Description

Asl 4mm Single Cable Red: High-Current Phase Conductor

Single-core cables are fundamental building blocks in electrical installation, used extensively for live and phase connections within buildings, distribution boards, and heavy equipment. This 4.0mm² single cable features a stranded copper conductor insulated with high-quality red PVC, specifically intended for live and phase conductor applications where substantial conductor size is essential.

The 4.0mm² conductor size offers significant current-carrying capacity, making this cable suitable for power circuits, main distribution runs, and high-power equipment supplies. The cable is intended for use in semi-flush exposed conduits and embedded conduits as well as in closed installation ducts, and is ideal for the internal wiring of appliances and apparatus.

Asl 4mm Single Cable Red: Key Specifications

SpecificationDetails
Cable TypeSingle-core insulated cable
Conductor Size4.0 mm²
Conductor MaterialPlain annealed copper
Conductor ConstructionStranded copper (Class 2)
Number of Strands7 strands (7/0.85mm)
Insulation MaterialPVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
Insulation ColourRed
Voltage Rating450/750V
Current Rating42 Amps
Resistance4.61 Ohm/km at 20°C
Maximum Operating Temperature70°C
Minimum Bending Radius3-4 x overall diameter
Cable Code6491X / H07V-R
StandardsBS 6004, BS EN 50525-2-31, CE, RoHS
ApplicationsPower circuits, distribution wiring, switchgear, control gear
For use inConduits, trunking, light fittings, appliances, switchgear, control gear

Asl 4mm Single Cable Red: Conductor Construction

The conductor is manufactured from plain annealed copper, chosen for its excellent electrical conductivity and ductility. For a 4.0mm² cable, the stranded construction consists of 7 strands of 0.85mm diameter wire for Class 2 stranded conductors.

This stranding offers several advantages for larger conductor sizes:

  • Flexibility: Even with the substantial cross-section, stranded construction provides manageable flexibility for installation around corners and into termination points

  • Handling: Easier to route and terminate than solid conductors of equivalent size

  • Termination: Provides excellent contact area in heavy-duty terminals and crimped lugs

  • Reliability: Stranded construction resists work-hardening and fatigue in fixed installations

Asl 4mm Single Cable Red: PVC Insulation

The red PVC insulation for this heavy-duty cable serves multiple critical functions:

Electrical Insulation: Provides excellent dielectric strength, preventing electrical leakage and ensuring safe containment of the live conductor at high currents. The maximum DC resistance is 4.61 Ohm/km at 20°C.

Mechanical Protection: The substantial insulation thickness protects the copper conductor from abrasion, impact, and damage during installation and service.

Colour Identification: The red insulation provides clear visual identification as a live or phase conductor. In traditional UK wiring colour schemes, red indicates live connections.

Environmental Resistance: PVC offers good resistance to moisture, chemicals, and UV exposure (when installed within appropriate containment).

Temperature Rating: Rated for continuous operation up to 70°C, suitable for normal operating conditions in buildings.

Flame Retardant: PVC insulation is flame retardant, meeting IEC 60332-1-2 standards for fire performance.

Asl 4mm Single Cable Red: Current Ratings

The current-carrying capacity of 4.0mm² cable is rated at 42 Amps. This rating may vary based on installation method:

Installation MethodTypical Current Rating
In conduit in thermally insulated wall32-35 Amps (de-rated)
In conduit on wall36-39 Amps (de-rated)
In free air42 Amps
In cable tray40-45 Amps (depending on spacing)

These ratings are typical at 30°C ambient temperature and may vary based on grouping with other cables, ambient temperature, and specific installation conditions. Reference should be made to the current edition of wiring regulations for final sizing.

Asl 4mm Single Cable Red: Applications

This heavy-duty single-core cable is suitable for numerous high-current applications:

Power Circuits: Used for radial power circuits and final sub-circuits supplying high-demand equipment, cookers, showers, electric vehicle chargers, and industrial machinery.

Distribution Wiring: Suitable for sub-main distribution circuits from consumer units to distribution boards in large premises.

Switchgear Connections: Provides connections within switchgear, control panels, and distribution boards where high-current phase conductors are required.

