Complete Technical Guide to German Standard XLPE Insulated Power Cables — N2XH, NA2XH LSZH 0.6/1kV for Low Voltage Distribution
Anhui Feichun Special Cable Co., Ltd.
安徽飞纯特种电缆有限公司
What is DIN VDE 0274 Cable?
Complete Technical Guide to German Standard XLPE Insulated Power Cables — N2XH, NA2XH LSZH 0.6/1kV for Low Voltage Distribution
1. Introduction to DIN VDE 0274 Cable Standard
German standard DIN VDE 0274 was originally developed to set the specifications covering cables used in overhead lines. This standard covered XLPE (Cross-linked Polyethylene) insulated conductors with a rated voltage of 0.6/1kV for use in overhead transmission lines. The standard was published by VDE (Verband der Elektrotechnik) and established the requirements for crosslinked polyethylene insulated conductors for overhead transmission lines at nominal voltage 0.6/1kV.
DIN VDE 0274 has been withdrawn as a DIN VDE standard. It has been superseded by DIN VDE 0276 (published 1998). DIN VDE 0276 is now the widely referenced standard for low voltage power distribution cables used across Europe. Cables manufactured to the original VDE 0274 specification are now typically referenced under VDE 0276 Part 604 for cables with special fire performance.
DIN VDE 0274
Withdrawn (1987)
WITHDRAWNDIN VDE 0276
Current Standard (1998)
CURRENTSource: Eland Cables – DIN VDE 0274 Standard Cable
EspañolIntroducción al Estándar DIN VDE 0274
La norma alemana DIN VDE 0274 fue desarrollada originalmente para establecer las especificaciones que cubren los cables utilizados en líneas aéreas. Esta norma cubría conductores aislados con XLPE (Polietileno Reticulado) con una tensión nominal de 0.6/1kV para uso en líneas de transmisión aéreas. DIN VDE 0274 ha sido retirada como norma DIN VDE y ha sido reemplazada por DIN VDE 0276 (publicada en 1998), que es ahora la norma ampliamente referenciada para cables de distribución de energía de baja tensión utilizados en toda Europa.
繁體中文DIN VDE 0274 電纜標準簡介
德國標準DIN VDE 0274最初是為架空線路電纜制定規格。該標準涵蓋額定電壓為0.6/1kV的XLPE（交聯聚乙烯）絕緣導體，用於架空傳輸線路。DIN VDE 0274已作為DIN VDE標準被撤銷，並被DIN VDE 0276（1998年發布）取代。DIN VDE 0276現在是歐洲廣泛引用的低壓配電電纜標準。根據原VDE 0274規範製造的電纜現在通常根據VDE 0276第604部分引用，適用於具有特殊防火性能的電纜。
2. DIN VDE 0276 Standard Structure
DIN VDE 0276 is the widely used German standard for cables with extruded insulation used in power distribution systems. This standard covers a significant percentage of power cables used across the European continent, including various cable constructions and test methods.
| Standard Part | Description | Voltage |
|---|---|---|
| VDE 0276-603 | Distribution cables of nominal voltages 0.6/1kV | 0.6/1kV |
| VDE 0276-604 | Power cables with special fire performance for power stations | 0.6/1kV |
| VDE 0276-620 | XLPE insulated cables 6/10kV to 18/30kV | 6/10kV – 18/30kV |
| VDE 0276-1001 | Tests on cables with PVC, XLPE, or paper insulation | 6/10kV – 18/30kV |
3. N2XH Cable — XLPE/LSZH 0.6/1kV Power Cable
N2XH cables are low-voltage, halogen-free, flame-retardant power cables with copper conductors and XLPE (Cross-linked Polyethylene) insulation. These power cables are used for electricity supply in low voltage installation systems and are well adapted to underground use in industrial applications with additional mechanical protection. N2XH cables can be fixed on cable trays, within conduits, or fixed to walls.
