Complete Technical Guide to 20kV European Medium Voltage Power Distribution Cables — N2XS2Y, NA2XS2Y, N2XSH LSZH, Swedish AXQJ-F, Finnish AHXCMK-WTC, Dutch YMz1Krvasdlwd, Portuguese XHIOE Series
Anhui Feichun Special Cable Co., Ltd.
安徽飞纯特种电缆有限公司
What is 12/20kV Cable?
Complete Technical Guide to 20kV European Medium Voltage Power Distribution Cables — N2XS2Y, NA2XS2Y, N2XSH LSZH, Swedish AXQJ-F, Finnish AHXCMK-WTC, Dutch YMz1Krvasdlwd, Portuguese XHIOE Series
1. Introduction to 12/20kV Medium Voltage Cables
The 12/20kV mains power distribution cables are commonly used in European installations, laid direct in the ground, outdoors and indoors. Designed in accordance with IEC 60502-2, these MV cables are often referenced by their construction, with N identifying copper conductors and NA designating aluminium conductors. Aluminium conductors are often selected when there is no restriction on space in the installation environment, offering a lighter but larger cable compared to the copper equivalent.
With European standard power distribution cables generally available in 10kV, 20kV and 30kV voltages as standard, there are similarities in construction across the portfolio, with variations to support the specific environmental and installation parameters. The 12/20kV voltage rating is particularly popular across continental Europe, Scandinavia, and other regions following IEC standards.
U₀ (Phase to Earth)
U (Phase to Phase)
Um (Maximum System)
Test Voltage (5 min)
EspañolIntroducción a los Cables de Media Tensión 12/20kV
Los cables de distribución de energía de red de 12/20kV se utilizan comúnmente en instalaciones europeas, tendidos directamente en el suelo, exteriores e interiores. Diseñados de acuerdo con IEC 60502-2, estos cables de MT a menudo se referencian por su construcción, con N identificando conductores de cobre y NA designando conductores de aluminio. Los conductores de aluminio se seleccionan frecuentemente cuando no hay restricción de espacio en el entorno de instalación, ofreciendo un cable más ligero pero de mayor diámetro comparado con el equivalente de cobre. Con los cables de distribución de energía de estándar europeo generalmente disponibles en tensiones de 10kV, 20kV y 30kV como estándar, existen similitudes en la construcción a través del portafolio.
繁體中文12/20kV 中壓電纜簡介
12/20kV電壓等級的主配電電纜通常用於歐洲安裝場合，可直接埋入地下、戶外和室內安裝。這些電纜按照IEC 60502-2設計，通常以其結構來命名：N表示銅導體，NA表示鋁導體。當安裝環境沒有空間限制時，通常會選擇鋁導體，因為與銅導體相比，它提供更輕但直徑更大的電纜。歐洲標準配電電纜通常以10kV、20kV和30kV電壓為標準供應，整個產品組合在結構上具有相似性，但會根據特定的環境和安裝參數進行變化。20kV電纜通常採用單芯結構，使用銅絲作為電磁屏蔽層，防止對附近其他電纜的干擾。
20kV Cable Construction
The range of 20kV cables generally have a single conductor and employ copper wires as an electromagnetic screen to prevent interference with other cables sited nearby. Where required, the cables are available with water swellable powders or tapes and bonded foil tapes for a longitudinal watertight layer to protect against the damaging effects of water in the insulation system, which has the potential to bring on the premature onset of partial discharge and reduce the life of the cable.
2. 12/20kV Cable Nomenclature Guide
Understanding the cable naming convention is essential for proper specification. The German DIN VDE nomenclature is widely adopted across Europe and provides detailed information about cable construction through standardized designations.
