The price of "2.5 electrical cable" typically refers to electrical cable with a 2.5 mm² cross-sectional area, commonly used for residential and commercial wiring applications such as ring mains, socket outlets, or power circuits. This specification is standard in metric systems (e.g., in the UK, Europe, and parts of Asia), where it is often available as twin and earth (T&E) cable or single-core wire. In the United States, an approximate equivalent is 12 AWG wire (3.31 mm²), though direct conversions may vary based on conductor type and insulation. Prices fluctuate due to factors including material (copper vs. aluminum), insulation type (e.g., PVC or XLPE), length purchased (bulk vs. retail), region, and market conditions such as commodity prices for copper.

As of November 2025, prices are influenced by global supply chains, with copper spot prices around $5.09 per pound contributing to variations. Below, I provide representative price ranges based on current data from reliable sources, expressed per meter for consistency. These are retail estimates excluding taxes, shipping, or installation costs; bulk purchases often reduce unit prices. For precise quotes, consult local suppliers, as regional differences in regulations (e.g., BS 6004 in the UK or UL standards in the US) affect availability and cost.

Table of Contents

1. Price Ranges by Region and Type

Prices are derived from online retailers and manufacturers, reflecting typical copper-based cables unless noted otherwise. Aluminum variants are generally 30–50% less expensive but less common for 2.5 mm² due to conductivity requirements.

2. Key Influencing Factors

• Material Costs: Copper-based cables dominate for better conductivity, but prices rise with copper market fluctuations (up 7.8% year-over-year). Aluminum alternatives reduce costs but require larger gauges for equivalent ampacity.
• Length and Quantity: Retail per-meter cuts are pricier (e.g., $2–$3/m for small lengths) compared to full rolls (e.g., 90–100m at $1/m or less).
• Specifications: Fire-resistant (FR) or low-smoke zero-halogen (LSZH) insulation adds 20–30% to the base price. For example, high-temperature variants (e.g., 500°C rated) can exceed $8/m for short lengths.
• Regional Variations: In the UK and Europe, compliance with standards like BS 7671 increases costs slightly. In Asia, bulk manufacturing keeps prices lower, while US prices reflect AWG sizing and NEC requirements.

3. Global Average Estimate

For standard 2.5 mm² copper PVC-insulated wire, the average retail price is approximately $0.80–$1.50 per meter, based on aggregated data from suppliers like Alibaba and Made-in-China. This excludes specialized or armored cables.

4. Recommendations

For the most accurate and localized pricing, I recommend checking retailers such as Screwfix (UK), Home Depot (US), or Amazon, as fluctuations occur due to economic factors. If you provide additional details—such as the region, cable type (e.g., twin and earth or single-core), or intended use—I can refine this analysis further.