Cable designations explained simply: H05VV-F, 3G1.5, LSZH, G/X and how to read the cross-sectional area correctly

Cable designations allow you to quickly identify a cable’s characteristics: harmonised or national standard, voltage range, insulation and sheathing materials, flexibility, number of conductors, protective conductor and cross-section. This page helps procurement, technical and project planning teams to interpret typical designations in a practical way.

B2B focus: procurement, engineering, project planning Example: H05VV-F 3G1.5 Guidance only; no installation advice

Example structure of a harmonised cable designation

Hharmonised cable
05300/500 V U0/U
V / VPVC core insulation and PVC sheath
-F / 3G1.5 flexible, 3 cores including PE, 1.5 mm²

Understanding abbreviations

The marking follows a fixed sequence. Key elements include the type, voltage, material, conductor type and details regarding the number of cores, protective conductor and cross-section.

Understanding materials

PVC is the standard economical option; LSZH is designed to be halogen-free and low-smoke; RN stands for robust rubber/neoprene versions; and BQ often refers to EPR/PUR combinations.

G or X?

G indicates a green-yellow protective conductor. X indicates no green-yellow protective conductor. Example: 3G1.5 = 3 cores including PE.

1) This is how a harmonised cable designation is structured

For harmonised cables, the information is read step by step. For many mains cables and connection cables, this system is particularly useful in everyday use because it allows the most important technical specifications to be deduced from a short designation.

Type, e.g. H = harmonised
Voltage: 03, 05 or 07 as U0/U class
Material: core insulation and sheath, e.g. V/V or Z1/Z1
Conductors: e.g. 3G1.5 = 3 conductors including PE, 1.5 mm²

Mnemonic: [Type][Voltage][Conductor insulation][Sheath][-Conductor type] [Number of conductors][G/X][Cross-sectional area]. Example: H05VV-F 3G1.5.

2) Example: H05VV-F 3G1.5

This designation is commonly found on many connection and mains cables. It describes a harmonised flexible PVC cable rated at 300/500 V with three cores, including a protective earth conductor.

H harmonised cable
05 U0/U 300/500 V
V V PVC core insulation and PVC sheath
-F fine-stranded / flexible
3G1.5 3 cores with protective earth, 1.5 mm²

Quickly identify voltage classes

The number following the initial letter describes the rated voltage U0/U. The specific product standard and the intended application are important.

03300/300 V
05300/500 V
07450/750 V

In practice: For mains cables and connection cables, 05 and 07 are particularly relevant. The appropriate version depends on the application, product and approval.

3) Table: key symbols and their meanings

The following table is intended as a practical guide for typical mains cables, connection cables and procurement enquiries. Not every special cable will follow this simplified grid exactly.

Symbol Meaning Practical application / Note
H Harmonised cable A standardised system of abbreviations for harmonised cables across Europe.
A Recognised national type May occur in the case of non-fully harmonised or nationally specific types.
03 / 05 / 07 Rated voltage U0/U 03 = 300/300 V, 05 = 300/500 V, 07 = 450/750 V.
V PVC Very common for indoor, connection and appliance cables.
Z1 LSZH / HFFR, halogen-free Designed to be low-smoke and halogen-free; suitable for IT, building infrastructure and public areas.
R / N / RN Rubber or neoprene versions depending on the construction More robust cables for higher mechanical stress; always check the exact properties for the specific type.
B / Q / BQ EPR / PUR or corresponding material combinations For types such as H07BQ-F, this combination typically denotes robust PUR-sheathed versions.
-F Fine-stranded / flexible Typically used for flexible connection cables, mains cables and appliance cables.
-K Fine-stranded for fixed installation Not to be equated with every flexible connection cable; check the application.
-U / -R Single-strand / multi-strand round Relevant for installation and high-voltage cables, less so for typical appliance connection cables.
G With green-yellow protective conductor 3G1.5 = 3 conductors including PE.
X Without green-yellow protective conductor 2×0.75 = 2 cores without PE.
mm² Conductor cross-section Affects current-carrying capacity, voltage drop and heating. Selection depends on the product, length, environment and application.