🔌 N2XH Cable Nomenclature Decoder
| N | Standard cable (Normkabel) |
| 2X | XLPE (Cross-linked Polyethylene) insulation |
| H | Halogen-free sheath (LSZH – Low Smoke Zero Halogen) |
| -J | With green/yellow earth conductor |
| -O | Without protective earth conductor |
| Standards | VDE 0274 Part 604 VDE 0276 Part 604 HD 604 S1 IEC 60502-1 |
| Voltage Rating (U₀/U) | 0.6/1kV |
| Test Voltage | 4kV AC |
| Conductor | Class 1 Solid (≤16mm²) / Class 2 Stranded (>16mm²) Copper |
| Insulation | XLPE (Cross-Linked Polyethylene) Type 2XI1 |
| Sheath | LSZH Type HM4 (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) |
| Temperature Range | Fixed: -30°C to +90°C |
| Short Circuit Temp | +250°C |
| Min Bending Radius | Installation: 15×OD | Fixed: 10×OD |
| Sheath Colour | Black |
Source: NPC Electric – N2XH Cable
Fire Performance Standards
| Property | Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Flame Retardant | IEC/EN 60332-1-2 | Single vertical flame test |
| Flame Retardant | IEC/EN 60332-3-24 | Category C bunch flame test |
| Low Smoke | IEC/EN 61034-1/2 | Smoke density test |
| Halogen Free | IEC/EN 60754-1/2 | Halogen acid gas emission |
| UV Resistant | EN 50396 | Ozone resistant |
| Abrasion Resistant | EN 60229-4.1 | Mechanical protection |
Core Identification
| Cores | Colour Code |
|---|---|
| 1 core | Black |
| 2 core | Blue, Brown |
| 3 core | Black, Brown, Grey |
| 3 core + E | Green/Yellow, Blue, Brown |
| 4 core | Blue, Brown, Black, Grey |
| 4 core + E | Green/Yellow, Brown, Black, Grey |
| 5 core | Blue, Brown, Black, Grey, Black |
| 5 core + E | Green/Yellow, Blue, Brown, Black, Grey |
4. N2XH Cable Dimensional Data
4.1 Single Core Cables
| Size (mm²) | Conductor | Insulation (mm) | Overall Ø (mm) | Weight (kg/km) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Core (1C) | ||||
| 1.5 | RE | 0.7 | 7.0 | 60 |
| 2.5 | RE | 0.7 | 8.0 | 75 |
| 4 | RM | 0.7 | 8.35 | 90 |
| 6 | RM | 0.7 | 8.90 | 115 |
| 10 | RM | 0.7 | 9.65 | 165 |
| 16 | RM | 0.7 | 10.50 | 230 |
| 25 | RM | 0.9 | 12.05 | 340 |
| 35 | RM | 0.9 | 13.10 | 440 |
| 50 | RM | 1.0 | 14.50 | 570 |
| 70 | RM | 1.1 | 16.30 | 795 |
| 95 | RM | 1.1 | 18.00 | 1055 |
| 120 | RM | 1.3 | 19.50 | 1315 |
| 150 | RM | 1.4 | 21.70 | 1600 |
| 185 | RM | 1.6 | 23.50 | 1975 |
| 240 | RM | 1.7 | 26.40 | 2525 |
| 300 | RM | 1.8 | 28.70 | 3030 |
| 400 | RM | 2.0 | 30.70 | 3820 |
| 500 | RM | 2.2 | 35.00 | 4825 |
| 630 | RM | 2.4 | 38.65 | 6200 |
RE = Class 1 Solid Round | RM = Class 2 Stranded Round
4.2 Multi-Core Cables
| Cores | Size (mm²) | Conductor | Insulation (mm) | Overall Ø (mm) | Weight (kg/km) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Core Cables | |||||
| 3 | 1.5 | RE | 0.7 | 9.8 | 145 |
| 3 | 2.5 | RE | 0.7 | 10.60 | 180 |
| 3 | 4 | RE | 0.7 | 11.65 | 235 |
| 3 | 10 | RE | 0.7 | 15.35 | 485 |
| 3 | 16 | RE | 0.7 | 17.40 | 705 |
| 3 | 25 | RM | 0.9 | 21.15 | 1080 |
| 3 | 35 | SM | 0.9 | 23.60 | 1425 |
| 3 | 50 | SM | 1.0 | 26.65 | 1840 |
| 3 | 70 | SM | 1.1 | 31.90 | 2540 |
| 3 | 95 | SM | 1.1 | 35.30 | 3430 |
| 3 | 120 | SM | 1.3 | 39.60 | 4440 |
| 3 | 150 | SM | 1.4 | 44.00 | 5380 |
| 3 | 185 | SM | 1.6 | 48.30 | 6920 |
| 3 | 240 | SM | 1.7 | 55.00 | 8420 |
| 3 | 300 | SM | 1.8 | 60.30 | 10927 |
| 3 | 400 | SM | 2.0 | 67.80 | 13709 |
| 3 Core + Earth Cables | |||||
| 3+E | 16/10 | RE | 0.7 | 18.45 | 779 |
| 3+E | 25/16 | RM | 0.9 | 22.40 | 1175 |
| 3+E | 35/16 | SM | 0.9 | 24.30 | 1480 |
| 3+E | 50/25 | SM | 1.0 | 28.00 | 2031 |
| 3+E | 70/35 | SM | 1.1 | 31.90 | 2813 |
| 3+E | 95/50 | SM | 1.1 | 36.40 | 3772 |
| 3+E | 120/70 | SM | 1.3 | 40.65 | 4858 |
| 3+E | 150/70 | SM | 1.4 | 45.40 | 5680 |