| N | Copper conductor (Normierte Leiter) |
| NA / A | Aluminium conductor |
| 2X | Cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) insulation |
| S | Copper wire screen |
| SE | Screened (3-core, individually screened) |
| Y | PVC outer sheath |
| 2Y | PE (Polyethylene) outer sheath |
| H | LSZH (Halogen-free) outer sheath |
| (F) | Longitudinal waterblocking (swellable tapes/powder) |
| (FL) | Longitudinal + Radial waterblocking (Al/PET laminate) |
Cable Model Examples
| Cable Model | Conductor | Sheath | Waterblocking |
|---|---|---|---|
| N2XSY | Copper | PVC | None |
| N2XS2Y | Copper | PE | None |
| N2XS(F)2Y | Copper | PE | Longitudinal |
| N2XS(FL)2Y | Copper | PE | Long + Radial |
| N2XSH | Copper | LSZH | None |
| NA2XS2Y | Aluminium | PE | None |
Sources: Eland Cables – N2XS2Y Cable, Eland Cables – DIN VDE 0276 Cable
3. PVC & PE Sheathed Cables (N2XSY, N2XS2Y, NA2XSY, NA2XS2Y)
N2XSY / NA2XSY – PVC Sheathed Cables
N2XSY is a single core cable with a stranded copper conductor, XLPE insulation, and PVC oversheath. It forms an essential part of the international medium voltage cable portfolio, suitable for indoor and outdoor static and fixed installation, directly in the ground or in cable ducts. N2XSY cables are manufactured in accordance with DIN VDE 0276-620, HD620 10C, and IEC 60502-2.
| Parameter | N2XSY (Copper) | NA2XSY (Aluminium) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | IEC 60502-2 VDE 0276-620 HD620 | |
| Voltage Rating | 12/20(24)kV | |
| Conductor Class | Class 2 Stranded Copper | Class 2 Stranded Aluminium |
| Insulation | XLPE (Cross-Linked Polyethylene) | |
| Screen | Copper wire and tape screen | |
| Outer Sheath | PVC | |
| Max. Operating Temp. | 90°C | |
| Short Circuit Temp. | 250°C (5 seconds) | |
| 3-Core Variant | N2XSEY | NA2XSEY |
N2XS2Y / NA2XS2Y – PE Sheathed Cables
The NA2XS2Y is a single core aluminium medium voltage cable with cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) insulation, copper wire screen, and a polyethylene (PE) oversheath. The robust and UV-resistant oversheath makes this cable ideally suited for fixed outdoor installations where there may be an element of mechanical stress and sunlight exposure. NA2XS2Y is a cost-efficient alternative to its copper variant on installations where space is not an issue.
| Model | Construction | Waterblocking | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| N2XS2Y XLPE PE 12/20kV | Cu/XLPE/CWS/PE | None | Direct burial, cable ducts |
| N2XS(F)2Y XLPE PE 12/20kV | Cu/XLPE/CWS/WB/PE | Longitudinal | Wet environments, flooded ducts |
| N2XS(FL)2Y XLPE PE 12/20kV | Cu/XLPE/CWS/WB/AL/PE | Long + Radial | Submersible, high moisture |
| NA2XS2Y Aluminium XLPE PE 12/20kV | Al/XLPE/CWS/PE | None | Cost-efficient distribution |
| NA2XS(F)2Y Aluminium XLPE MDPE 12/20kV | Al/XLPE/CWS/WB/MDPE | Longitudinal | Wet installations |
| NA2XS(FL)2Y Aluminium XLPE PE 12/20kV | Al/XLPE/CWS/WB/AL/PE | Long + Radial | Submersible applications |
Source: Eland Cables – NA2XS2Y Cable
4. LSZH Fire-Safe Cables (N2XSH, NA2XSH Series)
The N2XSH medium voltage cable portfolio includes Low Smoke Zero Halogen Cables in 10kV, 15kV, 20kV, and 30kV. These cables are available with optional single and dual waterblocking layers. N2XSH power distribution cables are used for private grid networks across a wide range of industries including data centres and life sciences new build sites.
Manufactured generally in accordance with IEC 60502-2, these N2XSH cables are flame retardant to IEC/EN 60332-1-2 and low smoke zero halogen to IEC/EN 61034-1/2 and IEC/EN 60754-1/2, making them suitable for internal installations. The combination of LSZH sheathing with CPR compliance means they can be run from outside to inside without the need to joint or change cables at the point of entry.
