Braided Flex Cables
Shop Italian fabric braided flex cable for lighting projects in round and twisted styles. Choose 0.75mm CSA cable in 2 core or 3 core options, ideal for pendant lights, table lamps and restoration work. All stock is UK held and ready for fast dispatch.
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Braided flex is a textile-covered electrical cable used in pendant lamps, lamp kits, and decorative lighting where the cable itself is part of the look. The fabric braid sits over standard PVC-insulated cores, giving the flex a tactile, vintage quality that plain cable cannot match.
What colours and styles of braided flex are available?
Braided flex is available in a wide range of single colours, including black, white, grey, cream, navy, and red, as well as twisted two-tone and three-tone combinations that give a rope-like appearance. Cotton and silk-effect braids are the most common finishes. For industrial and vintage builds, a twisted black and copper or black and gold braid pairs particularly well with antique brass fittings and filament bulbs.
What core configuration does braided flex come in?
Braided flex is available in 2-core and 3-core versions. 2-core flex carries live and neutral only and is suitable for use with double-insulated plastic lampholders. 3-core flex adds an earth wire and is required when using metal lampholders in brass, chrome, or antique finishes, which are not double-insulated. Most lamp kit builds using decorative pendant fittings use 2-core braided flex, but always match the core count to your lampholder type.
How much braided flex do I need for a pendant lamp?
For a standard pendant hanging from a ceiling rose, measure the drop from ceiling to lampholder and add at least 30cm for the connections at both ends. A typical pendant drop is between 60cm and 120cm, so 1.5m of flex is usually sufficient for a single pendant. For longer drops or multi-pendant builds, calculate each drop individually and add enough for the connections at the ceiling rose.
Can braided flex be used with any lampholder?
Braided flex works with any lampholder, provided the core count matches the lampholder type. Some lampholders have a cord grip that secures the flex just above the connection. Make sure the cord grip will close securely around the diameter of your chosen braid, as thicker rope cables may require a larger cord grip. LampSpares lists the cable diameter on each flex product so you can check before ordering.
Browse braided flex cables in cotton, silk-effect, and twisted finishes at LampSpares, available in 2-core and 3-core and sold by the metre.
Italian Fabric Braided Flex Cable for Lighting
Braided flex cable is a popular choice for lighting where the cable is part of the finished look. Our Italian fabric braided cable range is designed for pendant lights, table lamps and decorative fittings, with options to suit both vintage restorations and modern installations.
2 Core & 3 Core Braided Flex (0.75mm CSA)
- 0.75mm CSA – Standard specification used for many domestic lighting applications.
- 2 core braided flex – Suitable for double-insulated fittings where an earth is not required.
- 3 core braided flex – Includes an earth wire for metal fittings that require grounding.
If you are unsure which type you need, check your fitting requirements before ordering. For many metal lamp holders and ceiling fittings, 3 core cable is typically required.
Round & Twisted Braided Cable Styles
Round braided flex offers a clean, contemporary finish, while twisted braided flex is commonly used for vintage-style pendants and exposed cable designs. Pair your braided lighting cable with compatible parts such as brass lamp holders and ceiling roses to build a complete lighting fitting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 0.75mm braided flex used for?
0.75mm braided flex is commonly used for pendant lights and table lamps in domestic lighting projects.
What is the difference between 2 core and 3 core braided flex cable?
2 core is typically used for double-insulated fittings. 3 core includes an earth wire and is used for metal fittings that require grounding.
Is braided flex cable suitable for pendant lights?
Yes. Braided flex is widely used for pendant lights, especially where the cable is visible as part of the design.
Is fabric cable the same as braided cable?
Fabric cable is often used as a general term for braided cable. Both refer to a cable with an outer woven fabric finish designed for decorative use.