Comprehensive Technical Guide to German Standard Equipment Wires for Telecommunications, Data Processing Systems, Electronic Control, and Signal Transmission Applications
What is DIN VDE 0812 Cable?
Comprehensive Technical Guide to German Standard Equipment Wires for Telecommunications, Data Processing Systems, Electronic Control, and Signal Transmission Applications
Introduction to DIN VDE 0812 Standard
DIN VDE 0812 is a German national standard issued in 1988 that contains specifications for equipment wires and stranded equipment wires used within telecommunications and data processing systems. The standard covers flexible, multi-conductor cables designed for electronic control system connections, voice frequency transmission, and signal communications in fixed installations. These cables represent popular European alternatives to American-style data and control cables, featuring cores twisted into pairs to reduce crosstalk and electromagnetic interference.
Cables manufactured in accordance with DIN VDE 0812 are characterized by their flexibility, small outer diameter, and excellent EMC (electromagnetic compatibility) properties. The most common cable types under this standard are LiYCY (screened) and LiYY (unscreened), which utilize DIN 47100 color coding for core identification. These cables are suitable for installation in dry and humid indoor environments and are widely used as termination and connection cables in control, measuring, and signal technology applications. It is important to note that VDE 0812 cables are not suitable for power supply or direct burial applications.
DIN VDE 0812 es una norma alemana emitida en 1988 que contiene las especificaciones para cables de equipos y cables trenzados utilizados en sistemas de telecomunicaciones y procesamiento de datos. La norma cubre cables flexibles multiconductores diseñados para conexiones de sistemas de control electrónico, transmisión de frecuencia vocal y comunicaciones de señales en instalaciones fijas.
Los cables más comunes bajo esta norma son LiYCY (apantallado) y LiYY (sin apantallar), que utilizan el código de colores DIN 47100 para identificación de conductores. Estos cables son adecuados para instalación en ambientes interiores secos y húmedos, siendo ampliamente utilizados como cables de terminación y conexión en tecnología de control, medición y señalización. Los cables LiYCY incluyen una malla de cobre estañado que proporciona excelente protección contra interferencias electromagnéticas (EMI).
DIN VDE 0812 是 1988 年發布的德國國家標準，規定了電信和數據處理系統中使用的設備電線和絞合設備電線的規格。該標準涵蓋用於電子控制系統連接、語音頻率傳輸和固定安裝中信號通信的柔性多芯電纜。
該標準下最常見的電纜類型是 LiYCY（屏蔽型）和 LiYY（非屏蔽型），採用 DIN 47100 色標進行導體識別。這些電纜的特點是柔韌性好、外徑小、電磁兼容性（EMC）優異。LiYCY 電纜包含鍍錫銅編織屏蔽層，可有效防止電磁干擾（EMI）和減少電磁輻射（EMR）。這些電纜適用於乾燥和潮濕的室內環境安裝，廣泛用作控制、測量和信號技術中的終端和連接電纜。
Cable Designation System
DIN VDE 0812 cables follow a systematic German designation code that identifies the cable construction, insulation type, and screening configuration. Understanding this nomenclature is essential for proper cable selection in telecommunications and data processing applications.
Common VDE 0812 Cable Types
| Type Code | Description | Screen | Construction | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LiYY | PVC data cable, unscreened | None | Cores in layers | Low-noise environments |
| LiYCY | PVC data cable, screened | Tinned Cu braid | Cores in layers | EMC sensitive applications |
| LiYY (TP) | PVC data cable, twisted pairs | None | Pairs in layers | Crosstalk reduction |
| LiYCY (TP) | PVC data cable, TP screened | Tinned Cu braid | Pairs in layers | Data transmission |
| Li2YCY | PE insulated, PVC sheath | Tinned Cu braid | Cores in layers | Higher frequency |
| Li2Y(St)CY | PE insulated, foil + braid | Foil + Cu braid | Pairs in layers | High EMC protection |
| Li2Y(St)CY PiMF | Individual pair foil shielded | Pair foil + overall braid | Pairs in metal foil | Maximum isolation |
Technical Specifications
DIN VDE 0812 cables are designed for low-voltage signal and data transmission applications. The following specifications apply to the most common LiYY and LiYCY cable variants manufactured to this standard.
