1. Executive Summary / 执行摘要

2. Nexans Reeling Cable Color Code System / 耐克森卷筒电缆颜色编码系统

Nexans Deutschland GmbH, headquartered in Hannover, Germany, has established a systematic color coding convention for their industrial reeling cable product lines. This convention, while not mandated by DIN VDE standards as a regulatory requirement, has become an industry-recognized practice that enhances workplace safety through immediate visual voltage identification.

表1：耐克森卷筒电缆系列——颜色编码概览

2.1 The Yellow Sheath: RHEYCORD® (RTS) Series / 黄色护套：RHEYCORD® (RTS)系列

The yellow outer sheath in Nexans’ catalog is specifically associated with the RHEYCORD® (RTS) (N)SHTOEU-J extra heavy duty reeling cables rated at 0.6/1 kV. According to Nexans technical documentation, these cables feature an inner sheath of special synthetic rubber (superior to GM1b compound) with the outer sheath colored yellow for immediate identification.

2.2 The Red Sheath: RHEYFIRM® Series / 红色护套：RHEYFIRM®系列

Red outer sheaths are characteristic of the RHEYFIRM® medium-voltage cable series, manufactured with heavy-duty chlorinated rubber compound 5GM5 per DIN VDE 0207 Part 21. The red coloration serves as a critical warning indicator for the elevated voltage hazard associated with these cables.

3. DIN VDE 0207 Sheath Compound Specifications / 护套材料规范

The German standard DIN VDE 0207 Part 21 specifies the requirements for thermosetting sheath compounds used in flexible cables. While the standard defines mechanical and chemical properties for compounds such as 5GM3 and 5GM5, it does not mandate specific outer sheath colors. The color coding system is a manufacturer convention adopted for safety and identification purposes.

表2：DIN VDE 0207第21部分护套材料性能规范

3.1 Why Red for Medium Voltage? / 为何中压电缆使用红色？

The selection of red as the standard color for medium-voltage reeling cables follows established industrial safety conventions where red signifies danger and elevated hazard levels. In the context of cable identification, red serves multiple safety functions:

First, red provides immediate visual warning of high-voltage hazard potential. Second, it enables rapid differentiation from low-voltage cables in complex industrial installations. Third, it supports compliance with lockout/tagout procedures by facilitating quick voltage level identification. Fourth, the high visibility of red enhances safety during emergency situations and maintenance operations.

红色被选为中压卷筒电缆的标准颜色是遵循工业安全惯例，红色代表危险和较高的危险等级。在电缆识别方面，红色具有多重安全功能：立即提供高压危险的视觉警告；使低压和中压电缆在复杂工业装置中快速区分；支持锁定/挂牌程序；在紧急情况和维护操作中提高可见度。

4. Is Yellow “Strictly” for 1kV? Technical Analysis / 黄色是否”严格”限于1kV？

4.1 Standard Catalog Configuration / 标准目录配置

4.2 Custom Color Options / 定制颜色选项

According to CSE Industrial Electrical Distributors’ documentation on Nexans handling cables, “Other sheath qualities and colours on request” is available for both RHEYCORD® and RHEYFIRM® series. This indicates that while yellow and red are the standard catalog colors, customers may specify alternative colors for specific project requirements.

5. Industry-Wide Color Conventions / 行业通用颜色惯例

The Nexans color coding approach aligns with broader industry practices observed across multiple European cable manufacturers specializing in reeling and trailing cables for cranes, mining, and material handling applications.

表4：行业颜色惯例对比

The consistency of red coloration for medium-voltage cables across manufacturers reflects an industry consensus on safety-critical visual identification. This standardization, though voluntary, significantly enhances safety in multi-vendor industrial environments where cables from different manufacturers may be installed in close proximity.

6. Voltage Identification Best Practices / 电压识别最佳实践

Proper identification of cable voltage ratings extends beyond sheath color and should incorporate multiple verification methods for maximum safety assurance.

6.1 Primary Identification Methods / 主要识别方法

Cable markings represent the most authoritative identification method. Per DIN VDE 0250-813, medium-voltage trailing cables must bear embossed (raised) markings on the outer sheath at intervals not exceeding one meter. These markings include the manufacturer name, cable designation code, voltage rating, cross-section, and year of manufacture.

表5：电缆标记示例

6.2 Secondary Verification / 二次验证

When sheath color alone is insufficient for positive identification, such as in faded or dirty cables, secondary verification must be performed through examination of embossed markings, review of installation documentation and cable schedules, measurement of overall cable diameter (MV cables are significantly larger), and inspection of cable construction (semiconductive layers indicate MV rating). Never energize or work on cables without positive voltage identification through multiple methods.

7. Anhui Feichun Manufacturing Capabilities / 安徽飞纯制造能力

Anhui Feichun Special Cable Co., Ltd. manufactures flexible reeling cables equivalent to the Nexans RHEYCORD® and RHEYFIRM® series, adhering to DIN VDE 0250 standards and offering customizable sheath color options to meet specific project requirements.

表6：飞纯等效电缆产品系列

8. Conclusion / 结论

In the standard Nexans catalog, yellow outer sheaths are indeed associated with 1kV-class cables—specifically the RHEYCORD® (RTS) extra heavy duty series rated at 0.6/1 kV. Red sheaths identify the RHEYFIRM® medium-voltage series (6–30 kV). This color differentiation represents a manufacturer safety convention rather than a regulatory mandate, as DIN VDE 0207 specifies compound properties but not colors.

The practical significance of this color coding system is substantial: it enables rapid visual identification of voltage hazard levels in industrial environments where both low-voltage and medium-voltage reeling cables may be present. Workers can immediately distinguish between 1kV class (yellow/black) and multi-kilovolt class (red) cables, supporting safer work practices and compliance with electrical safety procedures.

在耐克森标准目录中，黄色外护套确实与1kV级电缆相关联——特别是额定电压为0.6/1 kV的RHEYCORD® (RTS)超重型系列。红色护套标识RHEYFIRM®中压系列(6–30 kV)。这种颜色区分代表制造商的安全惯例而非法规强制要求，因为DIN VDE 0207规定了材料性能但未规定颜色。这种颜色编码系统在工业环境中具有重要的实际意义，可快速识别电压危险等级。