Automotive & Vehicle Cable
Automotive & Vehicle Cable: Single and Multi-Core Wiring for Auto Electricians and Mobile Installers
Wiring a vehicle, trailer or mobile installation calls for cable that can handle constant vibration, engine heat and exposure to oil and fuel — standard building wire won't hold up long-term. This range runs from fine-gauge FLRY 0.75mm² single-core cable for accessory circuits through to heavy starter leads, so you can match cross-section to actual current draw instead of guessing. Not sure which size fits the job? Our automotive cable size guide breaks the ratings down by application.
What's in This Range
- FLRY thin-wall single-core cable — lightweight PVC-insulated cable suited to indicator, accessory and low-current circuits: FLRY 0.5mm² vehicle cable.
- FLY heavy-duty single-core cable — thicker conductor for higher current runs like driving lights or fridge circuits: FLY 3.5mm² vehicle cable.
- FLRYY 2-core cable — twin-conductor cable for running power and earth, or two separate circuits, through one sheath: FLRYY 1.5mm² 2-core cable.
- FLRYY 7-core oil-resistant cable — multi-circuit cable built for trailer wiring looms and control harnesses: FLRYY 1.5mm² 7-core cable.
- Heavy-duty starter cable — high cross-section cable rated for cranking current between battery and starter motor: 35mm² starter cable.
- Twin-core automotive cable — colour-coded red/black cable rated by amperage for straightforward power and return wiring: Electra Cables 5mm² twin-core cable.
Who Uses This
Mobile auto electricians reach for FLRY and FLY single-core cable when rewiring fleet vehicles or fitting out utes with driving lights and UHF radios. 4x4 and caravan installers rely on multi-core FLRYY cable for trailer plugs and brake controller looms, while marine and agricultural equipment technicians use starter cable and twin-core automotive cable for battery connections and high-draw accessories. In the workshop, engine bay rewires and dash loom repairs typically draw on several sizes from this range at once.
Automotive & Vehicle Cable — Common Questions
What size automotive cable do I need for a starter or high-current circuit?
Starter and battery cable runs need a larger cross-section than accessory wiring because of the sustained cranking current involved. For most passenger vehicle starter connections, 50mm² starter cable is a common choice, stepping down where run lengths are short or current draw is lower. If you're unsure of the correct size for your setup, check the vehicle's existing gauge or consult a wiring diagram before ordering.
When should I use multi-core cable instead of single-core?
Multi-core cable makes sense whenever you're running several circuits along the same path, such as trailer lighting, brake controllers or accessory looms, because it keeps wiring tidy inside a single sheath. A FLRYY 5-core cable covers most standard trailer functions in one run, while single-core FLRY or FLY cable suits individual high-current circuits like driving lights or fridges that are better run separately.
What's the difference between single-core FLRY cable and twin-core automotive cable?
Single-core FLRY cable carries one circuit per length and is typically colour-coded to help trace individual runs through a loom, while twin-core automotive cable bundles a power and return conductor together in one sheath, usually colour-coded red and black. Twin-core is convenient for straightforward point-to-point connections like accessory power feeds, whereas single-core gives more flexibility when building out a multi-circuit loom. Our guide to automotive twin-core cable covers when each type makes sense.
Why Choose SCHNAP
- Wurth FLRY and FLRYY cable stocked from 0.5mm² single-core through to 7-core options, so you can match the exact circuit count and gauge to the job.
- Electra Cables twin-core automotive cable rated by amperage, taking the guesswork out of matching cable size to load.
- Trade discounts, a 30-day return policy and Australia-wide delivery, so restocking the van doesn't slow down the next job.
Running a 7-core trailer loom? Our 7-core trailer wire guide walks through wiring it correctly. Browse the full range above or get in touch for trade pricing on bulk orders.