Electrical Parameters
| Parameter | Cross-Section < 0.25 mm² | Cross-Section ≥ 0.25 mm² | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak Operating Voltage | max. 350 | max. 500 | V |
| Rated Voltage (U₀/U) | 300/500 | 300/500 | V |
| Test Voltage (AC) | 800 | 1200 | V |
| Insulation Resistance | > 100 | > 100 | MΩ·km |
| Mutual Capacitance (C/C) | ≈ 120 | ≈ 120 | nF/km |
| Capacitance to Screen (C/S) | ≈ 160 | ≈ 160 | nF/km |
| Inductance | ≈ 0.65 | ≈ 0.65 | mH/km |
Mechanical & Environmental Parameters
| Parameter | LiYY | LiYCY | Unit / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature Range (Fixed) | -30 to +70 | -30 to +70 | °C |
| Temperature Range (Flexible) | -5 to +70 | -5 to +70 | °C |
| Minimum Bending Radius (Fixed) | 5 × d | 5 × d | × cable diameter |
| Minimum Bending Radius (Flexible) | 10 × d | 10 × d | × cable diameter |
| Radiation Resistance | 8 × 10⁷ | 8 × 10⁷ | cJ/kg |
| Flame Retardant | IEC 60332-1-2 | IEC 60332-1-2 | Self-extinguishing |
| Screen Coverage | — | ≥ 85% | Tinned Cu braid |
| Sheath Color | Grey (RAL 7032) | Grey (RAL 7032) | Standard |
Construction Materials
| Component | Material | Standard Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Conductor | Bare copper strands, fine wire Class 5 | DIN VDE 0812, IEC 60228 Class 5 |
| Core Insulation | PVC compound YI2 | DIN VDE 0207 Part 4 |
| Color Code | DIN 47100 color sequence | DIN 47100 |
| Wrapping (if screened) | PETP (polyester) foil | — |
| Screen | Tinned copper wire braid (≥85%) | — |
| Drain Wire (optional) | Tinned copper stranded, 0.34 mm² | — |
| Outer Sheath | PVC compound YM1 / TM2 | DIN VDE 0207 Part 5 / EN 50363-4-1 |
Source: JYC Cable LiYCY Technical Data, LAPP UNITRONIC LiYCY
Los cables DIN VDE 0812 están diseñados para aplicaciones de transmisión de señales y datos de baja tensión. Los parámetros eléctricos clave incluyen una tensión de operación máxima de 350V (para secciones < 0.25 mm²) o 500V (para secciones ≥ 0.25 mm²), con tensiones de prueba de 800V y 1200V respectivamente. La capacitancia mutua típica es de aproximadamente 120 nF/km, mientras que la capacitancia al blindaje es de 160 nF/km.
El rango de temperatura de operación es de -30°C a +70°C para instalaciones fijas, y de -5°C a +70°C para aplicaciones flexibles. El radio de curvatura mínimo es 5 veces el diámetro del cable para instalaciones fijas y 10 veces para uso flexible. Los cables cumplen con los requisitos de retardancia de llama según IEC 60332-1-2.
DIN VDE 0812 電纜專為低壓信號和數據傳輸應用而設計。關鍵電氣參數包括最大工作電壓 350V（截面積 < 0.25 mm²）或 500V（截面積 ≥ 0.25 mm²），測試電壓分別為 800V 和 1200V。典型的互電容約為 120 nF/km，對屏蔽層的電容約為 160 nF/km。
固定安裝的工作溫度範圍為 -30°C 至 +70°C，柔性應用為 -5°C 至 +70°C。固定安裝的最小彎曲半徑為電纜直徑的 5 倍，柔性使用為 10 倍。屏蔽型 LiYCY 電纜採用覆蓋率 ≥85% 的鍍錫銅編織層，提供優異的電磁兼容性保護。電纜符合 IEC 60332-1-2 阻燃要求，具有自熄滅特性。
DIN 47100 Color Code System
The DIN 47100 standard defines the color-coding system for core identification in telecommunications and data cables. Although the standard was officially withdrawn in November 1998, it remains in widespread use by cable manufacturers worldwide. The color code applies to cables manufactured to DIN VDE 0812, DIN VDE 0245, and related standards.
