German MV Cables
German in origin, but probably the most widely recognised cable nomenclature across Europe, these alpha-numeric references correlate to the specific materials and properties of a cable. It allows specifiers to, at a glance, assess the suitability of a cable for an application.
Commonly seen on industrial power and utilities sub-mains distribution cables, the cables are manufactured in accordance with German national standards references including DIN VDE 0276 Part 620, but also the international standard IEC 60502-2 for cables with a rated voltage between 3kV-30kV.
Understanding German Cable Nomenclature for Power Cables
German cable references are very similar to the Austrian cable coding. The 'N' prefix denotes an energy cable with the assumption that the conductor material is Copper (there is no specific reference letter / number for Cu) - where this default is not the case, it is specified (A denoting Aluminium conductors).
| N | Energy Cable to Standard (default Copper conductor) |
| A in second position | Aluminium Conductor |
| 2X | XLPE insulation |
| S | Metallic screen |
| E | Individually screened cores (three-core variant) |
| (F) | Longitudinal water tightness |
| (FL) | Radial (AL/PET Tape tightly bonded to the outer sheath) and Longitudinal water tightness |
| R | Round Steel Wires for Armour |
| (AL) after R designation | Round Aluminium Wires for Armour (Single Core cables) |
| Y | Polyvinyl Chloride |
| 2Y | Polyethylene (PE) Outer Sheath |
| H | Low Smoke Zero Halogen |
It means that the combination NA2X(FL)H indicates an Aluminium Conductor cable, with XLPE insulation, metallic screen, and dual longitudinal and radial waterblocking, covered in a Low Smoke Zero Halogen sheath.
German nomenclature for Mining cables
It should be noted that other cable types use a different cable naming code - for instance, Mining industry cables to DIN VDE 0250 for Medium Voltage crane cables for heavy-duty equipment:
| N / (N) | Design according to the corresponding standard / Based on Standard (default Copper conductor) |
| C | Metallic screen over the stranded cores or between the inner and outer sheath (shield) |
| CE | Metallic screen over the insulation of the outer condutors |
| CG | Semiconductive (non-metallic) cover over the stranded cores or between the inner and outer sheath (shield) |
| CGE | Semiconductive (non-metallic) cover over the insulation of the outer conductors |
| FM | Telecommunication lines within the cable |
| HSS | Heavy duty cable type, screened with protective conductors |
| K | Rubber cradle separator in the centre of the cables |
| KON | Concentric protective conductor between the inner and outer sheath or concentric control / monitoring conductor |
| LWL (FO) | Cables include Fibre Optic (FO) cores |
| Ö (OE) | Oil-resistant outer sheath |
| R | Round wire reinforcement |
| SE | Protective conductor symmetrically split over cores |
| SH | Heavy tough rubber-sheathed flexible mining type cable (Rough handling) |
| ST | Control / Pilot Cores within the cable |
| T | Reinforcement Support element |
| TM | Trailing cable for medium mechanical stress |
| TS | Trailing cable - Heavy duty rubber insulated flex cable |
| U | Flame retardant outer sheath (according to EN 60332-1-2 |
| ÜL (UEL) | Monitoring conductor within the cable |
| W | Weather resistant |
| 2Y | PE - Polyethylene Compound |
| 2X | XLPE - Crosslinked Polyethylene Compound |
| 3G | Definition of the insulation materials (3G = EPR) |
| V | PVC Compound |
| /3 | Protective earth conductor uniformly distributed over the insulation of the outer conductor |
| /3E | Protective earth conductor uniformly distributed over the insulation of the outer conductor |
| -O | Without green/yellow core |
| -J | With green/yellow core |
German Medium Voltage Cable Voltages
Our German MV Cable portfolio is available as standard in the following voltages:
| Voltage Rating Uo/U (Um) | Test Voltage |
| 6/10 (12) kV | 21kV AC 50Hz (5 mins) |
| 8.7/15 (17.5) kV | 35kV AC 50Hz (5 mins) |
| 12/20 (24)kV | 42kV AC 50Hz (5 mins) |
| 18/30 (36)kV | 63kV AC 50Hz (5 mins) |
Specifying German Medium Voltage Cables
Our technical team, country representatives, and industry specialists are adept at supporting specifications using this German nomenclature, with compliance to standards as relevant. In the event that support is required to navigate the nomenclature or to identify the most appropriate cable / size to meet requirements, please speak to the team. Our Country Manager for Germany & Austria and our team of German speakers are also on hand to support as required.
Electrical characteristics and cable dimensions are stated in the technical datasheets linked below, with any additional information provided on request.
German MV Cables
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