
Table of contents
- German cable designations VDE 0250
- Harmonised wires according to VDE 0281/0282
- telecommunication cables and wires according to VDE 0812, 0815 and 816
- Power cables according to VDE 276 Part .... 603, 604, 620, 622
- Fibre optic cables according to VDE 0888
- Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about cable designation
Whether for a new installation or when expanding cabling in industrial or private applications, clear cable labelling is essential in order to select the cable approved for the respective application and also to ensure effective cable management. Cable types also differ in terms of the temperature, oil or UV resistance of the jacket material.
A certain basic understanding of cable designations is therefore essential in order to directly recognise the technical properties and possible applications of an electrical cable. In addition to the material and design, they can also provide information about the maximum voltage, the temperature range or special protective features such as halogen-free. Particularly in safety-critical areas, the correct selection based on the cable designations plays a key role, as it ensures compliance with legal and technical specifications.
The DIN VDE 0281/0282/0292 standard, which applies throughout Europe, and the DIN VDE 0250 standard, which applies in Germany, provide harmonised labelling to identify cable types beyond doubt. The meaning or specific purpose of a cable is clearly indicated by a type abbreviation and single core cables can be easily distinguished from each other, for example by different colours.
Standardised electric cables usually have a corresponding imprint on the sheath for exact designation. This guide summarises an overview of the different cable types, how the designation of cable types is made up and how the cable designation can be broken down exactly, as well as which cable types are commonly used in electrical engineering.
Cable abbreviations and their meaning at a glance
Cable abbreviations offer a compact and verified way of providing important information about the properties and areas of application of electrical cables. Each abbreviation consists of a combination of letters and numbers that provide information about the structure, materials and special properties of the cable.
Letters for materials and structure: For example, N stands for a standard cable according to DIN VDE, Y for PVC insulation and M for a cable with a sheath.
Labelling of protective conductors: A J in the abbreviation indicates a green-yellow protective conductor, while O indicates that the cable is without a protective conductor.
Additional properties: Additional letters such as Z can stand for halogen-free materials or other special properties required in particular applications.
Conductor cross-section and number of cores: Numbers complement the abbreviations and indicate the number of conductors and their cross-section in mm² (e.g. 3x1.5 for three conductors with a cross-section of 1.5 mm² each).
A clear knowledge of these abbreviations enables you to select electrical cables quickly and safely for the respective commercial or private application or to take special environmental conditions into account. Tables for cable designations and electrical cable overviews help to make the meaning of these abbreviations clear at a glance.
As already mentioned, the cable designation either follows the DIN standard valid throughout Europe, or the cable designation corresponds to the specifications of the nationally applicable VDE standard 0250. The printed, nine-digit type abbreviation means that the identification of wires is not a mystery.


German cable designations / Power cables and wires according to VDE 0250
Maximum rated voltage, type of insulation, with or without protective conductor: The abbreviations printed on a DIN VDE 0250-certified cable provide information at a glance about the purposes for which a cable is suitable. The designation consists of letters and numbers. The letters provide information about the properties and material of the cable. The numbers describe the number and thickness of the cores. A cable type overview thus helps to decipher the designation of electrical cables without any doubt, making the respective cable designation understandable even for laypersons.
Common abbreviations according for electric cables to the German standard
The following table for cable designations explains the most important abbreviations according to the German standard
Labelling | Abbreviation | Description |
---|---|---|
Basic type | N | Norm cable |
Wire / cables | B | Lead-sheathed cable |
Wire / cables | C | Copper braid |
Wire / cables | D | Twisted cable |
Wire / cables | F | Finely stranded, flat cable |
Wire / cables | E | Single-wire, single core cables Shielding |
Wire / cable | I | Laying under plaster |
Wire / cables | M | Sheathed cable |
Wire / cables | R | Round cable, round wire armouring |
Wire / cables | Y | Insulation (PVC) |
Wire / cables | Z | Twin cable |
Protective conductor | J | With green-yellow protective earth |
Protective earth | O | Without protective earth |
NYM cables, which are standardised according to VDE 250, are among the most commonly used wires. NYM cables are often used for surface-mounted, in- or flush-mounted installation. Power cables labelled NYM are also approved throughout the EU for installation in damp or dry rooms in accordance with the DIN VDE 0295 and IEC 60228 cl. 1 or cl. 2 standards. The abbreviation NYM stands for:
- N = standard cable
- Y = PVC core insulation
- M = sheathed cable
Thanks to their standardisation, NYM cables are also inexpensive and available almost everywhere, which further promotes their widespread use.

