Comprehensive Technical Guide to CENELEC Harmonization Document HD 620 — Medium Voltage Power Distribution Cables with Extruded Insulation for Rated Voltages from 3.6/6 (7.2) kV to 20.8/36 (42) kV
What is HD620 Standard Cable?
Comprehensive Technical Guide to CENELEC Harmonization Document HD 620 — Medium Voltage Power Distribution Cables with Extruded Insulation for Rated Voltages from 3.6/6 (7.2) kV to 20.8/36 (42) kV
Introduction to HD 620 Standard
Harmonization Document HD 620 is a CENELEC (European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization) standard that specifies requirements for medium voltage power distribution cables with extruded insulation. The standard covers cables with rated voltages from 3.6/6 (7.2) kV up to 20.8/36 (42) kV, used extensively in power distribution networks across Europe and internationally. The latest iteration, HD 620 S3, was released and ratified by CENELEC member countries in 2023.
HD 620 is commonly linked to the German national standard DIN VDE 0276 Part 620 and is harmonized with international standard IEC 60502-2. The standard establishes comprehensive construction requirements, dimensional specifications, and test methods that exceed the baseline requirements of IEC 60502-2. Both HD 620 and IEC 60502-2 require compulsory conductor and insulation screening, typically applied through a triple extrusion process with the insulation layer. The test methodology for compliance is set out in HD 605 subclause 2.1.1 for insulation material and HD 605 subclause 2.1.2 for sheath material.
HD 620 serves as the harmonized European standard for medium voltage power cables, ensuring consistent quality and performance across all CENELEC member countries. National adoptions include UNE-HD 620 (Spain), NEN-HD 620 (Netherlands), CEI-HD 620 (Italy), DS-HD 620 (Denmark), and equivalence with DIN VDE 0276-620 (Germany).
El Documento de Armonización HD 620 es una norma CENELEC que especifica los requisitos para cables de distribución de media tensión con aislamiento extruido. La norma abarca cables con tensiones nominales desde 3,6/6 (7,2) kV hasta 20,8/36 (42) kV, utilizados ampliamente en redes de distribución de energía en Europa e internacionalmente. La última versión, HD 620 S3, fue publicada y ratificada por los países miembros de CENELEC en 2023.
HD 620 está comúnmente vinculada a la norma alemana DIN VDE 0276 Parte 620 y está armonizada con la norma internacional IEC 60502-2. Establece requisitos de construcción, especificaciones dimensionales y métodos de ensayo que superan los requisitos base de IEC 60502-2. Los tipos de aislamiento cubiertos incluyen XLPE (polietileno reticulado), EPR (caucho de etileno-propileno) y HEPR (caucho de etileno-propileno de grado duro).
協調文件 HD 620 是 CENELEC（歐洲電工標準化委員會）制定的標準，規定了擠出絕緣中壓電力分配電纜的要求。該標準涵蓋額定電壓從 3.6/6 (7.2) kV 到 20.8/36 (42) kV 的電纜，廣泛應用於歐洲及國際電力分配網絡。最新版本 HD 620 S3 於 2023 年由 CENELEC 成員國發布並批准。
HD 620 與德國國家標準 DIN VDE 0276 第 620 部分密切相關，並與國際標準 IEC 60502-2 協調一致。該標準規定的結構要求、尺寸規格和測試方法超出了 IEC 60502-2 的基本要求。HD 620 和 IEC 60502-2 都要求強制性的導體和絕緣屏蔽，通常通過與絕緣層的三重擠出工藝實現。涵蓋的絕緣類型包括 XLPE（交聯聚乙烯）、EPR（乙丙橡膠）和 HEPR（硬質乙丙橡膠）。
Voltage Ratings & Classifications
HD 620 covers five standard voltage ratings for medium voltage power distribution cables. The voltage designation follows the format U₀/U (Um), where U₀ is the rated power-frequency voltage between conductor and earth, U is the rated voltage between conductors, and Um is the maximum voltage that can be sustained under normal operating conditions.
