Orange Circular

Orange circular cable is a multi-core power distribution cable designed for residential, commercial, and industrial electrical installations across Australia. This versatile cable features stranded copper conductors with PVC or XLPE insulation, all encased within a distinctive orange outer sheath that provides enhanced UV resistance for both indoor and outdoor applications.​

Manufactured to Australian Standard AS/NZS 5000.1, orange circular cable is available in voltage ratings of 450/750V and 600/1000V, making it suitable for mains, sub-mains, and sub-circuit applications. The cable’s round configuration offers superior durability compared to flat TPS cable, particularly in industrial environments where mechanical protection and weather resistance are essential.​

Available configurations include 2 core+earth, 3 core+earth, and 4 core+earth options, with conductor sizes ranging from 1.5mm² to 70mm² to accommodate various load requirements from general lighting circuits to high-capacity power systems. The internal conductor colors follow Australian electrical standards: red for active, black for neutral, and green/yellow for earth.​

This cable type is ideal for installations that may be unenclosed, enclosed in conduit, buried directly, or placed in underground ducts, provided it avoids direct mechanical damage. The orange circular cable’s V-90 or X-90 insulation allows continuous operation at temperatures up to 90°C, with short-circuit ratings up to 250°C. Browse our extensive range of cable products for all your electrical project needs.​

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FAQs

What is orange circular cable used for?

Orange circular cable is primarily used for power distribution in residential, commercial, and industrial installations where the cable may be exposed to harsh environmental conditions. Common applications include construction sites, factories, outdoor installations, and industrial power systems requiring UV resistance and mechanical durability. The cable is suitable for unenclosed installations, conduit enclosures, direct burial, and underground ducting.​

What is the difference between 450/750V and 600/1000V orange circular cable?

The voltage rating indicates the maximum operating voltage the cable can safely handle. The 450/750V rating uses V-90 PVC insulation and is typically specified for domestic and light commercial applications, while the 600/1000V rating features X-90 PVC or XLPE insulation for more demanding commercial and industrial installations. Higher voltage ratings provide greater electrical safety margins and are required for certain power distribution systems.​

How do I choose between 2 core, 3 core, or 4 core orange circular cable?

Cable core selection depends on your electrical circuit configuration. Two core+earth cable is used for single-phase power circuits, three core+earth suits three-phase applications without a neutral, and four core+earth accommodates three-phase installations requiring a neutral conductor. All configurations include an earth conductor for electrical safety, with core colors following Australian standards: red (active), black (neutral), white/blue (additional phases), and green/yellow (earth).​

What conductor size orange circular cable do I need for my project?

Conductor size selection depends on the electrical load, circuit length, and voltage drop calculations specified in AS/NZS 3000. Smaller sizes like 1.5mm² and 2.5mm² typically handle lighting circuits and general power outlets, while 4mm² to 10mm² suit appliance circuits and sub-mains. Larger sizes from 16mm² to 70mm² are specified for high-capacity industrial equipment, main switchboard connections, and heavy-duty power distribution where substantial current loads are anticipated.​

Can orange circular cable be installed outdoors and underground?

Yes, orange circular cable features enhanced UV resistance and a durable PVC or XLPE outer sheath that allows both outdoor and underground installation. The cable can be installed directly in sunlight, buried in ground where not subject to mechanical damage, or placed in underground conduit systems. The orange sheath provides mechanical protection against moisture, oil, and chemical exposure common in industrial and construction environments.​

Is orange circular cable better than flat TPS cable?

Orange circular cable offers superior mechanical protection and environmental resistance compared to flat TPS cable. The circular configuration with its thicker sheath makes it more suitable for industrial, commercial, and outdoor installations where cables face harsh conditions, potential impact, or UV exposure. Flat TPS cable remains more economical for standard domestic fixed wiring applications like lighting and power outlets where environmental challenges are minimal.​