European Harmonised Cable Standards

Introduction to CENELEC and Harmonised Cable Standards

CENELEC (European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization) is recognised by the European Commission as the primary standardisation body in the electrical and electrotechnical fields within Europe. Its goal is to ensure the development and adoption of unified standards that facilitate trade, safety, and technological advancement across its 33 member and 14 affiliate countries. One of its key objectives is to create common standards that simplify trade between European countries by reducing technical barriers.

CENELEC cable standards specify technical requirements for cables, including mechanical, electrical, and material properties. These standards are outlined in documents detailing minimum or maximum constructional and performance specifications, ensuring uniformity in cable quality and performance throughout Europe. The harmonised cables are marked with the printed letter <HAR>, which appears on the outer sheath, identification threads, or printed tape, indicating compliance with CENELEC standards.

Once a harmonised cable standard is adopted at the CENELEC level, all member states are required to integrate it into their respective national standards. This ensures that harmonised cables are recognised across borders, making them suitable for various applications regardless of national wiring regulations.

Harmonised Cable Applications

Cables compliant with European harmonised standards are widely used in industrial, commercial, and domestic applications. The following sections outline some key types of harmonised cables and their specific applications.

Harmonised Rubber Flexible Cables

1. H07RN-F Cable
Voltage Rating: 450/750V
H07RN-F cables are highly flexible rubber-sheathed cables commonly used in mobile power supplies, temporary power installations, and industrial machinery. They provide excellent resistance to mechanical stress, oils, and chemicals.

2. H07BN4-F Cable (6381TQ)
With a Heat & Oil Resistant & Flame Retardant Chlorosulphonated Polyethylene (HOFR CSP) sheath, the H07BN4-F cable is suitable for industrial environments requiring high flexibility and mechanical abrasion resistance.

3. H07ZZ-F Cable
Standard: BS EN 50525-3-21
This 450/750V cable is designed for environments where the risk to human life from toxic fumes and smoke during a fire is significant. It is a Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) variant that ensures safety in fire scenarios.

4. H05BN4-F Cable
The H05BN4-F cable features a flexible rubber sheath with HOFR properties, making it ideal for use in domestic premises and light industrial environments.

5. H05RR-F Cable (318-TRS)
Voltage Rating: 300/500V
This flexible plain copper conductor cable is designed for domestic use, especially in household appliances and light-duty applications.

6. H05GG-F Cable
Voltage Rating: 300/500V
H05GG-F cables are flexible, tinned copper conductor cables suitable for domestic appliances operating at temperatures up to 110°C.

7. H05RNH-F Cable (External Festoon)
These cables are weather and oil resistant, with a robust rubber sheath suitable for domestic premises and high-temperature applications such as immersion heaters.

Harmonised Welding Cables

1. H01N2-E Cable (Welding)
Standard: BS EN 50525-2-81
Designed for welding applications, this cable is suitable for adverse conditions and is generally used to distribute power from the welding machine to the welding tool.

2. H01N2-D Cable (Welding)
This cable matches all welding activities, including manually and automatically operated line and spot welding machines. It is designed to withstand mechanical stress and high temperatures.

Harmonised Fixed Wiring Cables

1. H07V-R / H07V-U Cable (6491X)
Standard: BS EN 50525-2-31
H07V-R is designed for Class 2 stranded conductors, while H07V-U is intended for Class 1 solid conductors. These cables are widely used for fixed wiring installations.

2. H07Z-R Cable (6491B)
Standard: BS EN 50525-3-41
This conduit wiring cable is designed for installations where toxic fumes and smoke pose a threat to human life and equipment in the event of a fire.

Harmonised PVC Cables

1. H05V-K / H07V-K Cable (2491X)
Standard: BS EN 50525-2-31
These cables are manufactured to BS6004 standards. H05V-K covers 2491X cables with a voltage rating of 300/500V, while H07V-K refers to those with a rating of 450/750V.

2. H03VV-F Cable (218-Y)
Standard: BS EN 50525-2-12
This flexible PVC-sheathed cable is suitable for household, kitchen, and office applications, as well as for light portable appliances such as radios and table lamps.

3. H05VV-F Cable (318-Y)
Standard: BS EN 50525-2-12
The harmonised code for 318-Y cable is H05VV-F. It is commonly used in household appliances such as washing machines and refrigerators.

4. H07V2K Cable (Tri-Rated Cable)
This panel wire is designed to withstand continuous temperatures up to 105°C, making it suitable for high-temperature environments.

5. H03VVH2-F Cable (2192Y)
Voltage Rating: 300/300V
H03VVH2-F is a flexible PVC cable used for indoor applications and light-duty domestic appliances.

6. H05V2V2-F Cable (309-Y)
This flexible PVC cable can withstand temperatures up to 90°C and is suitable for domestic appliances and light-duty industrial applications.

7. H05VVH6-F Cable (Elevator Cable)
Voltage Rating: 300/500V
Designed for conveyor and hoist equipment, H05VVH6-F cables are robust and flexible, suitable for dynamic applications.

Harmonised LSZH Cables

1. H05Z-K / H07Z-K Cable (2491B / 6701B)
These are flexible Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) cables often used for internal wiring of appliances, providing enhanced safety by reducing toxic fumes and smoke in fire scenarios.

2. H05Z1Z1-F Cable (318-B)
Voltage Rating: 300/500V
This LSZH cable is generally used as an indoor wiring cable for installations in public areas, ensuring low smoke emission and halogen-free operation.

Testing and Compliance

The Cable Lab®
Eland Cable's in-house specialist cable testing laboratory, The Cable Lab®, tests cables for compliance with relevant standards. The laboratory is equipped with advanced testing equipment and staffed by experienced cable technicians who ensure that cables meet stringent European and international standards.

Expert Advisory Services
With years of experience in HAR cables, Eland Cable's technical team offers expert advisory services to assist customers in selecting the right cables for their specific applications. The team provides guidance on standards, specifications, and installation requirements to ensure optimal performance and compliance.

Conclusion

Harmonised cable standards developed by CENELEC play a crucial role in ensuring the safety, reliability, and interoperability of cables across Europe. By adhering to these standards, manufacturers and suppliers contribute to a harmonised marketplace, facilitating trade and enhancing the overall quality of electrical installations. Whether for domestic, commercial, or industrial applications, harmonised cables offer a reliable solution for diverse wiring needs. Eland Cable, with its extensive range of HAR cables and commitment to quality, remains a trusted partner for European standard cables.