Mains Flex
2 core cloth & rubber (VIR) twisted mains flex with no outer sheath was once in common use. Most were dark red or brown. This flex has been obsolete for decades, and is rarely seen today. Occasionally its seen on historic electrical goods, and when found is usually in a dangerous condition. Apart from not […]
Figure of 8 shaped plastic flex was formerly used for low current mains uses. It has a single layer of insulation only, and live conductors are easily exposed by minor damage. It was used in several colours, including black, brown, white and clear. Such flex has been unlawful to fit to mains appliances for decades, […]
Flexes with a cloth outer have rubber inner insulation. These have a high temperature rated outer surface. They are well known for their use on irons. Old cloth insulated flexes are prone to kinking, with the inner rubber insulated wires poking out at the kinks. New cloth insulated flexes have a layer of rubber under […]
TRS (tough rubber sheath) is a flex with greater mechanical strength and damage resistance than PVC. It is used when some degree of rough use can be expected.
Arctic flex remains flexible at low temperatures, whereas regular PVC stiffens. Arctic flex is used for outoor appliances, eg on building sites. It is rated for use down to -40°C. Available in Blue for 220V applications and Yellow for 110V applications
Novelty PVC flexes Most flex has PVC insulation rated to 70°C. 90°C PVC is also available for use in hot locations, such as for immersion heaters. A higher temp rating means a given conductor size can carry more current.
Multicore mains flexes are also available for those uncommon tasks requiring more conductors. Non-mains multicores, such as alarm cable, are not suitable for mains use.
Flexes are available with 2 or 3 cores (conductors). 2 core flex is only suitable for appliances that don’t need an earth connection (marked ), and should not be used for extension leads with 3 pin sockets or plugs. 2 core flexes are available in both round and oval shape. Oval (flat) uses less material, […]
Current colours: L – brown N – blue E – green/yellow striped Old colours: (until about 1970) L – red N – black E – green
This article describes the main characteristics of most of the different types of cable that is currently used in domestic installations and that we use on a daily basis. The following have their own articles: Modern Mains Cable Cable and flex for Low Voltage Wiring  Historic Mains Cables The difference between Flex and Cable Flex […]