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Electrical

what type of swa cable for outdoor sockets. lighting

Anonymous user 03/03/2024 - 3.24 PM

i want to run s.w.a cable to my shed to fit a socket then from shed to lights in garden but what type of swa cable is needed for socket in shed & what type for garden lighting i see for sale, 4 mm, 6 mm, 3 core 4 core i know its 1.5 for lighting & 2.5 for sockets in domestic but unsure what is suitable for outside apart from it is armoured cable i know 4 core is permanently live but do i need 2 different type of cable answers most welcome, thanks for some of the answers & concerns but just for the record I do not intend to terminate the cable I will be getting a qualified electrician in to do that part of the job I have been looking on ebay & shpock for some cable but wanted clarification as to what is best to run I just don't understand if I have to run 2 separate cables or will one cable cover both garden lights & sockets be it 6mm or 4mm

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6 Answers

Parish Maintenance and Electrical

Rating: 4.9 out of 5
Kidderminster
Hello Michael. I would run 3core into your shed, into a garage mini consumer unit. This would be Line (live) neutral and earth. depending on distance you may require an earth rod ( for safety). then to switches for you garden lighting etc. I hope this helps Jon Cutress
Answered6 September 2025
2

Anonymous user

This is a notifiable job. It needs to be tested certified and notified. It’s not a diy job. Let your registered electrician decide on the cable design. You can assist him with the job if he’s willing but don’t do it yourself as you will have a potentially lethal installation
Answered9 September 2019
2

Brigstock Electrical Services (Growth Consulting Ltd)

Rating: 5 out of 5
Kettering
Depends on length of cable and current draw at the end I would normally fit 6mm 3 core to garage or shed fit a garage consumer unit and out to the lights with 1.5 3 core your question suggests you don’t have the experience to do this job get a tradesman in!
Answered9 September 2019
1

Anonymous user

This project really needs a qualified electrician to carry out a survey and quote, there are many factors to consider around cable routes, earthing, voltage drop and the current circuit board the supply is coming from. Without wishing to put any of my colleagues out of pocket, have you considered using a solar panel and leisure battery to power a led lamp ? I realise you mentioned a plug socket but again if it’s low consumption but still 230v you may consider a small inverter as you may find on a narrowboat ? Just a thought.
Answered10 September 2019
1

ASWADUK LIMITED

Rating: 4.9 out of 5
Greenford
Hi If you have the space to run two separate cables its all safe and will keep your discrimination to 0 as it will be two separate circuit, I would advice All you need is steel wire armoured cable 6943 its a three core cable and you can buy it in meters length please make sure you have all the connection and plugs for out door only, if you need more information you can easly find the parts in high street suppliers websites. Good Luck. Aswad
Answered9 September 2019
0

PPC Electrical Services

Rating: 5 out of 5
Birmingham
With the greatest of respect-if you are asking that question, I would strongly advise that you employ the services of s competent electrician. See: https://www.competentperson.co.uk/
Answered10 September 2019
0