Cores are counted consecutively through all layers, starting from the outermost layer. The first color is the base insulation color. For two-color wires (cores 11-44), the second color is applied as a longitudinal stripe or printed rings. For three-color wires (cores 45 and above), two stripe colors are used. The color code repeats from core 45 onwards, and for paired cables, the sequence repeats from pair 23 and pair 45.
First 10 Cores (Solid Colors)
| Core No. | Color | German | Core No. | Color | German |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | White | Weiß (ws) | 6 | Blue | Blau (bl) |
| 2 | Brown | Braun (br) | 7 | Red | Rot (rt) |
| 3 | Green | Grün (gn) | 8 | Black | Schwarz (sw) |
| 4 | Yellow | Gelb (ge) | 9 | Violet | Violett (vi) |
| 5 | Grey | Grau (gr) | 10 | Pink | Rosa (rs) |
Two-Color Combinations (Cores 11-44)
| Core No. | Base + Stripe | Core No. | Base + Stripe | Core No. | Base + Stripe |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | Grey + Pink | 21 | Red + Blue | 31 | Green + Blue |
| 12 | Red + Blue | 22 | Red + Black | 32 | Yellow + Blue |
| 13 | White + Green | 23 | White + Blue | 33 | Green + Red |
| 14 | Brown + Green | 24 | Brown + Blue | 34 | Yellow + Red |
| 15 | White + Yellow | 25 | White + Black | 35 | Green + Black |
| 16 | Brown + Yellow | 26 | Brown + Black | 36 | Yellow + Black |
| 17 | White + Grey | 27 | Grey + Blue | 37 | Grey + Blue |
| 18 | Brown + Grey | 28 | Pink + Blue | 38 | Pink + Blue |
| 19 | White + Pink | 29 | Grey + Red | 39 | Grey + Red |
| 20 | Brown + Pink | 30 | Pink + Red | 40 | Pink + Red |
Source: Wikipedia DIN 47100, MEDI Kabel Color Codes, CAE Groupe DIN 47100
EMC Protection & Shielding
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) is a critical consideration in telecommunications and data processing applications. DIN VDE 0812 cables, particularly the LiYCY variants, incorporate copper braid shielding to provide protection against electromagnetic interference (EMI) and reduce electromagnetic radiation (EMR).
LiYCY cables feature a tinned copper wire braid screen with a minimum coverage of 85%. The tinning process provides corrosion resistance and improves solderability for termination. The braid screen serves dual purposes: protecting the cable cores from external electrical interference and preventing the cable from radiating electromagnetic energy that could affect nearby sensitive equipment.
Shielding Effectiveness Comparison
| Cable Type | Shield Type | Coverage | EMC Protection | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LiYY | None | — | None | Low-noise environments |
| LiYCY | Tinned Cu braid | ≥ 85% | Good (LF/HF) | General EMC protection |
| LiYCY (TP) | Tinned Cu braid | ≥ 85% | Good + crosstalk reduction | Data transmission |
| Li2Y(St)CY | Foil + Cu braid | 100% (foil) | Very Good (HF) | High-frequency signals |
| Li2Y(St)CY PiMF | Pair foil + overall braid | 100% (each pair) | Excellent | Maximum isolation needed |
The twisted pair configuration in LiYCY (TP) cables provides significant advantages for data transmission. The pair-twisted conductors reduce electrical crosstalk between adjacent pairs and offer protection against capacitive influences from external electrical fields (such as those caused by parallel running power cables). The combination of twisted pairs with an overall copper braid screen ensures optimal protection against electromagnetic interference while the braid also serves as signal earthing to maintain fixed reference potentials.
Source: FS Cables LiYCY, Mueller Group LiYCY
Applications & Use Cases
DIN VDE 0812 cables are designed for electronic control system connections, voice frequency transmission, and signal communications in fixed installations. They are widely used across various industries where reliable data and signal transmission is required in environments requiring flexibility and compact cable routing.
| Application Area | Recommended Cable | Key Features Required | Installation Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Systems | LiYCY, LiYCY (TP) | EMC protection, low crosstalk | Small bending radius for rack wiring |
| Tool Making / Machinery | LiYCY | Small outer diameter, flexibility | Confined space installation |
| Measuring Instruments | LiYCY, Li2Y(St)CY | Low capacitance, high shielding | Avoid parallel power cables |
| Control Panels | LiYY, LiYCY | DIN 47100 color coding | Fixed installation |
| Data Transmission | LiYCY (TP) | Twisted pairs, overall screen | Ground shield at one end |
| Telecommunications | LiYCY (TP), Li2Y(St)CY PiMF | Low crosstalk, pair isolation | Indoor dry/humid areas |
DIN VDE 0812 cables are NOT suitable for: power supply applications (voltage/current transmission), direct burial in ground, outdoor installation exposed to sunlight or weather, applications with tensile stress or forced movements, and continuous flexing/bending applications. These cables are designed for fixed installations or applications requiring only occasional movement with free flexibility in indoor dry or humid environments.
