2 Core Cable with Switch & Plug - 1.8m Black Power Cord
In a nutshell: The 2 Core Cable with Switch & Plug is the plug-and-play solution for powering DIY lights and small appliances in South African homes. It brings convenience, safety and control with a built-in switch and standard SA plug — no electrician needed.
Whether you're retrofitting an old desk lamp or bringing a creative light project to life, this handy 1.8m black cable makes it easier and safer. No tools, no hardwiring — just plug in, switch on and go. It's a small change that opens up big possibilities, especially during loadshedding or in rental spaces.
One of our customers in Paarl was restoring vintage pendant lights she found at a local market. With these cables, she transformed them into functional plug-in lights for her Airbnb in no time — guests love the antique vibe, and she didn’t need an electrician.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Integrated inline switch adds hands-on convenience
- Standard 2-prong South African plug — ready to use out the box
- Useful 1.8m length gives enough reach without coiling mess
- Perfect for converting hardwired lights into plug-in fixtures
- Safe indoor use with IP20 certification
- Saves time and avoids costly electrician callouts
- Black PVC finish blends with most décor
Cons
- Not suitable for outdoor or wet areas (IP20 only)
- Limited to 2-prong devices (no earth wire)
- Fixed length may be too short for larger installations
- Switch placement isn't adjustable along the cable
Why We Love This
Practical Everyday Use
Whether you're adding soft light to your lounge, powering a craft lamp, or giving new life to a vintage pendant, this simple power cable bridges the gap between idea and action. It gives you safe, flexible control without drilling, rewiring, or calling your cousin’s cousin who once studied electrical engineering at varsity.
Micro-summary: Makes DIY lighting and small setups easy and switch-controlled, even during loadshedding prep.
Installer Tip: For stability, use a cable clip or strain relief grommet where the cord exits a fixture.
Smart Design Details
The cable's 2 core PVC build keeps things light, safe, and compliant for indoor-only use. Its IP20 rating ensures you can use it confidently in living rooms, studies, and studios — just keep it away from bathrooms and wet kitchens. The black finish hides well along skirtings or furniture legs, helping you maintain that minimal look many of us love.
Micro-summary: Designed to be functional, safe and visually discreet in standard SA interiors.
Practical Note: Don’t overload beyond the rated 220–240V — ideal for lamps, not kettles or heaters.
Who It’s Perfect For
This cable is a winner for renters, students, artists, Airbnb hosts, and anyone bringing character into a home on a budget. If you’re into creative projects or just want to upgrade that old side lamp you found in granny’s garage — this is your friend. No fuss, no electrician, no toolbelt needed.
Micro-summary: Ideal for flexible, fuss-free lighting setups in real SA homes and rentals.
How It Compares to Alternatives
Compared to hardwired installations, this plug-in solution is far more flexible and tenant-friendly — no electrician required and no permanent changes. Unlike 3-core cords, it doesn’t have an earth wire, so it’s not suitable for appliances with metal casings or requiring grounding. But for most small plastic or composite lighting fixtures, it’s perfectly safe within rated voltages.
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| IP20 Indoor Rating | Safe for bedrooms, lounges, offices, and workshops — not outdoors or bathrooms |
| Inline Rocker Switch | Lets you control power at the cord, not the wall socket |
| 2 Core Black PVC Cable | Durable, flexible, and unobtrusive in most modern interiors |
What to Pair This With
If you’re converting a vintage lamp or building a desk setup, consider pairing this cable with a decorative table lamp for an aesthetic look. Or for a blank-slate DIY light system, match it with this 0.5mm flexible black cable and your own bulb mount. For workspace use, our office lighting ideas blog has loads of inspiration.
For safety, wiring, and compliance details, refer to official SABS standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this cable to power a table lamp?
Yes! This cable is perfect for converting hardwired or vintage table lamps into plug-and-play units with an easy on/off switch.
Is this cable earthed?
No, it's a 2 core cable with no earth wire, so it's suitable only for double-insulated (Class II) appliances and lights.
Can I use this outdoors or in my bathroom?
No, the IP20 rating means this is for dry, indoor use only — it’s not protected against water or high humidity zones.
Do I need to install anything or is it ready to use?
It's ready to go! Just connect your fitting or light component to the cable — no complex wiring or tools required.
How long is the cable, and where is the switch placed?
The black cord is 1.8 metres long. The inline rocker switch is positioned conveniently along the cable length for manual control.