Additionally, HD 620 covers the higher voltage rating of 20.8/36 (42) kV for specialized applications. The standard also references voltage designations used in some countries such as 3.5/6 kV, 5.8/10 kV, 11.5/20 kV, and 17.3/30 kV which are considered equivalent.
HD 620 Standard Structure
HD 620 is organized into multiple parts, with Part 1 covering general requirements applicable to all cable types. Subsequent parts address specific insulation materials: HEPR (Part 9), XLPE (Part 10), and EPR (Part 11). Parts 2, 3, and 4 are currently spare (previously withdrawn), while Parts 5 & 6 have been consolidated into Part 10 XLPE, and Parts 7 & 8 now form Part 11 EPR.
HD 620 Part 10 Sub-Sections (XLPE Cables)
| Sub-Section | Description | Sheath Type |
|---|---|---|
| HD 620 10-A | XLPE insulation; PE or PVC sheath | PE / PVC |
| HD 620 10-B | XLPE insulation; PE, PVC or Polyolefin compound sheath | PE / PVC / Polyolefin |
| HD 620 10-C | XLPE insulation; PE or PVC sheath | PE / PVC |
| HD 620 10-E | Cables with Polyolefin compound sheath (Types 10E-1 to 10E-5) | Polyolefin |
| HD 620 10-F | Multiple cable types (10F-1 to 10F-14) including laid-up and messenger configurations | PVC / PE |
| HD 620 10-G | Laid-up cables (Types 10G-1 to 10G-5) with/without messenger | PVC / PE |
| HD 620 10-I | Triplex formation MV cables with reduced insulation thickness, Al tape screen | PE |
| HD 620 10-J | Single-core and three-core cables (Types 10J-1 to 10J-3) | PE / PVC / PVC-FR |
| HD 620 10-K | Cables with PE sheath (10K-1) or PVC sheath (10K-2) | PE / PVC |
| HD 620 10-O | 11kV and 33kV copper wire screened cables; lead sheathed with PE outer | PE / Polyolefin / Lead + PE |
National Adoptions
Technical Specifications
HD 620 cables must meet stringent construction and performance requirements. The standard specifies parameters for conductor types, insulation materials, screening, and outer sheaths, with specific test requirements beyond those of IEC 60502-2.
Insulation Material Properties
| Insulation Type | Max. Conductor Temp. | Short-Circuit Temp. | Voltage Range | HD 620 Part |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XLPE (Cross-linked PE) | 90°C | 250°C | 3.6/6 – 20.8/36 kV | Part 10 |
| EPR (Ethylene Propylene) | 90°C | 250°C | 3.6/6 – 20.8/36 kV | Part 11 |
| HEPR (Hard EPR) | 90°C | 250°C | 3.6/6 – 20.8/36 kV | Part 9 |
| PVC/B | 70°C | 160°C | 3.6/6 kV only | — |
Nominal Insulation Thickness (XLPE)
| Conductor Size (mm²) | 6/10 kV | 8.7/15 kV | 12/20 kV | 18/30 kV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 – 50 | 3.4 mm | 4.5 mm | 5.5 mm | 8.0 mm |
| 70 – 120 | 3.4 mm | 4.5 mm | 5.5 mm | 8.0 mm |
| 150 – 240 | 3.4 mm | 4.5 mm | 5.5 mm | 8.0 mm |
| 300 – 500 | 3.4 mm | 4.5 mm | 5.5 mm | 8.0 mm |
| 630 – 1000 | 3.4 mm | 4.5 mm | 5.5 mm | 8.0 mm |
| 1200 – 1600 | 3.4 mm | 4.5 mm | 5.5 mm | 8.0 mm |
Construction Requirements
| Component | Specification | Standard Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Conductor | Class 1 (solid) or Class 2 (stranded) copper/aluminium | IEC 60228 / BS EN 60228 |
| Conductor Size Range | 10 mm² to 1600 mm² | IEC 60502-2 |
| Conductor Screen | Semi-conducting compound, extruded (compulsory) | HD 620 / IEC 60502-2 |
| Insulation Screen | Semi-conducting compound, extruded (compulsory) | HD 620 / IEC 60502-2 |