| Flame Retardancy | IEC/EN 60332-1-2 |
| Smoke Density | IEC/EN 61034-1/2 (low smoke) |
| Acid Gas Emission | IEC/EN 60754-1/2 (halogen free) |
| CPR Compliance | Euroclassification for low, medium, high risk |
| UV Resistance | Suitable for external installation |
N2XSH Series (Copper Conductor)
| Model | Waterblocking | Applications |
|---|---|---|
| N2XSH 12/20kV | None | Indoor/outdoor, fire-sensitive areas |
| N2XS(F)H 12/20kV | Longitudinal | Wet environments + fire safety |
| N2XS(FL)H 12/20kV | Long + Radial | Flooded ducts + fire safety |
NA2XSH Series (Aluminium Conductor)
The NA2XSH medium voltage cable, along with the multicore variants designated NA2XSEH, are low smoke zero halogen (LSZH) insulated and sheathed cables. Increasingly European projects are specifying MV cables that run from outside to in without jointing, and with that the need exists for a cable with the fire protection properties of an LSZH cable. NA2XSH cables are the aluminium conductor equivalent of the N2XSH cables.
| Model | Waterblocking | Applications |
|---|---|---|
| NA2XSH Aluminium XLPE LSZH 12/20kV | None | Cost-efficient fire-safe installation |
| NA2XS(F)H Aluminium XLPE LSZH 12/20kV | Longitudinal | Wet + fire-sensitive |
| NA2XS(FL)H Aluminium XLPE LSZH 12/20kV | Long + Radial | Submersible + fire-sensitive |
Sources: Eland Cables – N2XSH 12/20kV, Eland Cables – NA2XSH Cable
5. Swedish Standard Cables (AXQJ-F, AXLJ-F, FXLJ-F)
The AXQJ-F, AXLJ-F, and FXLJ-F cables are specifically designed to comply with the requirements of Swedish electrical installations under standards SS 424-14-16 and SS 424-14-75. As with many Nordic cables, the naming convention is representative of the cable construction.
| A | Aluminium conductor |
| F | Copper conductor (or outer sheath type) |
| X | XLPE insulation |
| Q | Halogen-free polyolefin sheath |
| L | PE (Polyethylene) sheath |
| J | Copper wire screen |
| TT | Watertight (longitudinal + radial) |
AXQJ-F 12/20kV Cable
AXQJ-F medium voltage 12/20kV cables are specifically designed to comply with the requirements of Swedish electrical installations. For power distribution and transmission, the Aluminium conductor AXQJ-F cable has a sheathing material of low smoke zero halogen polyolefin compound making it suitable for internal installations. The AXQJ-F is also UV resistant so it can be installed externally.
AXLJ-F / FXLJ-F 12/20kV Cables
Forming part of the power cables portfolio, the AXLJ-F and FXLJ-F cables are specifically for the Swedish market, meeting the standards SS 424 14 16 and SS 424 14 75. With a rated voltage of 12/20kV, these medium voltage cables are available with either aluminium conductors (AXLJ-F) or copper conductors (FXLJ-F). Their polyethylene (PE) outer sheath offers resistance to water ingress, abrasions, and oils.
| Model | Standard | Conductor | Sheath | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AXQJ-F 12/20kV | SS 424-14 | Al | LSZH | Indoor/outdoor Swedish installations |
| AXLJ-F 12/20kV | SS 424-14-16 | Al | PE | Direct burial, overhead on poles |
| FXLJ-F 12/20kV | SS 424-14-75 | Cu | PE | Direct burial, external |
| AXLJ-F TT 12/20kV | SS 424-14 | Al | PE | Watertight, wet soil, fresh water |
Sources: Eland Cables – AXQJ-F Cable, Eland Cables – AXLJ-F & FXLJ-F Cables
6. Finnish Standard Cables (AHXCMK-WTC, AHXAMK)
Finnish Medium Voltage cables are manufactured in accordance with SFS 5636 and HD 620 S2:2010 Part 10 Section F/M. These power distribution cables are often specified on large-scale Finnish construction projects where the cables are required to be self-extinguishing and have fire retardant properties.
