered electrician.
Can I buy welding leads ready-made?
Yes. Many suppliers sell made-up electrode and earth leads with the plug, holder and clamp already fitted to the length you need. This is usually more reliable than fitting connectors yourself without the right crimping tools.
Do you sell welding cable?
No. ElectricalCable.co.za is a free quote-request service. We pass your request to an independent cable supplier near you, who quotes you directly. There is no cost and no obligation to accept.

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