Common NYM cable types
NYM cable types, such as NYM-J or NYM-O, are often used for fixed installations in buildings and are characterised by their robust PVC insulation and versatility.
The most common cables of this type include NYM-J 3x1.5. Cables that correspond to this cable type are therefore specified as standardised cables, have PVC core insulation and a protective conductor (J). The number combination refers to 3 cores with a cable cross-section of 1.5 mm².
A power cable with the designation NYM-O 5x10 is a 5-core variant without a protective conductor (O). Depending on the manufacturer, the diameter of this NYM cable is approx. 19.2 mm and the cable cross-section is 10 mm².
The cable designation NYY-J indicates that it is an underground cable that can be used in the garden, for example. This is also a standardised cable in which both the sheath and the core insulation are made of PVC (Y). The J indicates that this cable has a green/yellow protective conductor.
Criteria for selecting a NYM cable
When selecting a NYM cable, you should consider several criteria. Firstly, determine the required number of cores and the cross-section of the cable, which can be seen in the designation. For example, a NYM cable with three cores and a cross-section of 1.5 mm² would be suitable for standard installations. The environment in which the cable is to be laid also plays a role. NYM cables are designed for use in dry and damp environments, but offer no protection against direct sunlight or mechanical stress. The colour of the cores is also important to ensure easy assignment and clear differentiation during the installation process. Pay attention to the quality features, such as the material properties of the insulation and sheath, to ensure a long service life and safety of the cables.
Overview of other NYM cable designations
- The cable designation NYM-J stands for a standardised cable with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) core insulation and a protective conductor (J).
- The cable designation NYM-JZ stands for a standardised cable with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) core insulation, a protective conductor (J) and a twin conductor.
The following table provides information on the meaning of common cable designations.
Abbreviation /cable designation | N | Y | M | Y | J | O | Z |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NYM-JZ | Standard cable | Core insulation made from PVC | Sheathed cable | - | green-yellow protective conductor | - | Zinc sheath, twin core, strain relief |
NYM-OZ | Standard cable | Core insulation made from PVC | Sheathed cable | - | - | Addition for multi-core cables without green/yellow-coloured protective conductor | Zinc sheath, twin core, strain relief |
NYM-J | Standard cable | Core insulation made from PVC | Sheathed cable | - | green-yellow protective conductor | - | - |
NYM-O | Standard cable | Core insulation made from PVC | Sheathed cable | - | - | - | - |
NYY-J | Standard cable | Core insulation made from PVC | - | Plastic insulation (e.g. PVC) | - | - | - |
Harmonised wires according to VDE 0281/0282
The definition of a harmonised cable states that such a cable is manufactured in accordance with European standards and therefore bears the "H" marking for harmonised. In comparison, non-harmonised wires are recognised according to the respective national standard. Harmonisation primarily serves to standardise the labelling of cables, making it much easier to identify the required wires due to the large number of products available.
The question of the meaning of this type designation often arises in connection with cable labelling. In addition to the maximum rated voltage, the designation of the H07V-K cable, which is one of the flexible wires, provides information about the material used for the core insulation.
The H stands for a harmonised wire, which means that it follows the harmonisation or uniform marking of wires that are used in the low-voltage range and for AC voltages up to 1000 volts. The code number 07 indicates that the electrical cable is designed for a maximum voltage of 450 V between the outer conductor and PE and 750 V between the outer conductors. The V stands for PVC core insulation, the single core cables of this cable type are finely stranded (K) in this case.
As is also usual with NYM cables, the harmonised cable designation provides information about the cross-section of the single core cables. Here, the type designation H07V-K is extended by the cross-section of the core. For example, a cable of type H07V-K 1x1.5 is a cable with a single core cable with a cross-section of 1.5 mm².

