Power Cable - Twin - Red & Black

Power cable. Twin: figure of eight. Sold by the metre, supplied as one cable (for lengths up to around 50m for 30A, or up to 100m for other types).

10 Amp

Max current: 10A
Strands: 2 x 32/0.18mm
CSA: 0.81 mm² each wire
Approx size including insulation: 3.2 x 6.4mm
Recommended Powerpole contacts: 15A

15 Amp

Max current: 15A
Strands: 2 x 45/0.18mm
CSA: 1.15 mm² each wire
Approx size including insulation: 3.5 x 7.0mm
Recommended Powerpole contacts: 15A

20 Amp

Max current: 20A
Strands: 2 x 79/0.18mm
CSA: 2.01 mm² each wire
Approx size including insulation: 4.2 x 8.2mm
Recommended Powerpole contacts: 30A or 45A

30 Amp

Max current: 30A
Strands: 2 x 130/0.18mm
CSA: 3.31 mm² each wire
Approx size including insulation: 5.0 x 10.0mm
Recommended Powerpole contacts: 30A or 45A, but 45A is easier to use. This wire will just about squeeze into 30A contacts, but it is tricky to get it all in without any strands escaping.

Powerpoles

We sell several types of Powerpole contact, which have different current ratings based on the size of wire they are designed to accept.

The Powerpole ends are identical for all the connectors we sell, so they can be connected together even if they have a different current rating. It is only the wire end which differs.

If crimping Powerpole contacts onto this cable, the recommended contacts should be used. Otherwise, if contacts designed for thicker wire are used, there is a risk of the wire pulling out of the contact when tension is applied (such as when pulling on the cable to disconnect it from something).

If soldering the wire to the contacts, the contact current rating is less critical. It is fine to use contacts that are larger than necessary, as the extra space can be filled with solder.

Current rating for older 25A wire

The manufacturer of this wire has recently revised the current ratings downwards for the thicker wire (what used to be 25A is now only rated 20A). We have now run out of older stock labelled 25A, and have started selling the newer 20A stock and have updated the current ratings accordingly. There are no changes to the physical dimensions, so we assume that the manufacturer has just changed their calculation method or decided to go for a lower maximum acceptable temperature rise or resistance.

We have also started stocking a thicker 30A wire option as an alternative.