Cavo Cable 1m Long - Black

Figure 8 cable takes its name from its cross section: two insulated conductors run side by side in a moulded black sheath, joined along their length so the pair stays flat and neat. Each conductor is 0.5mm, supple enough to turn a corner or pass through a tight gap, and the flat profile sits lower than a round flex would. We supply it by the metre, and whatever quantity you order comes as a continuous length rather than separate cut pieces.

It is intended for low voltage LED work: extending the tails on a strip, taking power from a driver to the start of a run, or linking sections under kitchen cupboards, along shelving and inside display cabinets. Black is the sheath to choose where the cable crosses a dark surface or drops into a shadow gap and you would rather it went unnoticed. It suits anyone putting together a strip lighting scheme at home who needs more reach than the short leads supplied in the box, and it is just as useful for tidying up an older run that has been patched together over the years.

The sheath is smooth, so a wipe with a dry cloth is all an exposed length ever asks of you, and the supply should be switched off before you handle cable that has been in service. We keep the same figure 8 in clear and in white for pale surfaces and joinery, and there is a black and red version if you want the cores told apart by colour. Heavier flex in braided finishes sits alongside it in the range, for the times a visible drop wants a little more character. Connectors and drivers are chosen separately to suit the strip you are wiring.

What does 0.5mm refer to?

It is the cross-sectional area of each of the two conductors, equivalent to 20 AWG. That gauge is a common match for LED strip and other low voltage LED items.

Will I receive separate one metre pieces?

No. The quantity you order is supplied as one continuous length, so ordering five gives you a 5m piece to cut as you wish.

Can I use this on a mains circuit?

It is sold for low voltage LED wiring. Where mains flex is needed, look to the VDE approved flat and braided two core cables in the same range.

How do I tell the two cores apart?

The sheath is black throughout, so mark one end with a tag or a wrap of tape as you work. If you would rather have the polarity shown by colour, we also stock the black and red version.

Does it cut cleanly?

Yes, side cutters or a proper cable cutter will part it neatly, and the joined web between the cores can be split back by hand to free the ends.

Why choose black over the clear or white?

Black disappears against dark cabinetry, shadow gaps and painted steel. Clear and white are the better pick on light timber or pale walls.