Multicore Control Cable - Various Sizes

Q: What does "control cable" actually mean?
Control cable is multicore cable built to carry low-power signal, sensor and control-circuit wiring inside machinery, automation systems and switchboards — different from power cable, which carries the main current feeding motors and equipment. This cable is sized for control and automation circuits, not for driving heavy loads.

Q: Does the core count include the earth core?
Yes. Following standard European cable notation, the core count includes the yellow/green earth core — a "5 Core" cable has 4 numbered black cores plus 1 earth core, not 5 black cores plus a separate earth.

Q: How many cores do I need?
That depends on how many circuits or signals your panel or equipment needs to carry. As a guide: 3-core suits a basic control loop (2 working cores + earth), 5-core suits a small multi-signal feed, and 12- or 18-core suits larger control panels or PLC I/O wiring with multiple sensor and actuator loops. Check your wiring diagram for the exact number of conductors required.

Q: Can this cable be used outdoors or underground?
No. This is an indoor cable rated for dry, moist and wet indoor environments only. It isn't UV or weather rated, and it isn't rated for direct burial.

Q: Is this cable shielded or screened?
No, this is an unscreened control cable. If your application needs to reject electromagnetic interference — for example, wiring near a variable-speed drive, or a long analog signal run — you need a screened/shielded control cable instead of a general-purpose one like this.

Q: What's the difference between the "flexing" and "fixed" ratings?
The flexing rating (temperature and bending radius) applies where the cable moves during use — cable carriers, moving machine parts, repeated flexing. The fixed rating applies once the cable is installed and stays still, such as inside a switchboard or conduit run. Fixed installations can use a tighter bend and a wider temperature range than a cable that's constantly flexing.

Q: What voltage does this cable handle?
It's rated 300/500V nominal — 300V core-to-earth, 500V core-to-core — which covers standard control and automation circuit voltages. It's not designed for mains distribution or high-voltage power circuits.

Q: What does "EN 50525" mean?
EN 50525 is the European harmonised standard for low-voltage PVC and rubber-insulated cables, covering insulation, sheath material and safety performance. This cable is built to the control-cable part of that standard (EN 50525-2-51), so it's tested to a recognised European specification rather than a generic PVC-cable claim.

Q: Can this be run through cable trays or conduit?
Yes. It's suitable for laying in trays, ducts or conduit for fixed indoor installation, as well as flexible routing where the cable needs to move.

Q: Is this cable resistant to oil and chemicals?
Yes, the PVC compound is oil resistant and holds up to general chemical exposure found in industrial and workshop environments — a common requirement for control cable used near machinery.