Photovoltaic cables designations

Photovoltaic cables have a designation that is marked according to the established standard. This denomination is composed of a set of letters and numbers, each with a meaning. In this article, we will detail the meaning of the designation code used for photovoltaic cables.

INDEX

PHOTOVOLTAIC CABLES UP TO THE CONNECTION BOX: DC LOW VOLTAGE CABLE

We are talking about a Low Voltage cable in direct current, in accordance with the EN 50618 standard.

In this case, we are going to analyze the meaning of the letters that name the cable TOPSOLAR H1Z2Z2-K 1,5kV:

H1	Voltage rate: harmonized cable at 1.5/1.5 kV DC
Z2	Insulation: Halogen-free cross-linked compound
Z2	Sheath: halogen-free cross-linked compound
-K	Flexible tinned copper conductor, Class 5 (flexible) according to IEC 60228. In solar cables, the tinned copper conductor is a mandatory requirement of the EN 50618 standard
1,5 KV	Rated voltage in kV

Code meaning H1Z2Z2-K

PHOTOVOLTAIC CABLES BETWEEN THE CONNECTION BOX AND THE INVERTER

These are Low Voltage cables in direct current.

PHOTOVOLTAIC CABLES BETWEEN THE TRANSFORMER AND ELECTRICAL SUBSTATION

These are Medium Voltage cables in alternating current, such as the X-VOLT, RHZ1-OL, or X-VOLT HEPRZ1 cables, ranging from 6/10 to 18/30 kV.

In this case, we will analyze the example of the cable X-VOLT RHZ1-OL (S) 12/20kV 1×150 K AL+H16.

X-VOLT type cable: Medium Voltage cables.

The first section (RHZ1 in the example) refers to the cable’s layers, always from the inside out. In this case, the meaning of the letters:

R	XLPE insulation
H	Added semiconductor screen and metallic screen
Z1	Halogen-free polyolefin cover

Code meaning RHZ1

The second block (-OL (S) in the example) refers to the additional features:

(blank)	Cable without obturation
-OL	Longitudinally shuttered screen
(S)	Security Cable, no flame propagator
12/20 kV	Rated voltage, in kV
1 x 50	Conductors number and section, in mm²
K AL	Compact aluminum conductor
H16	Wire screen made of copper, 16 mm²

Code meaning -OL (S)

AUXILIARY CABLES IN A PHOTOVOLTAIC INSTALLATION

In a photovoltaic installation, you can also find auxiliary cables, whose designation we analyzed in this post.

TOP CABLE’S RANGE OF PHOTOVOLTAIC CABLES

At Top Cable, we are a manufacturer and comprehensive supplier of solar cables for all the interconnections of a photovoltaic plant of any size, anywhere in the world.

Has a wide range of photovoltaic cables. Do not hesitate to contact our sales team to find the cable that best suits your project.