Electra-Cables | 16mm Single Core Building Wire 100m | Black
The Electra-Cables 7-170BWBK is a single-core building wire rated 16 mm² conductor cross-section, 0.6/1 kV, with black PVC V-90 insulation. The 7-170BWBK delivers 100 metres of copper building wire per spool, suitable for domestic switchboard, sub-board wiring, and distribution circuits under Australian electrical standards AS/NZS 5000.1 and AS/NZS 1125.
Building wire forms the backbone of domestic and light-commercial switchboard installations, where a single continuous run from the mains or sub-board to a circuit breaker or safety switch must carry full load without intermediate joining. Installers frequently work with multiple sizes and colours across a single job—16 mm² is the workhorse for main sub-board feeds and heavy-load circuits where current demand is high. A 100-metre spool covers most single-storey domestic runs without cutting and re-joining.
Licensed electricians value bulk cable in standard drum lengths because stock rotation is straightforward across residential projects. Each spool contains a predictable run length, reducing waste and call-back risk if a single run must be abandoned and rerun. The 16 mm² size sits at the midpoint of the working range—heavier than 10 mm² for standard circuits, lighter than 25 mm² for mains connections—and stocking one spool per colour covers a broad job mix without overstocking niche sizes.
Features
- 16 mm² copper conductor — stranded construction for flexibility, rated 90°C continuous operation under normal load conditions.
- Single core unsheathed — individual black insulation only, no overall sheath; designed for building wiring within conduit or other approved enclosure.
- V-90 PVC insulation — flame-retardant polyvinyl chloride rated 90 degrees Celsius, standard across Australian building wire installations.
- 0.6/1 kV rated — suitable for domestic and light-commercial circuits, sub-board runs, and distribution wiring up to 1000 volts conductor-to-conductor.
- 100-metre spool — continuous length eliminates joints on a single domestic run; covers most standard sub-board-to-board feeds without cutting.
- Complies with AS/NZS 5000.1 and AS/NZS 1125 — unsheathed building wire standard and copper cable construction rules for Australian electrical use.
- Plain annealed or stranded copper — common supply depending on brand sourcing (Electra, Prysmian, Apec, Advance Cables, Olex) at time of order.
- Not for external or wet exposure — building wire is designed for conduit or cable tray within switchboard enclosures; do not use in damp environments, external walls, or unenclosed outdoor runs.
- 17.3 kg spool weight — requires care when handling and transport; not suitable for parcel post or PO box delivery due to weight and bulky-goods surcharge.
- Class 2 conductor flexibility — stranded construction allows bending without work-hardening, reducing the risk of fracture during conduit routing and installation.
- 6.9 mm nominal diameter — compact overall size compared to heavier gauges, with tighter bends possible through conduit runs without exceeding minimum bend radius.
Where to use
- Sub-board feeds — the 16 mm² size bridges the mains connection from a main board to a sub-board or isolator in domestic extensions and renovations without exceeding practical cable stiffness.
- Heavy-load circuits — suitable for dedicated kitchen bench circuits, water heater feeds, air-conditioning indoor unit connections, and other high-demand sub-circuits in residential installations.
- Switchboard wiring — internal switchboard and control-panel runs, neutral bars, and earth conductor connections where a single colour is needed for the whole installation.
- Residential rewires and retrofits — a standard spool covers most domestic roof-to-switchboard runs when upgrading earthing systems or installing new sub-boards in existing homes.
- New builds and additions — commonly specified for new-construction domestic wiring where spool length matches the design run without off-cuts.
- Rental property upgrades — stock a single spool when upgrading tenant accommodation or adapting an older board for compliance with newer earthing rules.
The 7-170BWBK is not suitable for external walls, damp environments, or conduit-free outdoor runs. Do not expose building wire to direct weather, splash zones, or high-temperature plant rooms without additional protection. Building wire requires installation within conduit, cable tray, or other enclosed pathway and termination by a licensed electrician in accordance with AS/NZS 3000.
Verified Sparky Direct customer reviews: Electra-Cables 16mm Black Building Wire Cable 100m (7-170BWBK)
"Received - exactly as described." — A Qld Builder
"Great product excellent price." — ES
"Great deal and great product. A little stiff but great for building wire." — EricS
