Complete Guide to Electrical Cables: Types, Sizes & How to Buy in Saudi Arabia

Hussain Ghazali
2 hours ago
5 min read

Electrical cables are the backbone of every building's power infrastructure. Whether you're wiring a villa in Riyadh, upgrading an industrial facility in Dammam, or outfitting a commercial complex in Jeddah, choosing the right cable type and size is critical for safety, performance, and compliance. This comprehensive guide covers every major type of electrical cable available in Saudi Arabia, how to select the right one, and how to order online.

Quick Answer

Electrical cables in Saudi Arabia are classified by conductor material (copper or aluminum), insulation type (PVC or XLPE), number of cores, and cross-section (mm²). For home wiring: 1.5mm² for lighting, 2.5mm² for sockets, 4–6mm² for air conditioners. All cables must be SASO-certified and suitable for 220V/50Hz systems.

Types of Electrical Cables Explained
How to Choose the Right Cable Size
Copper vs Aluminum Cables
PVC vs XLPE Insulation
Cable Standards and Certifications in Saudi Arabia
How to Read a Cable Specification
Top Cable Brands in Saudi Arabia
How to Order Cables Online
Common Mistakes When Buying Cables
Frequently Asked Questions

Types of Electrical Cables Explained

1. Single Core PVC Cables

Single core cables are used for internal fixed wiring inside conduits. They are available in cross-sections from 1.5mm² to 300mm² and are colour-coded (brown/red for live, blue/black for neutral, green-yellow for earth). Ideal for residential and commercial building wiring.

2. Multi-Core PVC Cables (NYY / NYM)

Multi-core cables (2, 3, 4, or 5 cores) bundle multiple conductors into a single cable jacket. NYM is used for surface-mounted or concealed wiring in dry environments. NYY (with a PVC outer sheath) is suitable for direct burial and outdoor applications.

3. Armoured Cables (SWA — Steel Wire Armoured)

Steel Wire Armoured (SWA) cables are designed for direct burial, outdoor installations, and areas requiring mechanical protection. The steel wire armour layer protects against impact, rodents, and compression. Widely used for underground power supply, street lighting, and substation connections in Saudi Arabia.

4. XLPE Power Cables

Cross-Linked Polyethylene (XLPE) cables offer superior thermal performance — operating at up to 90°C continuously versus 70°C for PVC cables. This makes them the preferred choice for medium and high voltage applications, industrial power distribution, and high-temperature environments — critical in Saudi Arabia's climate.

5. Control and Instrumentation Cables

Control cables are multi-core cables used to carry signals between electrical panels, PLCs, sensors, and actuators. They typically have smaller conductor cross-sections (0.5mm² to 2.5mm²) and are available with or without overall shielding for EMI protection.

6. Flexible Cables

Flexible cables are designed for applications requiring repeated movement — extension cords, portable tools, appliance connections. H05VV-F is used for light indoor applications while H07RN-F (rubber-sheathed) is suitable for outdoor and industrial environments.

7. Fire-Resistant Cables (FRC)

Fire-resistant cables maintain circuit integrity during a fire, keeping critical systems (fire alarms, emergency lighting, evacuation systems) operational. Required by Saudi building codes in high-rise buildings, hospitals, hotels, and public facilities.

How to Choose the Right Cable Size in Saudi Arabia

Cable sizing depends on the current the cable carries, installation method, and ambient temperature. Practical size guide for Saudi Arabia:

1.5mm² — Lighting circuits (up to 10–16A)
2.5mm² — Standard power sockets (up to 20–25A)
4mm² — Small air conditioning units (1–1.5 ton)
6mm² — Large air conditioning units (2–3 ton) and water heaters
10mm² and above — Sub-panel feeds, electric ovens, large HVAC equipment
35mm² and above — Main supply cables, motor feeders, industrial equipment

Important: Saudi Arabia's hot climate significantly reduces cable current-carrying capacity. In areas where ambient temperature exceeds 30°C (most of Saudi Arabia for large parts of the year), apply derating factors to your cable sizing calculations, especially for cables installed in direct sunlight or enclosed conduits.

Copper vs Aluminum Cables: Which to Choose?

Copper cables: Higher conductivity, more flexible, smaller diameter for same current capacity, easier to install. Standard choice for residential and commercial wiring in Saudi Arabia.
Aluminum cables: Lower cost per metre, lighter weight. Used for large power distribution cables (95mm² and above) where economics justify it. Requires special connectors and installation techniques.

