Power cables form the backbone of electrical distribution systems, carrying energy from substations to end-user equipment. Selecting the correct type ensures not only reliable power delivery but also long-term safety under varying environmental conditions.
1. General Specifications (Common to Most Models Below)
|
Parameter |
Rating |
|---|---|
|
Rated frequency |
AC 50 Hz |
|
Rated voltage |
0.6/1 kV and below |
|
Ambient temperature |
25°C |
|
Maximum conductor operating temperature |
≤ 70°C (Note: XLPE-insulated types such as YJV allow up to 90°C) |
Voltage notation explained: 0.6/1 kV means the cable is rated for 0.6 kV phase-to-earth and 1.0 kV phase-to-phase.
2. PVC Insulated Power Cables (V Series)
|
Model |
Construction |
Application |
|---|---|---|
|
VV (VLV) |
Cu / Al core, PVC insulated, PVC sheathed |
Indoor, tunnel, and trench installation. Cannot withstand external mechanical force. Direct burial in soil is permitted. |
|
VY (VLY) |
Cu / Al core, PVC insulated, PE sheathed |
Indoor, conduit, and pipeline installation. PE sheath offers better moisture and chemical resistance than PVC. |
|
VV22 (VLV22) |
Cu / Al core, PVC insulated, steel-tape armored, PVC sheathed |
Same installation scenarios as VV, but the steel tape armor allows direct burial in soil with resistance to moderate mechanical external force. Not suitable for applications with significant pulling tension. |
|
VV23 (VLV23) |
Cu / Al core, PVC insulated, steel-tape armored, PE sheathed |
Same as VV22, but with a PE outer sheath for enhanced environmental durability. |
Variant Types (Based on VV / VV22 Platform)
|
Model |
Key Feature |
Application |
|---|---|---|
|
ZRVV22 |
Flame-retardant (ZR) variant of VV22 |
Same as VV22, but for locations with flame-retardant requirements (e.g., cable shafts, high-rise buildings). |
|
NHVV |
Fire-resistant (NH) variant of VV |
Same as VV, but maintains circuit integrity for a specified period during fire exposure. Used in emergency and life-safety circuits. |
3. XLPE Insulated Power Cables (YJ Series)
Cross-linked Polyethylene (XLPE) insulation provides a higher temperature rating and improved electrical properties compared to PVC.
|
Model |
Construction |
Application |
|---|---|---|
|
YJV |
Cu core, XLPE insulated, PVC sheathed |
General-purpose power distribution. Conductor operating temperature up to 90°C. Suitable for indoor, tunnel, and trench installation. |
|
YJV22 |
Cu core, XLPE insulated, steel-tape armored, PVC sheathed |
Same as YJV, but with steel tape armor for direct burial and resistance to external mechanical damage. |
Why choose XLPE over PVC? XLPE cables tolerate higher operating temperatures (90°C vs. 70°C), offer greater current-carrying capacity, and have superior aging resistance — making them ideal for modern power distribution networks.
4. Control Cable
|
Model |
Construction |
Application |
|---|---|---|
|
KVV |
PVC insulated control cable |
Used for signal transmission, control, and measurement in electrical apparatus, instrumentation, and power distribution panels. Not intended for primary power transmission. |
5. Special Property Prefixes
These prefixes can be applied to many cable platforms to meet specific safety or environmental requirements:
|
Prefix |
Full Form |
Meaning |
Typical Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
|
ZR-* |
Flame Retardant |
Slows flame propagation; prevents fire from spreading along the cable route |
Cable trays in commercial buildings, industrial plants |
|
NH-* |
Fire Resistant |
Maintains circuit integrity during fire for a defined duration |
Emergency lighting, fire pumps, evacuation systems |
|
WDZ-* |
Halogen-free, Low-smoke, Flame-retardant |
Emits little smoke and no halogen acids when burned |
Subways, hospitals, schools, data centers — anywhere occupant evacuation and equipment protection are priorities |
Important distinction: Flame retardant (ZR)prevents fire spread; Fire resistant (NH)keeps the circuit alive during a fire. They address different safety concerns and are sometimes specified together.
6. Quick Selection Guide
|
Scenario |
Recommended Model |
|---|---|
|
Indoor conduit, no mechanical stress |
VV / YJV |
|
Direct burial, soil, light vehicle traffic |
VV22 / VV23 / YJV22 |
|
High ambient temperature, higher load capacity |
YJV / YJV22 |
|
Fire compartment / vertical shaft |
ZRVV22 |
|
Emergency circuit, life-safety system |
NHVV or NH-YJV |
|
Public occupancy, smoke-sensitive area |
WDZ variants |
|
Control panel wiring, instrumentation |
KVV |
Key Takeaways
-
Armor matters — "22" means steel tape armor; it enables direct burial but does not protect against excessive pulling tension.
-
Sheath material — PVC sheath (V) is standard; PE sheath (Y) offers better moisture/chemical resistance.
-
Temperature rating — PVC insulated cables are limited to 70°C; XLPE (YJ) cables go up to 90°C.
-
Safety prefixes are not interchangeable — understand whether you need flame retardancy, fire resistance, or low-smoke halogen-free properties for your specific project.
Pro Tip: Always cross-reference the cable model with the applicable national standard (e.g., GB/T 12706 for power cables) and confirm that third-party certification marks are present before installation.
