Designation of cables according to harmonised standards
Designation of cables according to harmonised standardsDate of publication: 10/12/2020 Update date: 04/10/2026 🕒 10 min read
The standardisation of the method for designation of cables and wires by means of harmonised standards has been introduced in order to facilitate the identification of products available on the market. These are often products from many different domestic or foreign manufacturers. Getting acquainted with and following the harmonised marking system ensures a precise selection of the cable that is suitable for the user’s needs and requirements in terms of material from which it is made.
Key Information in Brief
- Harmonized wire marking standards facilitate product identification regardless of manufacturer or country of origin
- The system developed by CENELEC (PN-HD 361 S3) standardizes markings for wires rated up to 450/750V
- Wire markings include information such as voltage rating, insulation material, sheath type, and conductor structure
- Letters and numbers in the designation correspond to specific features – e.g., “H” indicates compliance with the harmonized standard, “V” denotes PVC insulation
- Examples of wires (H07V2-K, H03VVH2-F, etc.) demonstrate practical application of the system in product identification
- Harmonized standards have replaced older national markings, although many are still used locally
- The TME catalog allows searching for wires using both national and the new European designation system
Manufacturers of cables and wires usually mark their products mainly on the basis of national standards and transparent product marking systems contained therein. Such a solution worked well on the domestic market but posed significant obstacles to free foreign trade. In this article, we will present examples of cables classified according to Polish standards and using the system of harmonised standards. First of all, however, we would like to use several examples to present the cable designation system itself and explain the combination of numbers and letters applied under the system.
The harmonised cable and wire designation system was introduced by the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC), which supports the European Economic Area and of which the Polish Committee for Standardization (PKN) is also a member. The designation system is provided in the PN-HD 361 S3 "System for cable designation" document, which clearly defines the order of designation for cables and wires with a rated voltage up to 450/750V. The cable designation system is divided into several parts, taking into account the basic properties of the cable provided according to the following order:
1. Relation to the harmonised standard:
- H - cable made in accordance with the harmonised standard
- A - non-harmonised cable (national standard)
2. Nominal voltage:
- 01 - 100/100V
- 03 - 300/300V
- 05 - 300/500V
- 07 - 450/750V
3. Insulation & sheath materials:
- B - ethylene-propylene rubber
- G - ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer
- J - glass fibre braiding
- N - flame retardant polychloroprene rubber
- N2 - special polychloroprene mixture for welding cables
- N4 - chlorosulphonated polyethylene or chlorinated polyethylene
- R - standard ethylene polypropylene rubber
- S - silicone rubber
- T - textile braiding
- V - polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
- V2 - polyvinyl chloride resistant to increased temperature (PVC)
- V3 - polyvinyl chloride for low temperatures
- V4 - cross-linked polyvinyl chloride
- V5 - oil resistant polyvinyl chloride
- Z - low-gas emission cross-linked polyolefin compound
- Z1 - thermoplastic low-gas emission polyolefin compound
4. Metal coating:
- C - Concentric copper conductor
- C4 - copper braid screen
5. Non-metal coating:
- B - ethylene-propylene rubber
- G - ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer
- J - glass fibre braiding
- N - flame retardant polychloroprene rubber
- N2 - special polychloroprene mixture for welding cables
- N4 - chlorosulphonated polyethylene or chlorinated polyethylene
- Q - polyurethane
- Q4 - polyamide
- R - standard ethylene polypropylene rubber
- S - silicone rubber
- T - textile braiding
- V - polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
- V2 - polyvinyl chloride resistant to increased temperature (PVC)
- V3 - polyvinyl chloride for low temperatures
- V4 - cross-linked polyvinyl chloride
- V5 - oil resistant polyvinyl chloridepolyolefin compound
- Z - low-gas emission cross-linked
- Z1 - thermoplastic low-gas emission polyolefin compound
6. Cable structure:
- no designation for round cables
- H - flat cables, non-separable
- H2 - flat cables, non-separable
- H6 - flat cables with 3 or more conductors
7. Conductor material:
- A - Aluminium
- a dash "-" without an additional letter designation means that the conductor is made of copper. Moreover, it is worth noting that the dash itself is also an element of transition between the description of insulation and structure of the cable and the internal description of the conductor.
8. Conductor structure:
- D - fine wire for welding cables
- E - extra fine wire for welding cables
- F - fine wire for cables (class 5)
- H - extra fine wire for cables (class 6)
- K - fine wire for fixed installation (class 5)
- R - rigid conductor of multi stranded wires
- U - round conductor of single wire
9. Numerical designation of the number of conductors
10. Protective conductor
- G - green/yellow protective conductor
- X - lack of green/yellow protective conductor
- U - round conductor of single wire
11. Numerical designation of the conductor cross-section
With the theoretical part behind us, we can conclude that the cable designation system according to the harmonised standard itself is not that complicated. It is worth paying attention to the method of marking the materials used to produce the inner insulation or outer sheath of the cable. Let us try to identify the structure and basic properties of sample products available at TME.
