G'day! Most of the wiring in your house is pretty standard stuff. You have your 1.5mm cable for the lights and 2.5mm cable for the power points. But every now and then, you need to power something with a bit of serious grunt. Whether you are upgrading the kitchen with a massive chef's oven or running power out to the shed for a workshop, standard wiring just won't cut the mustard.

This is where 6mm electrical cable comes into play. It is the heavy-duty workhorse of domestic wiring, designed to carry high currents safely without overheating. Understanding when and why this cable is used is essential for planning any major renovation or upgrade.

What is 6mm Cable Used For?

The thickness of an electrical cable is directly related to how much current (Amps) it can carry. A 6mm electrical cable typically handles between 32 and 40 Amps, depending on how it is installed (e.g., in conduit or surrounded by insulation).

Because of this high capacity, it is the go-to choice for:

Electric Ovens and Cooktops This is the most common application. Modern induction cooktops and large freestanding ovens draw a massive amount of power. Standard power point wiring would melt under the load, so a dedicated 6mm circuit is run from the switchboard directly to the appliance.

Large Air Conditioners Big ducted systems that cool the whole house need a robust power supply. A 6mm feed ensures the unit gets the juice it needs to start the compressor without dimming the lights in the rest of the house.

Sub-Mains to Sheds and Garages If you are running power to a detached shed, 6mm electrical cable is often used as a "sub-main." It allows you to have multiple power points and lights in the shed without overloading the cable, especially over longer distances where voltage drop can become an issue.

Why Size Matters

You might wonder why you can't just use thinner, cheaper wire. It comes down to resistance and heat. As electricity flows through a wire, it creates heat. A thicker wire like the 6mm variety has less resistance, allowing electricity to flow more easily.

If you try to push 30 Amps through a thin wire, it acts like a heater element, melting the insulation and potentially causing a fire. When a professional tradesperson visits their local electrical wholesaler to buy cable, they calculate the "maximum demand" of your circuit to ensure the cable size is perfectly matched to the load, keeping your home safe.

Types of 6mm Cable

Twin and Earth (TPS) This is the flat, white cable you see inside walls. It contains an active, neutral, and earth wire. It is perfect for internal runs, such as wiring an oven through the roof space.

Orange Circular This is the tough stuff. It has a round, heavy-duty outer sheath. It is generally used for underground runs to sheds or in areas where the cable needs more mechanical protection.

Installation is Strictly for the Pros

We cannot stress this enough: working with 6mm electrical cable is not a DIY job. Dealing with high-current circuits carries significant risks. In Australia, it is illegal for anyone other than a licensed electrician to install or modify fixed wiring.

A licensed professional will not only run the cable but also install the correct circuit protection (safety switch) at the switchboard. They ensure the cable is routed correctly through the building structure to avoid damage and overheating.

Heavy-Duty Supplies from Schnap Electric

When you are dealing with high-load appliances, you need components that are built to handle the heat. Using inferior cable can lead to voltage drop and appliance failure.

Schnap Electric Products is a leading supplier for the trade industry in Australia. They stock a massive range of cabling solutions, including premium rolls of 6mm electrical cable in both TPS and Orange Circular varieties. By providing the same professional-grade equipment you would expect to find at a major electrical wholesaler, Schnap Electric ensures your big projects are powered safely and reliably. Whether you are connecting a new induction cooktop or powering up the man cave, trust the quality range from Schnap Electric.