PVC vs XLPE Insulation: Key Differences

PVC insulation: Max operating temperature 70°C. Cost-effective and widely used for low voltage residential and commercial buildings.
XLPE insulation: Max operating temperature 90°C. Superior performance in high-temperature environments. Required for medium/high voltage cables and industrial applications. Preferred in Saudi Arabia's hot climate for outdoor and industrial uses.

Cable Standards and Certifications in Saudi Arabia

SASO 166 / SASO IEC 60228: Conductors for insulated cables
IEC 60227: PVC insulated cables for fixed wiring
IEC 60502: Power cables with XLPE insulation
BS 6724 / IEC 60092: Armoured cables (SWA)
IEC 60331 / IEC 60332: Fire-resistant and flame-retardant cables

How to Read a Cable Specification

When you see a cable listed as '4 × 2.5mm² NYY 0.6/1kV', here is what each part means:

4: Number of cores (conductors)
2.5mm²: Cross-section area of each conductor
NYY: Cable type designation (PVC insulated, PVC sheathed)
0.6/1kV: Rated voltage (phase-to-earth / phase-to-phase)

Top Cable Brands Available in Saudi Arabia

Prysmian Group: Italian multinational, globally recognized for power and telecom cables
Nexans: French manufacturer with strong Middle East presence
Riyadh Cables: Leading Saudi Arabian cable manufacturer
Saudi Cable Company (SCC): Established Saudi manufacturer for LV and MV cables
Havells: Indian manufacturer offering a broad range of wiring cables

Cable Buying Checklist

☑ Correct conductor material (copper for most applications)
☑ Correct cross-section (mm²) for the intended load
☑ Suitable insulation type (PVC or XLPE)
☑ Armoured (SWA) if underground or needing mechanical protection
☑ SASO-certified or IEC-compliant
☑ Quantity calculated with 10% waste allowance

Common Mistakes When Buying Electrical Cables

Undersizing the cable for the load — consult IEC 60364 tables or a qualified electrician.
Not accounting for Saudi Arabia's high ambient temperatures when derating cables.
Buying non-SASO-certified cables — counterfeit cables are a fire hazard.
Not ordering enough length — always add a 10% buffer.
Using indoor cables in outdoor or underground applications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What type of cable is used for home wiring in Saudi Arabia?

Standard home wiring uses single-core PVC copper cables (H07V-U or H07V-R) in PVC conduits. For external and underground runs, NYY or SWA cables are used. Sizes: 1.5mm² for lighting, 2.5mm² for sockets, 4–6mm² for air conditioners.

What is the difference between NYM and NYY cable?

NYM is a lightweight cable for indoor fixed installations in dry conditions. NYY has a heavier PVC outer sheath suitable for outdoor use and direct burial. For mechanical protection, SWA (armoured) cable is preferred.

Can I buy electrical cables by the metre online in Saudi Arabia?

Yes. Many online suppliers offer cables cut per metre for smaller projects. For larger quantities, cables are sold in coils (100m) or full drums (100m, 200m, or 500m depending on cross-section).

Why does cable ampacity need derating in Saudi Arabia?

Standard cable ampacity tables (IEC 60364) are based on 30°C ambient temperature. In Saudi Arabia, temperatures regularly exceed 40–50°C, reducing cable heat dissipation. Derating factors must be applied to prevent overheating, especially in direct sunlight or enclosed conduits.

What cables are used for solar PV installations in Saudi Arabia?

Solar PV installations use dedicated PV cables rated for DC applications, UV resistance, and high temperatures (e.g., PV1-F cable, rated 1.5kV DC). These are purpose-designed for Saudi Arabia's harsh outdoor conditions.

What is the standard cable for 3-phase power in Saudi Arabia?

For three-phase distribution, 4-core or 5-core PVC or XLPE cables are used. The system voltage is 380V (three-phase). Cable sizing depends on the load — always engage a qualified electrical engineer for industrial three-phase installations.

Conclusion

Choosing the right electrical cable for your project in Saudi Arabia requires understanding cable types, correct sizing for the climate and load, appropriate insulation, and compliance with SASO standards. Use this guide as your reference, always insist on SASO-certified products, and buy from a trusted supplier with a broad product range and technical expertise.

Order Quality Electrical Cables Online in Saudi Arabia

Browse Benna.com.sa for a comprehensive range of SASO-certified electrical cables — from single-core house wiring to heavy-duty armoured power cables — delivered anywhere in Saudi Arabia. Get a quote today for bulk cable orders with competitive pricing and expert technical support.