| Triple Extrusion | Conductor screen + insulation + insulation screen in single pass | HD 620 |
| Metallic Screen | Copper wire screen, copper tape, or aluminium tape | HD 620 |
| Water Blocking | Swellable tapes/powders for (F) and (FL) types | HD 620 |
| Outer Sheath | PE (MDPE/HDPE), PVC, or Polyolefin compound | HD 605 |
Mechanical Parameters
| Parameter | Single-Core | Three-Core | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Bending Radius | 15 × OD | 12 × OD | During installation |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to +90°C | 0°C to +90°C | XLPE/EPR/HEPR |
| Installation Temperature | 0°C to +60°C | 0°C to +60°C | During laying |
| Short-Circuit Duration | max. 5 sec | max. 5 sec | At 250°C (XLPE) |
Source: Tratos IEC 60502-2, Caledonian HD620 Cables
Las especificaciones técnicas de HD 620 definen requisitos estrictos para cables de media tensión. Los materiales de aislamiento principales incluyen XLPE, EPR y HEPR, todos con temperatura máxima de conductor de 90°C y temperatura de cortocircuito de 250°C. El espesor nominal de aislamiento XLPE varía desde 3.4 mm (6/10 kV) hasta 8.0 mm (18/30 kV). La construcción requiere pantallas de conductor y aislamiento obligatorias mediante extrusión triple. El radio de curvatura mínimo es 15 veces el diámetro exterior para cables unipolares y 12 veces para cables tripolares.
HD 620 的技術規格對中壓電纜規定了嚴格的要求。主要絕緣材料包括 XLPE、EPR 和 HEPR，均具有 90°C 的最高導體溫度和 250°C 的短路溫度。XLPE 絕緣的標稱厚度從 3.4 mm（6/10 kV）到 8.0 mm（18/30 kV）不等。結構要求通過三重擠出工藝實現強制性的導體和絕緣屏蔽。導體尺寸範圍為 10 mm² 至 1600 mm²，符合 IEC 60228 標準。單芯電纜的最小彎曲半徑為外徑的 15 倍，三芯電纜為外徑的 12 倍。
HD620 Cable Types Comparison
The following comprehensive comparison covers the major cable types manufactured in accordance with HD 620, organized by conductor material and voltage rating. These designations follow the German VDE nomenclature commonly used alongside HD 620 references.
Copper Conductor Cables
| Type Code | Insulation | Sheath | Water Block | Voltage Ratings | HD 620 Part |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| N2XSY | XLPE | PVC | No | 6/10, 12/20, 18/30 kV | Part 10 |
| N2XS2Y | XLPE | PE (MDPE) | No | 6/10, 12/20, 18/30 kV | Part 10 |
| N2XS(F)2Y | XLPE | PE (MDPE) | Longitudinal | 6/10, 12/20, 18/30 kV | Part 10 |
| N2XS(FL)2Y | XLPE | PE (bonded) | Long. + Radial | 6/10, 12/20 kV | Part 10 |
| N2XSEY | XLPE | PVC | No | 6/10 kV (3-core) | Part 10 |
Aluminium Conductor Cables
| Type Code | Insulation | Sheath | Water Block | Voltage Ratings | HD 620 Part |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NA2XSY | XLPE | PVC | No | 6/10, 12/20, 18/30 kV | Part 10 |
| NA2XS2Y | XLPE | PE (MDPE) | No | 6/10, 12/20, 18/30 kV | Part 10 |
| NA2XS(F)2Y | XLPE | PE (MDPE) | Longitudinal | 6/10, 12/20, 18/30 kV | Part 10 |
| NA2XS(FL)2Y | XLPE | PE (bonded) | Long. + Radial | 6/10, 12/20, 18/30 kV | Part 10 |
National Variant Designations
| Designation | Country/Region | Conductor | Description | Voltage Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YMz1Krvasdlwd | European | Copper | XLPE insulated, Cu wire screen, PE sheath | 8.7/15, 12/20, 18/30 kV |
| YMz1Krvasdlwd-AL | European | Aluminium | XLPE insulated, Cu wire screen, PE sheath | 8.7/15, 12/20, 18/30 kV |
| YMeKrvasdlwd | European | Aluminium | EPR insulated, MDPE sheath, single/3-core | 6/10 – 18/30 kV |
