A CENELEC HD 361 cable designation like H07V-U encodes the cable's properties in a fixed positional format. H = harmonized, 07 = 450/750V rated, V = PVC insulation, dash = no sheath, U = solid round conductor. Each position tells you something specific about the cable's construction, voltage rating, and application.
What the cable code tells you
Every harmonized cable sold in Europe carries a CENELEC HD 361 designation. This code is not a model number or a brand name. It is a standardized description of the cable's construction. If you can read the code, you know the cable's voltage class, insulation material, sheath material, conductor type, and more, without reading a datasheet.
For product data teams cataloging electrical cables, getting the designation right is critical. The code determines which application the cable is suitable for, which safety standards it meets, and whether it can be used in the customer's installation.
To decode a cable designation automatically, use the cable designation decoder.
The positional format
A CENELEC HD 361 designation follows this structure:
[Type][Voltage][Insulation][Sheath]-[Conductor] [Cores]x[Cross-section]
Each position has specific allowed values:
Position 1: Type prefix
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| H | Harmonized type (recognized across all CENELEC countries) |
| A | Recognized national type |
| N | National type (country-specific, not harmonized) |
H is what you see on most cables sold across Europe. It means the cable meets a CENELEC harmonized document and is accepted in all member countries without additional certification. A and N types are country-specific and may require additional approval when used outside their home market.
Position 2: Voltage rating
| Code | Voltage (U0/U) | Application |
|---|---|---|
| 03 | 300/300V | Light-duty, signaling |
| 05 | 300/500V | Domestic appliances, light equipment |
| 07 | 450/750V | Fixed installation, general wiring |
The two numbers (U0/U) mean: U0 is the rated voltage between any conductor and earth, U is the rated voltage between any two conductors. A 07 cable is rated for 450V to earth and 750V between conductors. This is the standard for building wiring in Europe.
Position 3: Insulation material
| Code | Material | Properties |
|---|---|---|
| V | PVC (polyvinyl chloride) | Standard, general-purpose, temperature range -5 to +70C |
| R | Natural rubber | Flexible, abrasion-resistant, temperature range -25 to +60C |
| S | Silicone rubber | High temperature, -60 to +180C |
| X | XLPE (cross-linked polyethylene) | Higher temperature than PVC, good chemical resistance |
| G | EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) | Flexible, low temperature |
| Z | Thermoplastic elastomer | Halogen-free, flexible |
| B | EPR (ethylene propylene rubber) | Flexible, high temperature |
Position 4: Sheath material
The same letter codes apply. If there is no sheath (single-insulated wire), a dash appears instead.
| Code | Material |
|---|---|
| V | PVC sheath |
| R | Rubber sheath (chloroprene/neoprene) |
| N | Polychloroprene (neoprene) |
| J | Glass fiber braid |
| - | No sheath (single-insulated conductor) |
Position 5: Conductor type
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| U | Solid round conductor (single wire) |
| R | Stranded round conductor (multiple wires, non-flexible) |
| K | Flexible stranded conductor (fine wires) |
| F | Highly flexible stranded conductor (very fine wires) |
| H | Extra-flexible conductor (superfine wires, welding cable class) |
| D | Tinsel conductor |
Conductor specification
After the designation code, the conductor specification follows:
[Number of cores] x [Cross-section in mm²]
Examples: 3x1.5 means three conductors of 1.5mm each. 5G2.5 means five conductors of 2.5mm including a green/yellow earth conductor (G indicates the presence of a green/yellow earth, sometimes written as x with earth implied).
Worked example: H07V-U 1x2.5
Breaking down H07V-U 1x2.5:
| Position | Code | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Type | H | Harmonized |
| Voltage | 07 | 450/750V |
| Insulation | V | PVC |
| Sheath | - (dash) | No sheath |
| Conductor | U | Solid round |
| Cores | 1x2.5 | One conductor, 2.5mm cross-section |
This is a single solid-core PVC-insulated wire rated for 450/750V. The most common building wire in Europe. Used for fixed installations in conduit or trunking. Available in multiple colors (brown, blue, green/yellow, black, grey) for phase, neutral, earth, and switched circuits.
Worked example: H05VV-F 3G1.5
Breaking down H05VV-F 3G1.5:
| Position | Code | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Type | H | Harmonized |
| Voltage | 05 | 300/500V |
| Insulation | V | PVC |
| Sheath | V | PVC |
| Conductor | F | Highly flexible |
| Cores | 3G1.5 | Three conductors incl. earth, 1.5mm |
This is a flexible, PVC-insulated, PVC-sheathed cable for domestic appliances and light equipment. The "F" conductor type means it is designed for applications where the cable will be flexed repeatedly, like power tool cords and appliance leads. The "G" in 3G1.5 indicates one conductor is green/yellow (earth).
Decode any cable designation to verify the breakdown.
Worked example: H07RN-F 5G6
Breaking down H07RN-F 5G6:
| Position | Code | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Type | H | Harmonized |
| Voltage | 07 | 450/750V |
| Insulation | R | Natural rubber |
| Sheath | N | Polychloroprene (neoprene) |
| Conductor | F | Highly flexible |
| Cores | 5G6 | Five conductors incl. earth, 6mm |
This is a heavy-duty rubber cable for industrial use. The rubber insulation and neoprene sheath make it resistant to abrasion, oil, and weather. Used on construction sites, for temporary power installations, and to connect mobile equipment. Rated for outdoor use and mechanical stress.
For a comparison of the two most common flexible cable types, see H05VV-F vs H07RN-F.
Common catalog errors
Wrong voltage code. Listing an H05 cable as H07 or vice versa. This is a safety-critical error: an H05 cable installed in a 450/750V circuit does not meet the voltage rating.
Confusing insulation and sheath. H05VV-F has PVC insulation AND PVC sheath (two V's). H07V-U has PVC insulation and NO sheath (V dash). Listing "PVC/PVC" for a single-insulated wire is wrong.
Wrong conductor type. Listing a solid conductor (U) as flexible (F) or vice versa. U-type cables are for fixed installations only. F-type cables are for flexible/portable use. Using the wrong type can violate installation regulations.
Missing the G/x distinction. 3G1.5 and 3x1.5 are different. 3G1.5 includes a green/yellow earth conductor. 3x1.5 does not (or it is unspecified). The G version is mandatory for equipment that requires a protective earth connection.
National vs harmonized prefix. Listing a cable as H (harmonized) when it is actually an A or N type. This affects whether the cable is accepted in other CENELEC countries.
Quick reference: most common electrical cables
| Designation | Description | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| H07V-U | Solid PVC wire, 450/750V | Fixed installation in conduit |
| H07V-R | Stranded PVC wire, 450/750V | Fixed installation in conduit |
| H07V-K | Flexible PVC wire, 450/750V | Control panels, switchgear wiring |
| H05VV-F | Flexible PVC cable, 300/500V | Domestic appliances, extension leads |
| H07RN-F | Rubber cable, 450/750V | Construction, outdoor, industrial |
| H05RR-F | Rubber cable, 300/500V | Light industrial, portable tools |
| NYM-J | German national PVC cable | Fixed installation in buildings (DE) |