Industry Tip: Decoding Wire & Cable Symbol Meanings and Common Models in China

In the wire and cable industry of China, product models are not random strings — they are a coded language that describes the conductor, insulation, sheath, shielding, and special properties of the cable. Mastering this code helps engineers, purchasers, and installers quickly identify the right product for the job.

Part 1: Common Letter Symbols and Their Meanings

Below is a breakdown of the most frequently encountered letter codes in Chinese-standard cable nomenclature:

Note:​ The letter V​ deserves special attention — it can denote bothPVC insulation and PVC sheath depending on its position in the model. Typically, the first V​ refers to insulation and the second V​ refers to the sheath (e.g., RVV = PVC insulated + PVC sheathed flexible cable).

Part 2: Common Cable Models and Descriptions

Flexible Connecting Wires (R Series)

High-Temperature & Specialty Wires

These three models (AF-205, AFS-250, AFP-250) share the same core construction — silver-plated copper with fluoroplastic (PTFE/FEP) insulation — designed for continuous operation from −60°C up to 250°C. They are widely used in aerospace, industrial heating, and high-temperature electronic equipment.

Part 3: Reading a Model — Step by Step

Let's decode a few examples using the symbol table above:

Example 1: RVVP

→ Stranded flexible copper cable, PVC insulated, PVC sheathed, with braided shielding.

Example 2: WDZ-YJY

→ Halogen-free low-smoke flame-retardant XLPE insulated polyolefin sheathed cable​ — commonly used in high-rise buildings, subways, and other public spaces where smoke toxicity must be minimized during a fire.

Example 3: NH-VV22

→ Fire-resistant PVC insulated and sheathed steel-tape-armored cable​ — suitable for direct burial where circuit integrity during fire is critical.

Key Takeaways

1. Position matters​ — the same letter (e.g., V) can mean different things depending on where it appears in the model.

2. Prefixes carry safety significance​ — ZR, NH, WDZ, and WDN directly relate to fire safety performance and should never be substituted casually.

3. Conductor codes​ — absence of L​ means copper; A​ prefix indicates tinned or silver-plated for corrosion resistance or high-temperature service.

4. When in doubt, consult the standard​ — GB/T, JB/T, and industry-specific standards provide definitive specifications for each model.

Pro Tip:​ For critical applications such as fire alarm circuits, emergency lighting, or underground direct burial, always verify not just the model designation but also the corresponding certification, test reports, and compliance with local electrical codes before procurement.