| 3+E | 185/95 | SM | 1.6 | 50.10 | 7082 |
| 3+E | 240/120 | SM | 1.7 | 56.70 | 9363 |
| 3+E | 300/150 | SM | 1.9 | 62.60 | 11939 |
RE = Class 1 Solid | RM = Class 2 Stranded Round | SM = Class 2 Sector-shaped
5. Electrical Characteristics
5.1 Single Core Current Carrying Capacity
| Size (mm²) | In Conduit Flat (A) | In Conduit Trefoil (A) | In Air Flat (A) | In Air Trefoil (A) | DC Resistance (Ω/km) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 66 | 55 | 56 | 44 | 4.61 |
| 6 | 82 | 68 | 71 | 57 | 3.08 |
| 10 | 109 | 90 | 96 | 77 | 1.83 |
| 16 | 139 | 115 | 128 | 102 | 1.15 |
| 25 | 179 | 149 | 173 | 139 | 0.727 |
| 35 | 213 | 178 | 212 | 170 | 0.524 |
| 50 | 251 | 211 | 258 | 208 | 0.387 |
| 70 | 307 | 259 | 328 | 265 | 0.268 |
| 95 | 366 | 310 | 404 | 329 | 0.193 |
| 120 | 416 | 352 | 471 | 381 | 0.153 |
| 150 | 465 | 396 | 541 | 438 | 0.124 |
| 185 | 526 | 449 | 626 | 507 | 0.0991 |
| 240 | 610 | 521 | 749 | 606 | 0.0754 |
| 300 | 689 | 587 | 864 | 697 | 0.0601 |
| 400 | 788 | 669 | 1018 | 816 | 0.047 |
| 500 | 889 | 748 | 1173 | 993 | 0.0366 |
| 630 | 1421 | 935 | 1486 | 1083 | 0.0283 |
5.2 Multi-Core Current Carrying Capacity
| Cores | Size (mm²) | In Conduit (A) | In Air (A) | DC Resistance (Ω/km) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 1.5 | 30 | 24 | 12.1 |
| 3 | 2.5 | 40 | 32 | 7.41 |
| 3 | 4 | 52 | 42 | 4.61 |
| 3 | 6 | 64 | 53 | 3.08 |
| 3 | 10 | 86 | 73 | 1.83 |
| 3 | 16 | 111 | 96 | 1.15 |
| 3 | 25 | 143 | 130 | 0.727 |
| 3 | 35 | 173 | 160 | 0.524 |
| 3 | 50 | 205 | 195 | 0.387 |
| 3 | 70 | 252 | 247 | 0.268 |
| 3 | 95 | 303 | 305 | 0.193 |
| 3 | 120 | 346 | 355 | 0.153 |
| 3 | 150 | 390 | 407 | 0.124 |
| 3 | 185 | 441 | 469 | 0.0991 |
| 3 | 240 | 511 | 551 | 0.0754 |
| 3 | 300 | 580 | 638 | 0.0601 |
| 3 | 400 | 663 | 746 | 0.047 |
6. Key Technical Parameters
Voltage Rating
Test Voltage
Max Conductor Temp
Short Circuit Temp
Min Install Temp
Fixed Temp Range
Min Bending (Install)
Min Bending (Fixed)
7. Applications
N2XH cables manufactured to VDE 0274/0276 and IEC 60502-1 are used for electricity supply in low voltage installation systems. They are well adapted to underground use in industrial applications with additional mechanical protection. These cables are installed in accordance with IEC 60364 and applicable National Codes including DIN VDE 0100, CEI 20-60, NEN 1010, and NF C15-100.
🏭 Industrial Power
Cable trays, conduits
Industrial installations
🏢 Building Wiring
Fire-safe areas
Public buildings
⚡ Power Stations
Special fire performance
VDE 0276-604
🚇 Underground
With mechanical protection
Cable ducts
8. Related VDE 0276 Cable Types
| Model | Conductor | Insulation | Sheath | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| N2XH | Copper | XLPE | LSZH | Halogen-free, low smoke |
| NA2XH | Aluminium | XLPE | LSZH | Lightweight alternative |
| N2XCH | Copper | XLPE | LSZH | Concentric copper screen |
| N2XY | Copper | XLPE | PVC | Standard PVC sheath |
| NA2XY | Aluminium | XLPE | PVC | Standard PVC, Al conductor |
Authoritative External References
https://www.elandcables.com/…/vde0274-cable
https://www.elandcables.com/…/vde0276-cable
https://www.elandcables.com/…/na2xh-cables
https://www.npcelectric.com/…/n2xh-cable
https://www.clevelandcable.com/…/na2xh-cable
https://www.caledonian-cables.com/…/xlpe-lszh
https://m.zmscable.com/…/vde-0276
https://tratosgroup.com/…/iec-60502
https://www.vde-verlag.de/…/din-vde-0274
https://nationalcablefactory.com/…/n2xh-cable
Contact Feichun Cable
For technical support with DIN VDE 0274/0276 cables, N2XH LSZH power cables, or low voltage distribution applications, please contact our engineering team.
