
DIN VDE 0250 Part 812 (p.812): NSSHÖU Rubber Insulated Flexible Cables – Complete Technical Standard
📌 Historical Transition Notice
DIN VDE 0250 p.812 superseded VDE 0250/03.69 §812 with a transition period ending October 31, 1985. This standard eliminated the 6kV rated voltage construction and established the current NSSHÖU specifications as an independent standard within the DIN VDE 0250 series.
§1 Scope of Application (Anwendungsbereich)
DIN VDE 0250 Part 812 exclusively covers rubber insulated flexible cables designated as NSSHÖU (Neopren-Schlauchleitung Schwer Höchste Ölfestigkeit Ummantelung). This German standard defines the complete technical requirements for these specialized power installation cables designed for the most demanding industrial applications.
The standard specifies cables suitable for rated voltages U₀/U 0.6/1kV, establishing comprehensive requirements for construction, materials, testing, and quality assurance that exceed general international cable standards.
§2 Type Designation System (Typenkurzzeichen)
2.1 Type Designation Structure
The complete type designation follows the pattern: NSSH…ÖU
2.1.1 Component Codes – Inner to Outer Position
| Code | Component Description | Position in Cable |
|---|---|---|
| K | Crisscross rubber spacer (Kreuzförmiger Gummisteg) | Centre of cable |
| C | Metallic conductive layer | On cabled conductors or between sheaths |
| CG | Non-metallic conductive layer | On cabled conductors or between sheaths |
| CE | Metallic conductive layer | On insulation of phase conductors |
| CGE | Non-metallic conductive layer | On insulation of phase conductors |
2.1.2 Grounding and Auxiliary Conductor Codes
| Code | Description | Configuration |
|---|---|---|
| 1/3 | Grounding conductor | Evenly distributed in interstices |
| 1/3E | Grounding conductor | Evenly distributed on phase insulation |
| KON | Concentric grounding conductor | Between inner and outer sheaths |
| ST | Control wire (Steuerleitung) | Within cable assembly |
| FM | Communication wire (Fernmeldeleitung) | Within cable assembly |
| ÜL | Monitoring wire (Überwachungsleitung) | Within cable assembly |
2.2 Designation Examples per DIN VDE 0250 p.812
Rubber insulated flexible cable with polychloroprene outer sheath, with green-yellow conductor (J), 4 conductors of 16mm²
3 conductors of 16mm² with concentric grounding conductor of 16mm² between sheaths
With metallic conductive layer (C), 3×16mm² phase conductors, 3×16mm² grounding on phase insulation, 3×1.5mm² control wires, 6mm² monitoring wire
With crisscross spacer (K) and non-metallic conductive layer (CGE), green-yellow conductor, 3×6mm², 2×0.5mm² communication wire, 2.5mm² monitoring wire
§4 Technical Requirements (Anforderungen)
4.1 Core Configurations per DIN VDE 0250 p.812
| Configuration | Cross-sectional Range | Application Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single core | 2.5 to 400 mm² | Maximum flexibility for large power transmission |
| 2 to 4 cores | 1.5 to 185 mm² | Standard multi-phase applications |
| 3 cores with distributed/concentric ground | 2.5 to 150 mm² | Enhanced safety configuration |
| 5 to 7 cores | 1.5 to 95 mm² | Complex control applications |
| 5 cores with concentric ground | 2.5 to 6 mm² | Specialized control with safety ground |
| Above 5 cores (12, 18 preferred) | 1.5 to 4 mm² | Multi-circuit control systems |
4.2 Conductor Specifications (Leiter)
- Material: Tinned copper, Class 5 flexible conductor per DIN VDE 0295
- Grounding conductors sized according to Table 1, column 2 of the standard
- Control/monitoring wires may include steel reinforcement for mechanical strength
- Maximum resistance: Not exceeding Class 5 conductor of 0.75mm² per DIN VDE 0295
- Communication wire: Minimum Class 5 conductor, 0.5mm² cross-section
- Optional textile or suitable material layer on conductor permitted
4.3 Insulation System (Isolierung)
4.4 Conductive Layer Options (Leitschicht)
Per DIN VDE 0250 p.812, conductive layers may be applied at multiple positions:
- On grounding conductor surface
- On insulation of phase conductors
- Under inner sheath layer
