Cable designation explained simply

Cable designation allows a cable to be quickly classified: voltage class, material, design, number of cores (with/without protective conductor) and cross-section. The designation describes the structure in a fixed logic.

Example: H05VV-F 3G1,5 Harmonised 300/500 V PVC/PVC Flexible 3 cores incl. PE

Reading abbreviations

The most important blocks: Type (e.g. H), voltage class (03/05/07), material (V, Z1, RN, BQ), design (-F).

Understanding materials

PVC is standard, LSZH (Z1) reduces smoke/corrosive fire gases, RN is robust, PUR (BQ) is abrasion-resistant.

Number of cores & protective conductor

G means: with green-yellow protective conductor (PE). X means: without protective conductor.

1) This is how the designation is structured

Mnemonic
[Type] [Voltage class] [Core insulation] [Sheath] [Design] [Cores][G/X][mm²]

Example: H05VV-F 3G1.5 → harmonised · 300/500 V · PVC/PVC · flexible · 3 cores incl. PE · 1.5 mm²

Voltage classes (brief overview)

03 = U₀/U 300/300 V · 05 = U₀/U 300/500 V · 07 = U₀/U 450/750 V

2) Table: Symbols & meanings

Symbol Meaning Practical information / Note
H Harmonised line (EU system) Uniform labelling across countries (if harmonised).
03 / 05 / 07 Voltage class (U₀/U) 03 = 300/300 V · 05 = 300/500 V · 07 = 450/750 V.
V PVC (core insulation or sheath) Very common for connection and device cables in indoor areas.
Z LSZH / HFFR (halogen-free) Reduces smoke development and corrosive fire gases in the event of a fire.
R / N / RN Rubber / neoprene (depending on construction) Robust; depending on the type, also oil-resistant and suitable for more demanding environments.
Q / BQ PUR (polyurethane) Abrasion-resistant; often used in workshop/industrial environments or moving applications.
-F Flexible, fine-wire cable Typical for connection cables (e.g. device cables, cold device cables, extension cables).
G / X With/without protective earth conductor (PE) 3G = 3 wires incl. green-yellow (PE) · 3X = 3 wires without PE.

Note: Depending on the standard, product group and market, additional symbols may appear (e.g. for temperature ranges, oil resistance, shielding or special approvals).

3) Quick material selection

PVC (...VV...)

Proven standard for many power cables and connection cables. Good availability and economical.

LSZH / halogen-free (…Z1Z1…)

For areas where smoke development and corrosive fire gases are critical (e.g. public areas, IT, building infrastructure). More background: Halogen-free power cables (LSZH).

Rubber/neoprene (...RN...)

Robust cables for higher loads; depending on the type, also suitable for more demanding environments.

PUR (...BQ...)

Highly abrasion-resistant and mechanically resilient – frequently used in workshop/industrial environments or in moving applications.

Note on availability

Whether a connector type is available in LSZH often depends on variants and approvals. Individual assembly may be advisable for series/projects: Custom-made products & cable assembly.

Adapter or country-specific power cable?

For continuous operation/export, a country-specific, approved power cord is often the cleaner solution. Decision aid: Power cord and adapter: for permanent use?

4) Cross-section & AWG – practical

Why is the cross-section important?

The cross-section influences resistance, heating and voltage drop – especially with higher loads and longer cables. For quick orientation, a cross-section recommendation based on application/length is helpful.

AWG instead of mm²

AWG is often specified for US cables. A conversion table makes selection easier.

5) FAQ

What does "3G" mean?

3G means: 3 wires including green-yellow protective conductor (PE). "3X" would be 3 wires without protective conductor.

What does "-F" at the end mean?

-F stands for a flexible, fine-wire design – typical for connection cables.

PVC or halogen-free (LSZH) – which is better?

Halogen-free (e.g. Z1) is particularly useful where smoke development and corrosive fire gases are critical (e.g. building infrastructure, public areas, IT). For many standard applications, PVC is economical and proven. Background: Halogen-free power cables (LSZH).

Travel adapter or country-specific power cable?

For permanent use or export, a country-specific, approved power cable is often the cleaner solution. Adapters are practical for short-term, changing travel use. Decision aid: Power cables and adapters: permanent use?

Are there any other markings?

Depending on the cable type, additional symbols may appear for shielding, temperature ranges, oil resistance or special approvals. The specific standard and application are always decisive.

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