Socapex multicore cabling is a backbone of modern stage power distribution. Whether you’re running a rig of LED pars or feeding a line of moving lights, choosing the correct cable size is essential for safety, performance, and compliance. The two most common conductor sizes you’ll see in 6-circuit Socapex cables are 1.5 mm² and 2.5 mm², and each is designed for different load requirements.
1.5 mm² Socapex - The 10 A Standard
A 1.5 mm² cable is rated for 10 A per circuit, making it ideal for:
- LED fixtures
- Small tungsten loads
- Low-power distributed lighting
- Short cable runs where voltage drop is minimal
- Powered Linearrays (using PowerCON or TrueCON)
If your fixtures draw only a few amps each, 1.5 mm² is perfectly adequate and is lighter, more flexible, and easier to handle on show sites.
2.5 mm² Socapex - The Heavy-Duty 16 A Option
A 2.5 mm² cable increases the rating to 16 A per circuit, and is the preferred choice when you’re powering:
- Moving lights
- High-output LEDs
- Dimmers
- Larger mixed rigs
- Long cable runs where voltage drop becomes a factor
- Passive Linearrays (4 x NL4s)
The extra copper provides both increased current capacity and reduced voltage loss over distance.
2.5 mm² Socapex can also be used for running speakers!
How to Calculate Which Size You Need
When deciding between 1.5 mm² and 2.5 mm², use this simple process:
Add Up Your Load Per Circuit
Check the fixture wattage and convert it to amps:
Amps (A) = Watts (W) ÷ Voltage (V)
Example: 500 W mover on 230 V → 600 ÷ 230 ≈ 2.17 A
7 fixtures = 15.2 A, which means you require 2.5mm Socapex.
4 fixtures = 8.68 A, which means 1.5mm Socapex will be accepable
Compare Your Load to Cable Rating
- If your circuit load is below 10 A, 1.5 mm² is acceptable.
- If the load is between 10–16 A, you must use 2.5 mm².
Consider the Cable Length
Longer runs increase voltage drop. As a rule of thumb:
- Runs under 20–30 m → 1.5 mm² is usually fine for low loads.
- Runs over 30–40 m → Prefer 2.5 mm² to maintain voltage stability.
Think About Future Flexibility
If you expect your rig to grow or you want maximum compatibility on touring shows, 2.5 mm² cables give you more headroom.
Think About Your Team
Having multiple Socapex cables under 20 m may be easier for your team to handle. They can easily be joined together.
Quick Comparison
| Cable Size | Max Load | Typical Use Cases |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5 mm² | 10 A per circuit | Small LED rigs, short runs, lightweight setups |
| 2.5 mm² | 16 A per circuit |
Moving lights, dimmers, long runs, mixed high-power rigs |
TLDR;
- If your circuit load is below 10 A, 1.5 mm² is acceptable.
- If the load is between 10–16 A, you must use 2.5 mm².