- Between inner and outer sheaths
- Metal layers separated from insulation/sheath by tape or yarn
- Can function as monitoring wire when specified
4.5 Color Coding per DIN VDE 0293
| Conductor Type | Color Code | Special Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Insulated grounding | Green-yellow bicolor | Mandatory identification |
| Uninsulated ground with black layer | Black conductive layer | No other black or green-yellow conductors allowed |
| Grounding per 4.6.1.3/4.6.1.4 | No identification | Cable must not contain green-yellow conductor |
| Phase conductors | Per DIN VDE 0293 | Standard phase identification |
4.6 Conductor Assembly (Verseilung)
4.6.1 Grounding Conductor Arrangements
4.6.1.2 – Evenly distributed in interstices
4.6.1.3 – Evenly distributed on phase conductor insulation
4.6.1.4 – Concentric to cable axis between sheaths
4.6.3 Crisscross Rubber Spacer Dimensions
| Cross-sectional Area | Spacer Thickness |
|---|---|
| Up to 35 mm² | ca. 1.5 mm |
| 50 to 95 mm² | ca. 2.0 mm |
| 120 to 185 mm² | ca. 2.5 mm |
4.8 Inner Sheath and Filler
4.9 Outer Sheath
§5 Testing Requirements per DIN VDE 0250 p.812
5.1-5.3 General Testing Protocol
- 5.1: Visual inspection and measurement per DIN VDE 0250 Part 1
- 5.2: Construction and dimensional verification
- 5.3: Complete test battery per Table 4 requirements
5.4 Grounding Conductor Resistance Testing
Special Testing Procedure for Concentric Grounding
Sample length: 80 to 120 meters
Connection method: All strands connected at one end, selective connection at other end per table:
| Total Strands | Strands to Connect |
|---|---|
| Up to 29 | 3 |
| 30 to 49 | 4 |
| 50 to 69 | 5 |
| 70 to 89 | 6 |
| 90 to 109 | 7 |
| 110 and above | 5% (min. 8) |
Maximum resistance: 125% of rated value
Table 4: Comprehensive Testing Requirements
Electrical Tests (Type T and Sampling F)
| Test | Requirement | Standard | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conductor resistance | Per nominal values | DIN VDE 0472 Part 501 | T, F |
| Voltage test – Prime conductor | 3kV AC, 5 minutes | DIN VDE 0472 Part 512 | T, F |
| Voltage test – Control wire | 2kV AC, 5 minutes | DIN VDE 0472 Part 512 | T, F |
| Communication wire test | 1kV between conductors, 500V to shield | DIN VDE 0472 Part 508 | T |
| Insulation resistance | Min. 20MΩ/km at 20°C | DIN VDE 0472 Part 502 | T, F |
| Surface resistance | Min. 10⁹Ω | DIN VDE 0472 Part 503 | T |
Mechanical and Thermal Tests
| Component | Test Type | Standard | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insulation | Tensile/elongation before/after aging | DIN VDE 0472 Part 602 | T |
| Insulation | Air oven aging | DIN VDE 0472 Part 303 Method A | T |
| Insulation | Air bomb aging | DIN VDE 0472 Part 303 Method C | T |
| Insulation | Hot set test | DIN VDE 0472 Part 615 | T |
| Outer sheath | Abrasion resistance | DIN VDE 0472 Part 605 Method A | T |
| Outer sheath | Tear resistance | DIN VDE 0472 Part 613 | T |
| Outer sheath | Oil resistance | DIN VDE 0472 Part 803 Method A | T |
| Complete cable | Reaction to fire | DIN VDE 0472 Part 804 Method B | T |
§6 Application per DIN VDE 0298 Part 3
Cable application and installation must comply with DIN VDE 0298 Part 3 “Application of wires and cables for power installation.” This standard defines:
- Current carrying capacity calculations based on installation method
- Derating factors for ambient temperature variations
- Grouping factors for multiple cable installations
- Minimum bending radius requirements (typically 6× cable diameter)
- Installation temperature limits and handling procedures
- Protection requirements for mechanical stress environments
§7 Marking Requirements
Per DIN VDE 0250 p.812, cables must be continuously marked on the outer sheath with embossed characters containing:
| Marking Element | Format | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Full type designation | Complete code string | NSSHÖU-J |
| Core configuration | Number × cross-section | 4×16 |
| Grounding conductor | With suffix if applicable | 16/3E or 16 KON |
| Manufacturer | Name or abbreviation | FEICHUN or FC |