AHXCMK-WTC cables are medium voltage cables manufactured to HD 620 S2:2010 Part 10 Section F/M. These cables are suitable for use indoors and outdoors, with self-extinguishing and fire retardant properties making them ideal for Finnish construction projects.
| Standard | SFS 5636 HD 620 S2:2010 |
| Voltage Rating | 12/20(24)kV |
| Conductor | Aluminium (Class 2 stranded) |
| Fire Performance | Self-extinguishing, flame retardant |
| Configuration | Single core and multi-core available |
Finnish Cable Variants
| Model | Features | Applications |
|---|---|---|
| AHXCMK-WTC 12/20kV | Self-extinguishing, fire retardant | Finnish construction projects |
| AHXAMK-W 12/20kV | Radially waterblocked, Cu earth | External cable ducts |
| AHXAMK-WM 12/20kV | Steel rope phase support | Aerial/suspended installation |
| AHXAMK-WP 12/20kV | PE sheath variant | Underground distribution |
Sources: Eland Cables – AHXCMK-WTC Cables, Eland Cables – AHXAMK Cables
7. Dutch Standard Cables (YMz1Krvasdlwd)
The YMz1Krvasdlwd cables are designed for installation in The Netherlands, available in voltage ratings of 8.7/15kV, 12/20kV and 18/30kV. These cables feature LSZH sheathing with both radial and longitudinal waterblocking protection.
The YMz1Krvasdlwd cables are suitable for installation direct in the ground, or into cable ducting. Where the cable ducts risk being waterlogged, these cables are manufactured with both a radial and longitudinal waterblocking tape to give additional protection to the underlying insulation and conductors.
| Voltage Rating | 12/20kV (also 8.7/15kV, 18/30kV) |
| Sheath Material | LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) |
| Waterblocking | Radial + Longitudinal |
| UV Resistance | Suitable for external exposed installation |
| Operating Temp. | 0°C to +90°C |
| Model | Conductor | Configuration | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| YMz1Krvasdlwd 12/20kV | Copper | Single / 3-core | Dutch grid networks |
| YMz1Krvasdlwd-AL 12/20kV | Aluminium | Single / 3-core | Lightweight alternative |
Sources: Eland Cables – YMz1Krvasdlwd Cables, Eland Cables – YMz1Krvasdlwd-AL Cables
8. Portuguese Nomenclature Cables (XHIOE, LXHIOE)
IEC standard cables using the Portuguese nomenclature are manufactured in accordance with IEC 60502-2 and generally to HD620 standard. Both Copper and Aluminium variants are available in voltages 3.6/6kV, 6/10kV, 8.7/15kV, 12/20kV and 18/30kV.
| X | Copper conductor |
| LX | Aluminium conductor |
| H | XLPE insulation |
| I | Copper screen |
| IO | Copper tape + wire screen |
| O | Copper wire screen |
| E | Polyethylene (PE) sheath |
| V | PVC sheath |
| (be) | Single layer waterblocking |
| (cbe) | Dual layer waterblocking |
XHIOE / LXHIOE 12/20kV Series
| Model | Conductor | Waterblocking | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| XHIOE 12/20kV | Copper | None | Standard distribution |
| LXHIOE 12/20kV | Aluminium | None | Cost-efficient |
| XHIOE(be) 12/20kV | Copper | Single | Damp environments |
| LXHIOE(be) 12/20kV | Aluminium | Single | Wet installations |
| XHIOE(cbe) 12/20kV | Copper | Dual | Flooded ducts |
| LXHIOE(cbe) 12/20kV | Aluminium | Dual | Submersible |
9. Complete 12/20kV Cable Product Range
| Cable Model | Standard | Conductor | Sheath | Waterblocking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DIN VDE 0276-620 / IEC 60502-2 Standard Cables | ||||