Common abbreviations according to DIN VDE 0281/0282/0292
Position in the cable designation / labelling | Abbreviation | Meaning |
---|---|---|
1st digit / basic type | A | Nationally recognised type |
1st digit / basic type | H | Harmonised wires |
2nd digit / nominal voltage | 01 | 100 V / 100V |
2nd digit / nominal voltage | 03 | 300 V / 300 V |
2nd digit / nominal voltage | 05 | 300 V / 500 V |
2nd digit / nominal voltage | 07 | 450 V / 750 V |
2nd digit / nominal voltage | 11 | 600 V / 1000 V |
3rd & 4th digit / material / insulation | B | Ethylene-propylene rubber |
3rd & 4th digit / material / insulation | E | PE Polyethylene |
3rd & 4th digit / material / insulation | G | Ethylene vinyl acetate |
3rd & 4th digit / material / insulation | J | Glass fibre braid |
3rd & 4th digit / material / insulation | N | Polychloroprene rubber |
3rd & 4th digit / material / insulation | Q | Polyurethane |
3rd & 4th digit / material / insulation | R | Ethylene propylene rubber |
3rd & 4th digit / material / insulation | S | Silicone rubber (caoutchouc) |
3rd & 4th digit / material / insulation | T | Textile braiding |
3rd & 4th digit / material / insulation | V | PVC (+70°C) |
3rd & 4th digit / material / insulation | V2 | PVC heat-resistant (+90°C) |
3rd & 4th digit / material / insulation | V3 | PVC cold-resistant (-25°C) |
3rd & 4th digit / material / insulation | Z | cross-linked polyolefin mixture |
5th digit / conductor type | F | fine stranded (flexible use) |
5th digit / conductor type | H | fine stranded (flexible use) |
5th digit / conductor type | K | fine stranded (fixed installation) |
5th digit / conductor type | R | multi-stranded |
5th digit / conductor type | U | single-wire |
7th digit / protective conductor | G | |
7th digit / protective conductor | X |
Examples of harmonised cable types at a glance
Cable designation H05VV-F 3G1 5:
- H = stands for a harmonised wire according to VDE 0285-525-2-11
- 05 = stands for an approved rated voltage of 300/500V
- V = PVC core insulation
- V = PVC outer sheath
- F = indicates that this type is a cable with a fine-wire, flexible conductor.
- 3 = number of cores
- G = with green-yellow protective conductor
- 1.5 = the single core cables have a cross-section of 1.5 mm²
Cable designation H07RN-F
- H = stands for a harmonised wire
- 07 = voltage 450/750V
- R = insulation made of ethylene polypropylene rubber
- N = non-metallic coating made of fire-retardant polychloroprene rubber
- F = finely stranded and flexible conductor
Cable designation H07BQ-F
- H = stands for harmonised wires
- 07 = Voltage 450/750V
- B = Ethylene-propylene rubber insulation
- Q = sheath material polyurethane (PUR)
- F = finely stranded and flexible conductor
Cable designation H07V-K
- H = stands for harmonised wires
- 07 = voltage 450/750V
- V = PVC insulation
- K = finely stranded (fixed installation)
Detailed information on other cable types is summarised in the following table for cable labelling.
Cable designation / abbreviation | H03VV-F | H05RN-F | H05RR-F | H05V2V2-F | H05VV-F | H07RR-F |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H | Harmonised wires | Harmonised wires | Harmonised wires | Harmonised wire | Harmonised wire | Harmonised wire |
03 | Rated voltage: 300 V / 300 V | - | - | - | - | - |
05 | - | Rated voltage: 300 V / 500 V | Rated voltage: 300 V / 500 V | Rated voltage: 300 V / 500 V | Rated voltage: 300 V / 500 V | - |
07 | - | - | - | - | - | Rated voltage: 450 V / 750 V |
V | Core insulation made from PVC | - | - | - | Core insulation made from PVC | - |
V | PVC sheath insulation | - | - | - | PVC jacket insulation | - |
R | - | Core insulation made from natural and synthetic rubber | Core insulation made from natural and synthetic rubber | - | - | Core insulation made from natural and synthetic rubber |
N | - | Insulation made of polychloroprene rubber | - | - | - | - |
R | - | - | jacket insulation made from natural and synthetic rubber | - | - | - |
V2 | - | - | - | Core insulation made of PVC +90°C | - | - |
V2 | - | - | - | PVC jacket insulation +90°C | - | - |
F | fine-stranded, flexible wires | fine stranded, flexible wires | fine stranded, flexible wires | fine stranded, flexible wires | fine stranded, flexible wires | Fine-stranded, flexible wires |
Telecommunications cables and wires according to VDE 0812, 0815 and 816
Cables with the cable designations YY and V are switching wires in accordance with DIN VDE 812. Cables known as ISTY cables or telephone cables are low-current cables. This type of cable is also known as telecommunication cable and is mainly used for signal transmission.