| Year of manufacture | Full or abbreviated | 2024 or 24 |
| VDE mark | If certified | VDE symbol |
Referenced Standards in DIN VDE 0250 p.812
The complete implementation of DIN VDE 0250 p.812 requires compliance with the following normative references:
Primary References
| Standard | Title/Description | Application |
|---|---|---|
| DIN VDE 0207 Series | Insulation and sheathing compounds | Material specifications |
| DIN VDE 0207 Part 20 | Rubber insulation compounds | 3GI3 insulation material |
| DIN VDE 0207 Part 21 | Rubber sheathing compounds | GM1b inner, 5GM5 outer |
| DIN VDE 0250 Part 1 | General requirements | Basic cable requirements |
| DIN VDE 0293 | Conductor color coding | Phase and ground identification |
| DIN VDE 0295 | Conductor specifications | Class 5 flexible conductors |
| DIN VDE 0298 Part 3 | Cable application | Installation guidelines |
| DIN VDE 0472 Series | Testing specifications | Complete test methods |
Critical Implementation Considerations for DIN VDE 0250 p.812
Design Selection Criteria
- Verify voltage rating compatibility: U₀/U 0.6/1kV maximum
- Calculate required cross-sectional area per DIN VDE 0298 Part 3
- Determine grounding configuration: 4.6.1.1 through 4.6.1.4 options
- Assess need for auxiliary conductors: ST, FM, or ÜL
- Consider environmental factors: oil, chemical, mechanical stress
- Evaluate temperature range: -25°C to +60°C ambient, 90°C conductor
Quality Assurance Requirements
- Type testing (T) performed on new designs
- Sampling tests (F) on production batches
- Continuous embossed marking verification
- Dimensional checks per Tables 1, 2, and 3
- Electrical testing at specified voltages and durations
- Mechanical property verification before and after aging
Installation Best Practices
- Minimum installation temperature: -5°C without preheating
- Bending radius: 6× cable diameter for fixed, 10× for mobile
- Support intervals: Per cable weight and installation method
- Termination: Use appropriate glands for IP rating maintenance
- Grounding: Connect all grounding conductors per configuration
- Protection: Install mechanical protection in high-risk areas
⚠️ Safety Compliance Notice per DIN VDE 0250 p.812
- Cables must be tested per Table 4 requirements before commissioning
- Insulation resistance must exceed 20MΩ/km at 20°C
- Voltage testing at 3kV AC for prime conductors is mandatory
- Grounding conductor continuity must be verified per 5.4 procedure
- Fire reaction testing per DIN VDE 0472 Part 804 Method B required
- Oil resistance per DIN VDE 0472 Part 803 Method A essential for classification
FEICHUN Cable – Your DIN VDE 0250 p.812 Expert
Anhui Feichun Special Cable Co., Ltd. manufactures premium NSSHÖU cables strictly conforming to DIN VDE 0250 Part 812 specifications. Our expertise in mining and tunneling applications ensures optimal cable selection and performance.
Request DIN VDE 0250 p.812 Specifications Technical Consultation: +86 138 55123218Summary: DIN VDE 0250 p.812 Excellence
DIN VDE 0250 Part 812 represents the definitive standard for NSSHÖU rubber insulated flexible cables in demanding industrial applications. Published in May 1985, this German standard superseded VDE 0250/03.69 §812 and established comprehensive requirements that continue to define excellence in cable manufacturing.
Key Technical Highlights:
- Voltage rating: U₀/U 0.6/1kV for industrial power distribution
- Conductor: Class 5 tinned copper for maximum flexibility
- Insulation: 3GI3 rubber compound rated to 90°C
- Outer sheath: 5GM5 polychloroprene for superior chemical resistance
- Testing: Comprehensive electrical and mechanical verification
- Applications: Mining, tunneling, and heavy industrial environments
FEICHUN Cable’s commitment to DIN VDE 0250 p.812 ensures that every cable meets or exceeds these exacting standards, providing reliable performance in the world’s most challenging industrial environments. Our technical expertise, combined with strict quality control and comprehensive testing, delivers cables that professionals trust for critical infrastructure projects worldwide.