Industrial Installations: Wiring for factories, warehouses, and industrial plants where significant power distribution is required.

Control Gear: Used for internal wiring of control panels and electrical enclosures.

Light Fittings: Suitable for use in or on light fittings and inside appliances.

Fixed Protection Installation: Ideal for fixed, protected installations in accordance with wiring regulations.

Three-Phase Systems: Can be used as phase conductors in three-phase installations where red is one of the phase colours.

Asl 4mm Single Cable Red: Voltage Rating

The 450/750V voltage rating indicates:

  • 450V: Voltage to earth (phase to neutral/earth)

  • 750V: Voltage between phases

This makes the cable suitable for standard single-phase and three-phase installations up to 750V, covering all normal domestic and commercial applications, including high-power circuits.

Asl 4mm Single Cable Red: Installation Considerations

Conduit and Trunking: This cable is designed for installation within conduit, trunking, or other approved containment systems that provide mechanical protection. It is intended for use in semi-flush exposed conduits and embedded conduits as well as in closed installation ducts.

Termination: Due to the large conductor size, appropriate termination methods are essential. Use suitable crimped lugs, heavy-duty terminals, or mechanical connectors designed for 4.0mm² conductors.

Bending Radius: The minimum bending radius should be observed to prevent damage to the conductor or insulation. Typically 3-4 times the cable diameter (approximately 12-16mm).

Stripping: Use appropriate cable stripping tools designed for larger conductors to remove insulation without nicking or damaging the copper strands.

Derating: When multiple cables are bunched together or run in thermal insulation, derating factors apply to the current-carrying capacity. Consult wiring regulations for guidance.

Support: For vertical runs, ensure the cable is adequately supported to prevent strain on terminations due to its weight.

Voltage Drop: For longer runs, consider voltage drop calculations. For 4.0mm² copper conductor, voltage drop is approximately 11 mV/A/m .

Asl 4mm Single Cable Red: Colour Coding

The red insulation colour is traditionally used for live and phase conductors in fixed wiring. In three-phase systems, red may be used to identify one of the phases (typically L1). Using correctly identified cables is essential for:

Safety: Ensures that anyone working on the installation can immediately identify live conductors, reducing the risk of electric shock.

Compliance: Wiring regulations require conductors to be identified by appropriate colours for their function.

Testing and Inspection: Makes testing and verification of circuits straightforward and reliable.

Maintenance: Facilitates future modifications and fault-finding by providing clear visual identification.

Note: In modern harmonised wiring, brown is now the standard colour for live conductors, while red may still be encountered in existing installations and certain specialist applications.

Asl 4mm Single Cable Red: Quality and Compliance

This cable is manufactured to meet rigorous international standards:

  • BS 6004: British Standard for PVC-insulated cables for electric power and lighting

  • BS EN 50525-2-31: European standard for PVC-insulated cables

  • BASEC Approved: Premium versions carry BASEC approval for assured quality

  • CE Marking: Indicates compliance with relevant European directives

  • RoHS Compliance: Free from hazardous substances

  • ISO 9001: Quality management systems ensure consistent manufacturing standards

  • Flame Retardant: Meets IEC 60332-1-2 standards

Asl 4mm Single Cable Red: Availability

This cable is typically available in various formats:

  • Per metre: Cut to your exact requirements for smaller projects

  • 50m reels: For medium-sized installations

  • 100m reels: Standard drum size for contractors and regular users

  • 500m drums: For bulk supply to large contractors

When ordering cut lengths per metre, you will receive one continuous piece of cable, not multiple sections.

Asl 4mm Single Cable Red: Storage and Handling

Store the cable in a clean, dry environment away from direct sunlight and chemicals that could degrade the PVC insulation. Reels should be stored upright or flat to prevent distortion. When paying out cable, ensure it is not kinked or twisted, which could damage the insulation or conductor.

The cable is suitable for indoor use in dry environments and has an operating temperature range of -15°C to +70°C.

When installed correctly within appropriate containment and in accordance with current wiring regulations, Asl 4mm Single Cable Red provides a safe, reliable, and high-capacity solution for phase conductors and power distribution in residential, commercial, and industrial applications requiring substantial current-carrying capacity.