Source: SAB Cable LiYCY, Caledonian Cables LiYCY
Los cables DIN VDE 0812 están diseñados para conexiones de sistemas de control electrónico, transmisión de frecuencia vocal y comunicaciones de señales en instalaciones fijas. Las aplicaciones típicas incluyen: sistemas informáticos y procesamiento de datos, maquinaria y control CNC, equipos de medición y sensores, telecomunicaciones, balanzas de precisión, paneles de control y equipos de oficina.
Es importante recordar que estos cables NO son adecuados para: suministro de energía eléctrica, enterramiento directo, instalación exterior, aplicaciones con estrés de tracción o movimiento forzado, ni flexión continua. Están diseñados para instalaciones fijas o aplicaciones que requieren movimiento ocasional en ambientes interiores secos o húmedos.
DIN VDE 0812 電纜專為電子控制系統連接、語音頻率傳輸和固定安裝中的信號通信而設計。典型應用包括：電腦系統和數據處理、機械和 CNC 控制、測量設備和傳感器、電信系統、精密天平、控制面板和辦公設備。LiYCY 電纜因其小外徑特別適合空間受限的安裝環境。
重要注意事項：這些電纜不適用於電源供應、直接埋地、戶外安裝、有拉伸應力或強制移動的應用，以及連續彎曲應用。它們專為固定安裝或僅需要室內乾燥或潮濕環境中偶爾移動的應用而設計。對於需要持續彎曲的應用，應選擇專為拖鏈使用設計的電纜類型。
Product Range
LiYY
PVC Data Cable, Unscreened
- Conductor: Fine stranded copper Class 5
- Insulation: PVC YI2 per DIN VDE 0207-4
- Color Code: DIN 47100
- Sheath: PVC grey RAL 7032
- Voltage: 300/500V
- Temperature: -30°C to +70°C
- Cores: 2 to 50+ available
LiYCY
PVC Data Cable, Screened
- Conductor: Fine stranded copper Class 5
- Insulation: PVC YI2 per DIN VDE 0207-4
- Screen: Tinned Cu braid ≥85%
- PETP foil wrapping
- Good EMC characteristics
- Voltage: 300/500V
- Cross-sections: 0.14 to 1.5 mm²
LiYCY (TP)
Twisted Pair Data Cable, Screened
- Construction: Pairs twisted in layers
- Screen: Tinned Cu braid overall
- Reduced crosstalk between pairs
- Drain wire available (0.34 mm²)
- Ideal for data transmission
- Pairs: 1 to 25+ available
- Flame retardant: IEC 60332-1
Li2Y(St)CY
PE Insulated, Foil + Braid Screen
- Insulation: PE (higher frequency)
- Screen: Al/PET foil + Cu braid
- 100% foil coverage
- Superior HF shielding
- Lower capacitance than PVC
- Sheath: PVC grey
- Voltage: 300/500V
📚 Authoritative References & Standards
- DIN VDE 0812 — Equipment wires for telecommunications and data processing systems | Eland Cables
- DIN 47100 — Color coding for telecommunications cable cores | Wikipedia
- DIN VDE 0207 — Insulating and sheathing compounds for cables | JYC Cable
- IEC 60228 Class 5 — Flexible conductor specifications | Caledonian Cables
- IEC 60332-1-2 — Flame retardant test for single cable | LAPP Group
- VDE 0472-804 — Flame test type b for cables | Caledonian France
- EN 50363-4-1 — Sheathing compounds TM2 | SAB Cable PDF
- MEDI Kabel Color Codes — DIN 47100 reference chart | MEDI Kabel
Contact Anhui Feichun Special Cable
For technical inquiries regarding DIN VDE 0812 data and control cables, LiYCY/LiYY specifications, or quotation requests for telecommunications projects, please contact our engineering team.