| N2XSY XLPE PVC 12/20kV | VDE 0276-620 | Cu | PVC | None |
| NA2XSY Aluminium XLPE PVC 12/20kV | VDE 0276-620 | Al | PVC | None |
| N2XS2Y XLPE PE 12/20kV | VDE 0276-620 | Cu | PE | None |
| N2XS(F)2Y XLPE PE 12/20kV | VDE 0276-620 | Cu | PE | Longitudinal |
| N2XS(FL)2Y XLPE PE 12/20kV | VDE 0276-620 | Cu | PE | Long + Radial |
| NA2XS2Y Aluminium XLPE PE 12/20kV | VDE 0276-620 | Al | PE | None |
| NA2XS(F)2Y Aluminium XLPE MDPE 12/20kV | VDE 0276-620 | Al | MDPE | Longitudinal |
| NA2XS(FL)2Y Aluminium XLPE PE 12/20kV | VDE 0276-620 | Al | PE | Long + Radial |
| LSZH Fire-Safe Cables | ||||
| N2XSH 12/20kV | IEC 60502-2 | Cu | LSZH | None |
| N2XS(F)H 12/20kV | IEC 60502-2 | Cu | LSZH | Longitudinal |
| N2XS(FL)H 12/20kV | IEC 60502-2 | Cu | LSZH | Long + Radial |
| NA2XSH Aluminium XLPE LSZH 12/20kV | IEC 60502-2 | Al | LSZH | None |
| NA2XS(F)H Aluminium XLPE LSZH 12/20kV | IEC 60502-2 | Al | LSZH | Longitudinal |
| NA2XS(FL)H Aluminium XLPE LSZH 12/20kV | IEC 60502-2 | Al | LSZH | Long + Radial |
| Swedish Standard Cables | ||||
| AXQJ-F 12/20kV | SS 424-14 | Al | LSZH | None |
| AXLJ-F 12/20kV | SS 424-14-16 | Al | PE | None |
| FXLJ-F 12/20kV | SS 424-14-75 | Cu | PE | None |
| Finnish Standard Cables | ||||
| AHXCMK-WTC 12/20kV | SFS 5636 | Al | LSZH | Watertight |
| Dutch Standard Cables | ||||
| YMz1Krvasdlwd 12/20kV | Dutch Standard | Cu | LSZH | Long + Radial |
| YMz1Krvasdlwd-AL 12/20kV | Dutch Standard | Al | LSZH | Long + Radial |
| Portuguese Nomenclature Cables | ||||
| XHIOE(be) 12/20kV | IEC 60502-2 | Cu | PE | Single |
| XHIOE(cbe) 12/20kV | IEC 60502-2 | Cu | PE | Dual |
| LXHIOE(be) 12/20kV | IEC 60502-2 | Al | PE | Single |
| LXHIOE(cbe) 12/20kV | IEC 60502-2 | Al | PE | Dual |
10. Technical Specifications Comparison
| Parameter | PVC Sheath | PE Sheath | LSZH Sheath |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cable Models | N2XSY, NA2XSY | N2XS2Y, NA2XS2Y | N2XSH, NA2XSH |
| Voltage Rating | 12/20(24)kV | ||
| Max. Operating Temp. | 90°C | ||
| Short Circuit Temp. | 250°C (5 seconds max) | ||
| Min. Installation Temp. | 0°C | ||
| Min. Bending Radius (1-core) | 15 × overall diameter | ||
| Min. Bending Radius (3-core) | 12 × overall diameter | ||
| UV Resistance | Standard | Enhanced (black PE) | UV resistant |
| Fire Performance | Standard | Standard | Low smoke, halogen free |
| CPR Compliance | Yes | External only | Yes (higher class) |
| Installation Types | Indoor/outdoor | Outdoor, direct burial | Indoor/outdoor |
🏭 Industrial Distribution
N2XS2Y, NA2XS2Y, N2XSY
Factory power, substations
🔥 Fire-Sensitive
N2XSH, NA2XSH, AXQJ-F
Data centres, public buildings
🌊 Wet Environments
N2XS(F)2Y, N2XS(FL)2Y
Flooded ducts, waterlogged soil
🇪🇺 European Networks
AXLJ-F, AHXCMK-WTC, YMz1Krvasdlwd
National grid standards
Authoritative External References
https://www.elandcables.com/…/20kv-cable
https://www.elandcables.com/…/n2xs2y-cable
https://www.elandcables.com/…/na2xs2y-cables
https://www.elandcables.com/…/n2xsh-12-20kv-cables
https://www.elandcables.com/…/na2xsh-12-20kv-cable
https://www.elandcables.com/…/axqj-f-12-20kv-cable
https://www.elandcables.com/…/axljf-fxljf-cables
https://www.elandcables.com/…/ahxcmk-wtc-cables
https://www.elandcables.com/…/ymz1krvasdlwd-cables
https://www.elandcables.com/…/xhioe-and-lxhioe-cables
Contact Feichun Cable
For technical support with 12/20kV European medium voltage cables or custom cable designs, please contact our engineering team.