| AHXCMK-WTC | International | Aluminium | XLPE, concentric Cu, flame retardant | 6/10 – 18/30 kV |
| AXQJ-F / AXLJ-F | Nordic | Aluminium | XLPE insulated, water-blocked, PE sheath | 12/20, 18/30 kV |
| FXLJ-F | Nordic | Copper | XLPE insulated, water-blocked, PE sheath | 12/20 kV |
| XHIE / LXHIE | European | Cu / Al | XLPE, individual screen, PE sheath | 6/10 – 18/30 kV |
| XHIV / LXHIV | European | Cu / Al | XLPE, individual screen, PVC sheath | 6/10 – 18/30 kV |
| ARE4H5EX / ARE4H5EXY | Italian (CEI) | Aluminium | XLPE, Cu screen, halogen-free sheath | 12/20, 18/30 kV |
| RG7H1ONR / ARG7H1OR | Italian (CEI) | Cu / Al | HEPR insulated, Cu screen, halogen-free | 12/20, 18/30 kV |
| EXeCWB | British | Copper | XLPE, concentric Cu, water-blocked | 11kV, 33kV |
Applications & Installation
HD 620 cables are designed for power distribution networks, industrial installations, and infrastructure applications. These medium voltage cables are suitable for permanent installation in various environments including underground, outdoor, and cable ducting installations.
| Application | Recommended Cable Types | Installation Method | Special Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Distribution | N2XSY, NA2XSY, N2XS2Y, NA2XS2Y | Direct burial, ducts, cable trays | Standard PE or PVC sheath |
| Wet/Waterlogged Areas | N2XS(F)2Y, NA2XS(F)2Y, N2XS(FL)2Y | Direct burial in wet soil | Water-blocking required |
| Industrial Plants | N2XSEY, XHIV, LXHIV | Cable trays, indoor installations | Individual core screening |
| Fire-Risk Areas | ARE4H5EX, RG7H1ONR, AHXCMK-WTC | Tunnels, public buildings | Halogen-free, flame retardant |
| Railways/Transport | AXLJ-F TT, XHIOE, LXHIOE | Track-side, substations | Enhanced mechanical protection |
| Renewable Energy | NA2XS2Y, YMz1Krvasdlwd-AL | Solar farms, wind installations | UV-resistant PE sheath |
| Utility Networks | EXeCWB, TRIPLEX formations | DNO networks, overhead to ground | BS 7870 compliance |
HD 620 cables are suitable for fixed installation in: power distribution networks underground, outdoors in free air, in cable ducts and conduits, industrial facilities and power stations, and areas where fire, smoke emission and toxic fumes create potential threats (when halogen-free variants are specified). The cables are designed for rated voltages up to 36 kV and conductor cross-sections from 10 mm² to 1600 mm².
Source: Caledonian Railway Power Cables, Tratos IEC 60502 Applications
📚 Authoritative References & Standards
- HD 620 S3 (2023) — CENELEC Harmonization Document for MV distribution cables | Eland Cables
- IEC 60502-2 — Power cables 6kV to 30kV with extruded insulation | Tratos Group
- DIN VDE 0276-620 — German national adoption of HD 620 | Eland Cables VDE 0276
- HD 605 — Test methods for insulation and sheath materials | GlobalSpec
- IEC 60228 — Conductor specifications for cables | Tratos IEC 60502-1
- BS 7870-4 — UK MV polymeric insulated cables (related) | Tratos HD 620
- Caledonian HD620 Power Cables — Railway and industrial applications | Caledonian Cables
- HELUKABEL MV Cables — 6/10kV, 12/20kV, 18/30kV specifications | HELUKABEL
Contact Anhui Feichun Special Cable
For technical inquiries regarding HD 620 medium voltage power cables, XLPE/EPR insulated cable specifications, or quotation requests for European market projects, please contact our engineering team.
