Which cable do I need?

Determine: 230V (mains) or 12/24V (low voltage).
Choose type: fixed installation (installation cable/wire) or flex cable (power lead/extension).
Calculate W → A and pick mm² with margin (length matters even more at 12/24V).

Pick your situation

For fixed wiring in walls/ceilings or conduit. Think installation cable and installation wire.

YMVKFor fixed cable runsBrowse category →VD-draadIn conduit / tubesBrowse category →VMVLFlexible installation cableBrowse category →Conduit + wireQuick through conduitBrowse category →

For fixtures/devices with a plug, extension or socket connection. Think power leads, extension leads and cable reels.

Power leadsDevice/fixture connectionBrowse category →Extension leadsExtra reachBrowse category →Cable reelsFor job sitesBrowse category →

Low voltage often means much higher current. Length/voltage drop matter most here—go thicker sooner and keep runs short.

Cable connectorsNeat low-voltage joinsBrowse category →Terminal blocksFast, safe connectionsBrowse category →SIHFHeat-resistant silicone cableBrowse category →Solar cableOutdoor/UV use casesBrowse category →

Decision tree

1) What voltage?

230V → go to step 212/24V → keep runs short + go thicker sooner

2) Fixed installation or plug-in?

Fixed → installation cable/wire (YMVK/VD/VMVL)Plug-in → power leads / extension leads / reels

3) How many cores?

2 → live + neutral (if allowed for the device)3 → include earth (most common for earthed fixtures)

4) Choose mm² using W → A + length

0.75 / 1.0 / 1.5 / 2.5 / 4.0 mm²Use margin; longer = thicker; 12/24V is extra sensitive.

Cable types explained (click through)

YMVKFixed cable runs (indoor/outdoor depending on type)Browse category →VD-draadInstallation wire in conduit (per core)Browse category →VMVLFlexible installation cable (specific use cases)Browse category →Power leadsFixture/device connection with plug/connectorBrowse category →Extension leadsExtra length for temporary setupsBrowse category →Cable connectorsNeat connections; pick by mm² + environmentBrowse category →

Which mm² do I need?

mm²	Typical use (guideline)	Notes
0.75	Small plug-in loads, short leads	Prefer margin; check device spec
1.0	Common for many lighting leads	Good baseline for 230V lighting
1.5	Higher load / longer runs	Often used in fixed installs (depends on circuit)
2.5	Heavier loads or long runs; also common for sockets in fixed wiring	Great for reducing voltage drop
4.0+	Low-voltage runs (12/24V) or high current	Use when current/length demands it

Guideline only: exact sizing depends on installation method, temperature, grouping, and regulations. For 12/24V, keep cables short and go thicker sooner.

Calculator: Watts → Amps + mm² indication

Total watts (W)Voltage (V)One-way length (m)

Current— A

Indication— mm²

Indication only. Always check product/installation requirements and regulations.

Popular picks

FAQ

2-core is typically live + neutral. 3-core includes an earth conductor and is standard for earthed appliances and many metal fixtures. Always follow the fixture’s wiring instructions.

It depends on current (A) and length. On 230V, 0.75–1.5mm² is often sufficient for many lighting loads, but longer runs/higher load require thicker cable. On 12/24V, you move to 1.5–4mm² much sooner due to higher current and voltage drop.

Because current is higher at low voltage (same watts → more amps). That increases voltage drop and heat losses. Keep runs short and choose a larger gauge sooner.

No. Fixed installations require appropriate installation-grade materials (proper cable/wire in conduit, correct junctions). Extension leads are intended for temporary/plug-in use. Follow applicable regulations.

Choose based on wire gauge (mm²), number of conductors and environment (indoor/outdoor). For quick neat connections, terminal blocks are common; outdoors, use connectors with suitable sealing/housing.

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