The cable designation LIYCY is a conductor with an EMC shield. The abbreviation stands for:
- Li = stranded wire
- Y = PVC insulation
- C = copper braiding
- Y = PVC sheath
We have summarised the most important cable types and information on cable designations for telecommunications cables and wires in the following table.
Cable designation | Properties | Abbreviation meaning |
---|---|---|
A-2Y(L)2Y | Bd outdoor telecommunication cable, according to VDE 0816, layered sheath, unfilled | A = Outdoor cable 2Y = PE core insulation (L) = Aluminium tape insulation 2Y = PE sheath insulation |
A-2YF(L)2Y | Bd outdoor telecommunication cable, according to VDE 0816, layered sheath, filled, longitudinally watertight | A = Outdoor cable 2Y = PE core insulation F = Petrolatum filling (L) = Aluminium tape insulation 2Y = PE sheath insulation |
J-YY Bd | Internal telecommunication cable, according to VDE 0815 | J = Installation cable Y = PVC core insulation Y = PVC sheath insulation Bd = Bundle stranding |
J-Y(St)Y Lg | Indoor telecommunication cable, according to VDE 0815 | J = installation cable Y = PVC core insulation (ST) = metal foil shield Y = PVC sheath insulation Lg = layer stranding |
J-2Y(St)Y | St III Bd 16 Mbits/s (Cat. 3) ISDN/EDV (Z=100 Ohm), metre marked | J = installation cable 2Y = PE core insulation (ST) = metal foil shield Y = PVC sheath insulation |
S-YY Lg | Switching cable according to VDE 0813 | S = Switching cable Y = PVC core insulation Y = PVC sheath insulation Lg = Layer stranding |
Power cables according to VDE 276 Part .... 603, 604, 620, 622
Conductors with cable designations such as NYCY, which are designed for a voltage of 0.6/1 kV, are referred to as power cables. In this case, the cable designation NYCY stands for a VDE-tested underground cable with a concentric conductor. Other common cable designations for power cables include NA2XY. This cable designation for power cables refers to a VDE-tested underground cable that is designed for a voltage of 0.6 - 1 kV or for an increased current carrying capacity.
The designation N2XSY 6/10kV, on the other hand, refers to a 1-core, shielded medium-voltage cable with a PVC sheath, which is designed for a voltage of 6/10 kV and a maximum of 12 kV.
We have summarised details of the most important power cable abbreviations in the following table for cable labelling.
Name | Short character meaning |
---|---|
NAYCWY | N = standard conductor A = aluminium conductor Y = PVC core insulation CW = concentric copper conductor Y = PVC sheath insulation |
NA2YSEY | N = standard conductor A = aluminium conductor 2Y = insulation or sheath made of thermoplastic polyethylene (PE) SE = solid sector conductor Y = PVC sheath insulation |
NYY-J | N = standard conductor Y = PVC core insulation Y = PVC sheath insulation J = with green-yellow protective conductor |
NYCWY | N = standard conductor Y = PVC core insulation CW = concentric copper conductor Y = PVC sheath insulation |

The cable designation for fibre optic cables therefore indicates, among other things, whether it is a pure fibre optic cable or whether the cable also contains electrically conductive cores. As the range of available cable types is extremely wide, the designations of fibre optic cables are much more complex than those of current-conducting NYM cables.
