Every fabric cable carries a combination of numbers: 2x0.75, 3x0.75, 2x1.50. The first number is the number of cores, the second the copper cross-section of each core in square millimetres. Sounds technical, but it's quickly sorted.
Two cores or three
Two cores (L and N) are enough for protection class II lights – that is, anything double-insulated: porcelain lamp holders, Bakelite, plastic, wood with an insulated insert. Three cores also include the earth conductor (green-yellow). You need it as soon as touchable metal parts are involved: metal lamp holders, metal ceiling roses, metal shades with a conductive connection to the lamp holder. Rule of thumb: visible metal, three cores.
0.75 mm² is almost always enough
0.75 mm² copper carries 6 A continuously at 230 V, i.e. just under 1,400 W. A pendant light with an LED bulb draws 4 to 8 W. Even a five-drop fitting with old 60 W incandescent bulbs only comes to 300 W. The larger cross-sections of 1.00 or 1.50 mm² are meant for extension leads, power strips and appliances, not for lights. There, what counts is the load from a vacuum cleaner or fan heater, not a lamp.
Why the cable still comes in 1.50
Because some people use fabric cable for irons, retro fans or food mixers. For those, 3x1.50 is right and the cable grip has to match the thicker diameter (8 mm instead of 6.2). Our lamp holders and ceiling roses are designed for 2x0.75 and 3x0.75, which is why the configurator only shows you these two.
Load capacity
The cross-section also determines how much weight the cable can carry when it holds the light: 2x0.75 up to 2.25 kg, 3x0.75 up to 3.4 kg. That's the limit of the strain relief, not of the copper. A heavy shade needs a chain, a steel wire or a ceiling rose with a hook.
Round, flat, twisted
Round cable is the standard for pendants. Flat cable lies neatly against walls and table edges, but is only two-core. Twisted cables look like something from 1925 and suit open lamp holders with a switch. All three come in the same colours – the choice is purely about looks.
Certifications
Our cables carry the IMQ and HAR marks and comply with CEI 20-20 and RoHS: the Italian test mark and European harmonisation guarantee that insulation, copper purity and flame behaviour meet the standard. There's plenty of fabric cable without test marks out there – we don't sell any.
In short: metal nearby, three cores. Otherwise two. 0.75 is enough. Questions about your specific build? Write to us before you order.