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

Muhammad Tauha
30 minutes ago
4 min read

Electrical cables are the circulatory system of any building. Choose the wrong type or size and you risk overheating, fire hazards, equipment failure, and failed inspections. This comprehensive guide covers every type of electrical cable available in Saudi Arabia — what each is used for, how to select the correct cross-section, and where to buy certified cables at competitive prices.

Quick Answer

The most common electrical cables in Saudi Arabia include NYM (indoor fixed wiring), NYY (underground/outdoor), NYAF (flexible, for connections), H07V-U (conduit wiring), and armoured cables (SWA/AWA) for industrial use. Always select copper conductor cables, verify IEC 60228 compliance, and size cables according to your load current and installation method.

Types of Electrical Cables Available in Saudi Arabia

NYM Cable (300/500V) — Indoor Fixed Wiring

NYM cable is the most widely used cable for indoor fixed wiring in homes, apartments, and commercial buildings across Saudi Arabia. It features PVC insulation on each conductor and an overall grey PVC outer sheath. NYM cables are available in 2-core, 3-core, and 5-core configurations with cross-sections from 1.5mm² to 16mm². Suitable for concealed wiring in walls, ceiling spaces, and conduits.

NYY Cable (0.6/1kV) — Underground and Outdoor

NYY cable is designed for direct burial underground, outdoor installations, and connections between buildings. Its thick PVC outer sheath and XLPE or PVC insulation provide excellent protection against moisture, chemicals, and mechanical stress. Common in Saudi Arabia for sub-mains, service connections, and motor feeders. Available from 1.5mm² to 630mm² cross-sections.

NYAF Cable — Flexible Connections

NYAF is a finely stranded, highly flexible single-core cable used for connections to panels, switchboards, and equipment that require frequent movement. Its fine copper strands allow tight bending radii without conductor damage. Used extensively in control panels, distribution boards, and industrial machinery in Saudi Arabia.

H07V-U / H07V-R — Conduit Wiring

H07V-U (solid conductor) and H07V-R (stranded conductor) single-core wires are designed to be pulled through conduit systems. They are colour-coded — red/brown for live, blue for neutral, and yellow/green for earth. Rated at 450/750V, they are the standard for concealed conduit installations in Saudi Arabia.

Armoured Cable (SWA/AWA) — Industrial and High-Risk Areas

Steel Wire Armoured (SWA) or Aluminium Wire Armoured (AWA) cables offer the highest mechanical protection. They are used in factories, petro-chemical plants, tunnels, and any environment where cables are exposed to physical damage or rodent attack. The armour layer also provides an additional earth path. Widely specified on Saudi industrial and infrastructure projects.

Control Cables (LIYY, YSLY) — Automation and Signalling

Control cables transmit low-voltage signals between control panels, sensors, PLCs, and actuators. LIYY and YSLY are multi-core screened cables used in industrial automation, HVAC control systems, and BMS (Building Management Systems). They provide EMI shielding to protect signal integrity. Essential in the growing Saudi industrial and smart building sectors.

How to Choose the Right Cable Size in Saudi Arabia

Cable sizing is a critical safety step. Here is a simplified guide for copper cables in typical Saudi installations at 40°C ambient temperature:

1.5mm² copper: Up to 13A — lighting circuits, signal wiring
2.5mm² copper: Up to 20A — general power sockets, small appliances
4mm² copper: Up to 27A — cookers, water heaters, air conditioning units
6mm² copper: Up to 34A — large appliances, sub-main distribution
10mm² copper: Up to 46A — sub-mains, EV charging points
16mm² copper: Up to 57A — large sub-mains, main feeds to distribution boards
25mm² and above: Mains cables, incoming supplies to commercial and industrial buildings

Note: Always consult SBC 401 or IEC 60364 and derate for installation method and Saudi Arabia's extreme summer ambient temperatures (45–50°C outdoor).

Copper vs Aluminium Cables: Which Should You Choose?

Copper cables: Higher conductivity, smaller cross-section for the same current, easier to terminate, better for low-voltage and residential applications. Standard choice for most Saudi projects.
Aluminium cables: Lower cost per metre (approximately 40–60% cheaper), lighter weight, used for large cross-section mains cables (35mm² and above), overhead lines, and utility distribution. Requires special aluminium-compatible lugs and connectors.

Top Electrical Cable Brands in Saudi Arabia

Nexans: French multinational, premium cables widely used in Saudi mega-projects and infrastructure
Prysmian: Italian manufacturer, one of the world's largest cable producers, strong presence in KSA
Riyadh Cables: Leading Saudi manufacturer with wide distribution network across the Kingdom
Saudi Cables Company (SCC): Major local producer, government-approved supplier
LS Cable: Korean brand with growing market share in Saudi Arabia and the wider GCC

Common Mistakes When Buying Electrical Cables

Confusing cable current rating with breaker rating — they must be coordinated, not identical.
Ignoring derating factors for installation method (bunched cables, high ambient temperature).
Using NYM cable in direct burial — always use NYY or armoured cable underground.
Purchasing non-certified cables to save money — fire hazards and failed SEC inspections will cost far more.
Underestimating cable lengths — always add 10–15% for routing, loops, and connection tails.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common cable used in Saudi homes?

NYM 2-core and 3-core cables in 1.5mm² (lighting) and 2.5mm² (power sockets) are the most commonly used cables in residential buildings across Saudi Arabia.

Can I use the same cable size for all circuits?

No. Each circuit must be sized according to its design current. Lighting circuits typically use 1.5mm², power socket circuits use 2.5mm², air conditioning circuits use 4mm² or 6mm², and sub-mains use 10mm² or larger. Refer to SBC 401 and IEC 60364 for full sizing guidance.

Are cables sold by metre or drum in Saudi Arabia?

Cables are sold both ways. Retail buyers can purchase cut lengths by the metre for small projects. Contractors and bulk buyers typically purchase full drums (50m, 100m, 500m, or 1000m reels) for significantly lower per-metre pricing.

Conclusion

Choosing the right electrical cable is one of the most important decisions in any construction or renovation project in Saudi Arabia. This guide has covered the main cable types — NYM, NYY, NYAF, H07V, armoured, and control cables — along with sizing guidance and top brands. Remember that cable selection must always consider load current, installation method, and Saudi Arabia's extreme ambient temperatures.

Shop our certified range of electrical cables at Benna KSA — available by the metre or in full drums, with fast delivery across Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and all Saudi cities.