When passing by construction sites, inspecting home electrical panels, or observing factory equipment, those mysterious alphanumeric combinations on cable jackets often leave people perplexed. These codes may appear complex, but they actually conceal a precise industrial language system. Mastering this “cable language” not only helps us make informed purchasing decisions but also deepens our understanding of the safety logic behind power transmission.
The Logic Behind Cable Model Composition
A complete cable model code typically contains seven key information layers, arranged in a fixed sequence: Material Type — Conductor Material — Insulation Material — Sheath Material — Special Characteristics — Voltage Rating — Structural Specifications
This hierarchical naming system functions like a cable’s “ID card,” with each part carrying specific technical information.
Core Letter Code Decryption Manual
Conductor Material Identification
· (Usually omitted): Represents copper conductor — the preferred material for power transmission
· L: Aluminum conductor — a lower-cost, lightweight alternative
· T: Copper conductor (when explicitly indicated)
Insulation Material Codes
· V: Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) — the most common insulation material
· Y: Polyethylene (PE) — excellent moisture resistance
· YJ: Cross-linked Polyethylene (XLPE) — a breakthrough in heat resistance
· X: Rubber — champion of flexibility
· F: Fluoroplastic — expert for extreme environments
Sheath Material Identification
· V: Polyvinyl Chloride outer sheath
· Y: Polyethylene outer sheath
· Q: Lead sheath — moisture barrier
· L: Aluminum sheath — mechanical protection layer
Functional Feature Markers
· P: Shielded type — anti-interference design
· D: Non-drip type — specialized for vertical installation
· R: Flexible structure — high flexibility
· B: Flat structure — space optimization
· N: Fire-resistant type — safety upgrade
· Z: Flame-retardant type — risk control
In-depth Analysis of Common Cable Models
YJV Series: Backbone of Modern Power Systems
· Code breakdown: YJ (XLPE insulation) + V (PVC sheath)
· Performance characteristics: Operating temperature up to 90°C, short-circuit withstand temperature 250°C
· Typical specification: YJV-0.6/1kV 4×185+1×95
· 0.6/1kV: Phase voltage 0.6kV/Line voltage 1kV
· 4×185: Four 185mm² main conductors
· 1×95: One 95mm² neutral conductor
· Application scenarios: Main power grids, large building power supply systems
VV Series: Traditional Power Transmission Workhorse
· Code breakdown: V (PVC insulation) + V (PVC sheath)
· Performance comparison: Operating temperature 70°C, lower cost but limited heat resistance
· Upgraded model: VV22 (“22” indicates double steel tape armor + PVC outer sheath)
· Application trend: Gradually being replaced by YJV, still used in some fixed installation scenarios
BV Series: Foundation of Household Electrification
· Code analysis: B (Wiring for fixed installation) + V (PVC insulation)
· Common specifications: BV-2.5, BV-4, BV-6, etc.
· Color system:
· Red: Live wire (phase conductor)
· Blue: Neutral wire
· Yellow-green: Ground wire (protective conductor)
· Extended family: BVR (flexible wire), BVVB (flat sheathed wire)
Special Cable Identification Systems
· NH-YJV: Fire-resistant XLPE cable (NH = fire-resistant)
· ZC-BV: Class C flame-retardant wiring (ZC = Class C flame-retardant)
· WDZ-YJY: Halogen-free low-smoke flame-retardant cable (WD = halogen-free, Z = flame-retardant)
· RVVSP: Shielded twisted-pair flexible cable (S = twisted pair, P = shielded)
Precise Meanings of Numerical Codes
Voltage Rating Interpretation
Markings like “0.6/1kV” are not arbitrary:
· 0.6kV: Rated conductor-to-ground voltage
· 1kV: Rated conductor-to-conductor voltage
· Higher ratings: Such as 8.7/15kV, suitable for high-voltage systems
Cross-section and Core Count Expression
· 3×70: Three 70mm² equal cross-section conductors
· 3×150+2×70: Three 150mm² main conductors + two 70mm² auxiliary conductors
· 5×16: Standard three-phase five-wire system configuration
Four-Step Rapid Identification Method
1. Identify core materials: Check the first 2-3 letters to determine insulation and sheath materials
2. Recognize special functions: Look for functional suffixes like N, Z, P
3. Read voltage parameters: Confirm the cable’s applicable voltage range
4. Analyze structural configuration: Understand core count and cross-section design
Practical Cable Selection Guide
Environment matching principle:
· Indoor fixed installation: BV/YJV
· Mobile equipment connection: RVV/RVVP
· High-temperature environments: YJV/YJY
· Damp locations: Special waterproof models
Safety redundancy design:
· Lighting circuits: ≥1.5mm²
· Socket circuits: ≥2.5mm²
· Dedicated AC lines: ≥4.0mm²
· Main entrance lines: ≥10mm² (calculated based on actual load)
Certification mark verification:
· CCC mark (China Compulsory Certification)
· Production license number
· Manufacturer identification and production date