Cable markings identify the cable type, rated voltage, core arrangement and nominal conductor size. Manufacturer and production details can also support traceability. Read the complete legend within its designation system, because letters and separators have different meanings across cable standards.
For reliable identification, record one complete repeating legend, including spaces, slashes and approval symbols. Pair it with the drum label and the matching cable specification.
Cable markings explained: a field-by-field lookup
| Field on the sheath or label | What it identifies | What still needs confirmation |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer name or traceability code | The identified source of the product | That the identity matches the drum label and accompanying records |
| Type designation, such as H05VV-F | A construction family within a particular designation system | The applicable product standard and actual datasheet |
| Voltage pair, such as 300/500 V | Rated voltage references, normally expressed as U0/U in the relevant AC system | System conditions and installation suitability |
| Core and size notation, such as 3G1.5 | Core count, protective-core notation and nominal area within that system | Units, conductor class and actual core identification |
| Standard reference | The specification being declared | Which edition applies and what supporting conformity evidence exists |
| Approval mark, where applicable | A claimed product approval under a specific scheme | Current scope and identity in the issuing body’s records |
| Batch, date or metre information, if present | A production or length reference | How that reference corresponds to the supplied drum and documents |
The applicable product standard and market requirements define the required wording and marking intervals.
How U0/U identifies the two voltage references
In U0/U notation, U0 is the rated RMS conductor-to-earth voltage and U the rated RMS voltage between phase conductors. The pair 300/500 V identifies those two references. In harmonized designations, 05 corresponds to 300/500 V and 07 to 450/750 V.
Voltage rating is considered together with mechanical duty and exposure conditions. The H05VV-F product specification, for example, describes the construction and use of that flexible PVC cable family.
For screened power cables, the medium-voltage cable range provides voltage-specific construction information and system requirements.
3G1.5: total cores and the protective conductor
In harmonized notation, 3G1.5 identifies three cores in total, including the green/yellow protective core, each with a nominal area of 1.5 mm². In 3X1.5, the three cores exclude a green/yellow protective core.
Interpret G and X within the applicable designation system. In other systems, X may be a multiplication separator, so retain the complete code, capitalization and spacing when identifying the cable.
The sample label reads YJLV22 12/20KV 3X70. Interpret that size group using the matching YJLV22 specification; the harmonized G/X convention belongs to a different designation system.
Nominal area is not cable diameter
A size in mm² identifies nominal conductor cross-sectional area. IEC 60228:2023 covers conductor areas together with wire and resistance requirements. Overall cable diameter is a separate construction dimension.
Glands and accessories are selected using the actual cable dimensions. Cables with the same nominal conductor area can have different overall diameters because insulation, screens, armour and sheath dimensions differ.
AWG and kcmil use a different size notation. The AWG, kcmil and metric mm² explanation explains these area units; complete cable selection also accounts for construction and installation requirements.
A standard number and an approval mark answer different questions
A standard reference identifies the technical specification. An approval mark identifies a certification scheme with a defined product and assessment scope.
For example, licensed use of the BASEC product mark is linked to manufacturer traceability. Product approval is checked against the relevant cable type and scope.
For a claimed VDE approval, the official approval register identifies the company, type designation, granted mark and technical details covered by the record.
Identifying incomplete or damaged markings
Keep a readable photograph of the complete legend, the drum label and the associated document reference. Preserve the original characters alongside any transcription.
When the print is damaged or the drum and sheath records differ, the manufacturer can reconcile the identification against production records. Keep the cable on hold until its voltage, size and identity are resolved.
Need help identifying an XWA cable? Email the complete marking photograph and drum reference so we can check the corresponding construction records.