H07V2-K single core cable
- Relation to the harmonised standard: H - cable made in accordance with the harmonised standard
- Nominal voltage: 07- 450/750V
- Insulation & sheath materials: V2- polyvinyl chloride resistant to increased temperature (PVC)
- Cable structure: no designation: round cable
- Conductor material: a dash, which means copper
- Conductor structure: K - fine wire for fixed installation (class 5)
- Number of conductors: 1
- Protective conductor: X - lack of green/yellow protective conductor
- Conductor cross-section: 10mm2
H03VVH2-F multicore power cable
- Relation to the harmonised standard: H - cable made in accordance with the harmonised standard
- Nominal voltage: 03 - 300/300V
- Insulation & sheath materials: V- polyvinyl chloride(PVC)
- Non-metal coating: V - polyvinyl chloride(PVC)
- Cable structure: H2 - flat cable, non-separable
- Conductor material: a dash, which means copper
- Conductor structure: F - fine wire for cables (class 5)
- Number of conductors: 12
- Protective conductor: G - green/yellow protective conductor
- Conductor cross-section: 1.5mm2
H07RN-F multicore power cable
- Relation to the harmonised standard: H - cable made in accordance with the harmonised standard
- Nominal voltage 07- 450/750V
- Insulation & sheath materials: R - standard ethylene polypropylene rubber
- Non-metal coating: N - flame retardant polychloroprene rubber
- Cable structure: no designation: round cable
- Conductor material: a dash, which means copper
- Conductor structure: F - fine wire for cables (class 5)
- Number of conductors: 12
- Protective conductor: G - green/yellow protective conductor
- Conductor cross-section: 1.5mm2
H05RR-F multicore power cable
- Relation to the harmonised standard: H - cable made in accordance with the harmonised standard
- Nominal voltage 05 - 300/500V
- Insulation & sheath materials: R - standard ethylene polypropylene rubber
- Non-metal coating: R - standard ethylene polypropylene rubber
- Cable structure: no designation: round cable
- Conductor material: a dash, which means copper
- Conductor structure: F - fine wire for cables (class 5)
- Number of conductors: 2
- Protective conductor: X - lack of green/yellow protective conductor
- Conductor cross-section: 0.75mm2
H05VVH6-F multicore power cable
- Relation to the harmonised standard: H - cable made in accordance with the harmonised standard
- Nominal voltage 05 - 300/500V
- Insulation & sheath materials: V - polyvinyl chloride(PVC)
- Non-metal coating: V - polyvinyl chloride(PVC)
- Cable structure: H6 - flat cables with 3 or more conductors
- Conductor material: a dash, which means copper
- Conductor structure: F - fine wire for cables (class 5)
- Number of conductors: 12
- Protective conductor: G - green/yellow protective conductor
- Conductor cross-section: 0.75mm2
The table below contains the most popular cables with designations according to the previously used Polish standard and the currently required harmonised standard
| Designation according to the Polish standard: | Designation according to the harmonised standard: | |
| OMY 300/300V | H03VV-F | |
| OMYp 300/300V | H03VVH2-F | |
| LgY 300/500V | H05V-K | |
| LgY 450/750V | H07V-K | |
| OWY 300/500V | H05VV-F | |
| OWYp 300/500V | H05VVH2-F |
The catalogue of cables available at TME includes both commonly used Polish standard designations as well as European designations according to the PN-HD 361 S3 harmonised standard. Products available in our catalogue can be browsed using both types of designations.
Discover cables available in our catalogue
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Electrical Cable Marking
What is European cable marking?
European cable markings are based on harmonized standards developed by organizations such as CENELEC. They enable cable identification regardless of the country of manufacture by specifying voltage, insulation material, sheath type, and conductor structure. This ensures products meet safety requirements and are approved for sale in the EU market.
What do the cable markings H05, H07, etc., mean?
These are cable designations according to the PN-HD 361 S3 standard. The letter “H” indicates compliance with the harmonized standard, while the numbers indicate the permissible rated voltage (e.g., H05 – 300/500V, H07 – 450/750V). Subsequent letters describe insulation material and cable construction.
How are cables marked in a distribution board?
In distribution installations, cables are often marked according to function – phase (L), neutral (N), protective (PE) – along with insulation colors. The colors follow the PN-HD 308 S2 standard, e.g., yellow-green for protective conductor, blue for neutral.
Are there standard wire color codes?
Yes, European standards define colors for specific conductor functions:
- Yellow-green – protective conductor (PE)
- Blue – neutral conductor (N)
- Brown, black, grey – phase conductors (L1, L2, L3)
These markings increase safety and aid identification during installation work.
Do cable markings differ between countries?
Yes, although harmonized markings apply in the EU, national standards can still be found – e.g., the German DIN VDE. Harmonization aims to facilitate trade and improve safety across Europe.
What are the benefits of using harmonized cable markings?
Make it easier to select the right cable
Improve user safety
Ensure compliance with EU directives
Minimize installation errors
Facilitate import, export, and technical documentation
What do the letters in cable markings mean – how to decode them?
The letters in the marking indicate, among others:
insulation material (e.g., V – PVC, R – rubber)
conductor type (e.g., F – flexible, U – solid)
cable construction (e.g., H2 – flat)
The combination of letters and numbers defines the cable’s properties precisely.
How are electric cables marked in industrial practice?
Industry uses durable markings: labels, prints, marking sleeves, UV markers. Each cable should also be described in installation documentation, which supports service and inspections.
What standards govern cable marking?
PN-HD 361 S3 – cable marking system
PN-HD 308 S2 – conductor colors
IEC 60227 – requirements for PVC cables
EN 50678 – testing after repairs
The appropriate standard depends on the working environment and cable application.
How can I identify electrical cables myself?
The most important step is reading the letter markings and conductor color. Manufacturer catalogs, online charts, and cable testers are helpful. In case of doubt – always consult a qualified professional.
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