Are there any types of 6mm T&E that are more flexible than the standard type of T&E. I want to thread 5m of 6mm T&E back through trunking containing other cables.

Can you put a leader through the trunking, in anything suitable to get from A to B. Then pull the correct cable through after taping the two parts together?

Yes otherwise known as a fish tape or fish wire. One of my most used and "couldn't do without" tools.

But if this is "Trunking" you take the lid off. I think you mean "conduit"?

There are different types of cable that are more flexible, but I'm not aware of a more flexible than normal twin+earth cable.

What sort of "trunking" are we talking about? Can you explain the 5m run so we can understand the challenge? You'll get a better response about type of cable and how to pull it (rods, Cobra, etc.)

Depending on what the cable is for, what else is in the trunking/duct/conduit, the size of the duct, protection required, etc...

• 6491X conduit singles might work - ususally 7-cores but you can get even more flexible than that

• Tri-rated panel cables are quite flexible

• HO7RN-F Heavy Duty Rubber cable like the type used on quality extension leads might work

But I suspect the 6mm2 T+E could be pulled that distance with the right tools and preparation unless there are some major issues.

"Flexible" is only an advantage to go around a very tight bend. But it is harder to push a flexible cable through than a stiff one, so presumably if you are thinking of more flexible cables, you are also thinking of pulling them through so have some kind of fish wire etc already available?

2 hours ago, ProDave said:

Yes otherwise known as a fish tape or fish wire. One of my most used and "couldn't do without" tools.

But if this is "Trunking" you take the lid off. I think you mean "conduit"?

I've got some 4mm fibre glass rods which I was going to use for the fishing bit. It is 2 x 1 trunking, but the lid won't come off because it's covered with plasterboard. I was hoping to make life as easy as possible for myself because I've always found anything larger than 4mm a sod to pull through conduit. Life would have been easier if I had thought further ahead.

2 hours ago, garrymartin said:

There are different types of cable that are more flexible, but I'm not aware of a more flexible than normal twin+earth cable.

What sort of "trunking" are we talking about? Can you explain the 5m run so we can understand the challenge? You'll get a better response about type of cable and how to pull it (rods, Cobra, etc.)

Depending on what the cable is for, what else is in the trunking/duct/conduit, the size of the duct, protection required, etc...

• 6491X conduit singles might work - ususally 7-cores but you can get even more flexible than that

• Tri-rated panel cables are quite flexible

• HO7RN-F Heavy Duty Rubber cable like the type used on quality extension leads might work

But I suspect the 6mm2 T+E could be pulled that distance with the right tools and preparation unless there are some major issues.

I had HO7RN-F at the back of my mind, as I think I have used it in the past. The trunking is in the ceiling, but not accessible. One end is curved up into the loft and the other end is curved down into the room. I should have thought ahead a bit more and installed it with the other cables. It may not be required, but if it is, then doing it now will be easier. Is it acceptable to connect a home battery system using HO7RN-F cable.

I think singles might be easiest too.

On 29/10/2026 at 13:10, Gone West said:

Is it acceptable to connect a home battery system using HO7RN-F cable.

I may have found the answer, but this is from a Chinese company. No reference to BS.

Can H07RN-F Be Used for Fixed Installation?

The short answer:
👉 H07RN-F is primarily designed for flexible applications, not permanent fixed installation-but it may be used under certain conditions.

According to relevant standards (such as EN 50525 and VDE specifications), H07RN-F is classified as a flexible cable. Its main purpose is to supply power to movable or portable equipment.

However, many real-world projects blur the line between "temporary" and "fixed." That is why the correct answer is not a simple yes or no-it depends on how and where the cable is installed.

Why Is H07RN-F Usually Not Recommended for Fixed Installation?

From a technical and regulatory perspective, H07RN-F has limitations when used as a permanently fixed cable.

Conductor Design

• Fine stranded conductors are optimized for flexibility

• Long-term fixed installation may cause stress concentration at termination points

Mechanical & Thermal Considerations

• Fixed installations may involve continuous clamping, bending radius limitations, or thermal buildup

• Flexible cables are more sensitive to long-term compression and strain

Compliance Risks

In many regions, inspectors expect dedicated fixed-installation cables (e.g. NYY, YJV)

Using flexible cables improperly may result in:

• Failed inspections

• Safety concerns

• Higher maintenance or replacement costs

For these reasons, H07RN-F is generally not the first recommendation for fixed wiring systems.

When Can H07RN-F Be Used for "Semi-Fixed" Installation?

Despite the limitations, H07RN-F can be used in certain quasi-fixed or semi-fixed scenarios, provided specific conditions are met.

Acceptable Conditions Include:

• Short installation lengths

• Visible or open installation (not embedded in walls or concrete)

• No continuous mechanical stress or vibration

• Additional mechanical protection (e.g. conduits, trays)

• Compliance with local electrical regulations

Typical Examples:

• Power supply connections to industrial equipment

• Machine tail cables

• Temporary systems that later become long-term but remain accessible

In these cases, H07RN-F offers durability and flexibility while maintaining acceptable safety levels.

Common Customer Misunderstandings & Risk Warnings

As a professional cable manufacturer, we often see these misconceptions:

Common Mistakes:

• "Rubber sheath means it can be used anywhere permanently"

• "If the cable is thick enough, it must be safe"

• "Everyone uses it, so it must be compliant"

Potential Risks:

• Regulatory non-compliance

• Increased failure rates over time

• Unexpected replacement or retrofit costs

I wouldn't want some sketchy flex cable in my own walls.

You said there are other cables running through? Can you pull one or more of those smaller cables back (attached to a drawstring) so that it's easier to pull the 6mm through, either with or without whatever cable you pulled back (and then pull the original cable back through again if you didn't pull both together)