For example, the cable designation U-DQ(ZN)BH 12G 50/125 OM4 U stands for a universal cable (U) with: loose tube (D) that is longitudinally watertight (Q) has a non-metallic strain relief element (ZN) has a metal-free rodent protection (B) has a halogen-free sheath (H) has 12 cores has a gradient fibre/monomode fibre (G) has a core diameter/sheath diameter of 50/125 µm corresponds to performance class OM4 supports 10 Gigabit Ethernet over lengths of up to 400 metres and 100 Gigabit Ethernet over lengths of up to 150 metres
We have summarised the details of the fibre optic cable designation in the following table.
Name | Short character meaning |
---|---|
U-DQ(ZN)BH 12G 50/125 OM4 | U = universal cable D = loose tube Q = longitudinally watertight (ZN) = non-metallic strain relief element B = metal-free rodent protection H = sheath is halogen-free 12 = number of cores G = gradient fibre 50/125 = core diameter /sheath diameter in µm OM4 = multimode, 1 Gbit/s up to 1000 metres, 10 Gbit/s up to 550 metres |
A-DQ(ZN)B2Y 4G 50/125 OM3 | A = outdoor cable D = loose tube Q = longitudinally watertight (ZN) = non-metallic strain relief element B = metal-free rodent protection 2Y = PE sheath 4 = number of cores G = gradient fibre 50/125 = core diameter /sheath diameter in µm OM3 = multimode, 1 Gbit/s up to 550 metres, 10 Gbit/s up to 300 metres |
I-V(ZN)H 2E 9/125 OS2 | I = inner cable V = solid core (ZN) = non-metallic strain relief element H = sheath is halogen-free 2 = number of cores E = single-mode fibre 9/125 = core diameter /sheath diameter in µm OS2 = singlemode, 1 Gbit/s up to 5000 metres, 10 Gbit/s up to 10,000 metres |
Conclusion: Cable labelling is the key to safe and efficient electrical installation
Cable labelling is essential for clear and reliable identification of electrical cables. They provide clarity about the intended use and the specific properties of the cables, such as temperature, oil or UV resistance. A good example of this is the NYM cable, which is made of a polyvinyl chloride insulation material and is suitable for use in dry and damp environments. It is robust, offers protection against external influences and is ideal for electrical installations in residential and commercial applications. Harmonised standards such as DIN VDE and their specific type abbreviations standardise the designation of electrical cables and make them easier to understand. This helps to clearly identify the different cable types based on their areas of application and properties. The colour coding and additional labelling also provide information about important parameters such as insulation, protective conductor and sheath material, which simplifies installation and cable management.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about cable labelling
How to find the right electrical cable?
Cable designation tables simplify the selection and identification of the correct cable types and ensure reliability in various installation scenarios.
Which cable designation tables are the most important?
In Germany, there are several tables and standards that explain and standardise cable designations. The most important include DIN VDE 0281/0282/0292: These standards define the labelling and abbreviations for electrical installation cables in Germany. They specify how cables are to be labelled with regard to material, insulation and structure. DIN VDE 0250: This standard specifically describes the labelling and properties of cables for use in buildings and in the industrial sector.
The following questions are frequently asked about cable designations:
What does RE stand for in cable designation?
The cable designation RE stands for a single-wire round cable
What does G stand for in cable designation?
The cable designation G stands for a green/yellow protective conductor
What does N stand for in the cable designation?
The cable designation N stands for standardised cable or VDE type
What does l stand for in the cable designation?
The cable designation l stands for a cable that is suitable for installation in plaster
What does SW stand for in the cable designation?
The cable designation sw is the colour abbreviation for black according to DIN 47002
What does FE stand for in the cable designation?
The cable designation FE stands for insulation retention
What does FD stand for in the cable designation?
The cable designation FD stands for a fine-stranded control cable
What does OZ stand for in the cable designation?
The cable designation OZ stands for a cable without a green/yellow protective conductor and black cores with printed numbers
Despite careful editing and checking of the content, Stecker Express assumes no liability for the topicality, correctness, completeness and quality of the information provided.
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