Note: There are further abbreviations for temperature ranges, shielding, oil resistance, flat cables, special constructions or national designations. The relevant factors are always the product standard, data sheet and intended application.

4) Quick material selection for procurement and project planning

Material specifications are not merely technical abbreviations. They help to pre-select a cable based on the operating environment, fire safety requirements, mechanical stress and availability.

PVC: H05VV-F / H03VV-F

A tried-and-tested standard for many power cables and connection cables for indoor use. Cost-effective, readily available and suitable for many standard applications.

Standard, indoor use, widely available

LSZH: H05Z1Z1-F

Designed to be halogen-free and low-smoke. Particularly suitable for IT, server rooms, infrastructure, public buildings and projects with fire safety requirements.

halogen-free, low-smoke, B2B projects
LSZH Guide

Rubber / PUR: RN / BQ

More robust designs for higher stress levels, workshops, industrial use or applications involving movement. Specific suitability always depends on the exact cable type.

robust industrial mechanical stress

5) Cross-section, AWG and current-carrying capacity

The cross-section affects resistance, heating and voltage drop. A larger cross-section may be required for longer cables or higher loads. For US cables, AWG is often specified instead of mm².

  • mm² is the standard metric cross-sectional area specification.
  • AWG is primarily used for US and international cables.
  • The selection should always be based on the specific application, load, length and product data sheet.
Guide to Cross-Sectional Area and AWG Conversion

What helps with a quick product selection?

For purchasing, quotations or project approval, just a few details are often enough to narrow down suitable power cables or bespoke solutions.

  • Target market and plug type, e.g. Schuko, UK, CH, US, C13, C19 or C7
  • Desired length, colour, cross-section and cable type
  • Application type: standard use, continuous operation, export, series production or project
  • Required certifications such as VDE, ENEC, UL or other approvals, where required for the specific product
Domestic power cables International power cables

FAQ on cable designations

What does 3G1.5 mean?

3G1.5 means: three cores, including a green-yellow protective earth conductor, with a cross-sectional area of 1.5 mm² per core.

What is the difference between G and X?

G stands for a cable with a green-yellow protective earth conductor. X stands for a cable without a green-yellow protective earth conductor. Example: 3G contains PE, 3X does not contain a green-yellow protective earth conductor.

What does the ‘-F’ at the end of the designation mean?

-F stands for fine-stranded, flexible conductors. This type is typical for many flexible connection cables and power cables.

What does H05VV-F mean?

H05VV-F describes a harmonised flexible PVC cable with a rated voltage of 300/500 V. The first V stands for the core insulation, the second V for the sheath.

When is LSZH or Z1 appropriate?

LSZH or Z1 is appropriate when reduced smoke emission and halogen-free material properties are important, for example in IT infrastructure, public buildings, server rooms or project-specific fire safety concepts.

Is the cable designation alone sufficient for technical approval?

No. The designation is an important starting point, but it does not replace the data sheet, type approval, reference to standards, load-bearing capacity, operating environment and approval in accordance with project requirements.

Further information and relevant product ranges

Depending on the application, it is not only the abbreviations that are important, but also the target market, connector configuration, cross-section, material, packaging and certification.

National power cables

Standard power cables for domestic applications and recurring B2B requirements.

Go to category

International power cables

Country-specific power cables for export, international projects and target markets.

Go to category

LSZH power cables

Halogen-free power cables for infrastructure, IT and project-specific requirements.

Go to the guide

Bespoke manufacturing

Custom lengths, colours, packaging or technical specifications for projects.

Find out more

Interpret cable designations more accurately and find the right power cables faster

MAG GmbH assists commercial customers in selecting suitable power cables, connection cables and bespoke solutions. To receive a quick recommendation, please provide the cable designation, target market, length, cross-section, connector type and intended application.

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As of June 2026 – please check the technical specifications and availability for each individual item. This page is intended for technical guidance only and does not replace electrical planning or a case-by-case assessment in accordance with relevant standards.

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