Lapp Limited is introducing new versions of its cables for fixed installation and flexible use to comply with new core colours in accordance with DIN/VDE 0293-308 - a standard designed to harmonise core identification throughout Europe.

Lapp's implementation is well ahead of the April 2006 deadline, after which cables with the old colours can no longer be installed. The key change is the use of grey marking for a phase conductor. All Lapp cables featuring the new colours will be printed with NCC (new colour code), making them easy to identify at a glance.

Among the Lapp cables to be updated are ÖLFLEX® CLASSIC PVC control cables, SILFLEX® temperature resistant cables and NYM-J VDE fixed installation cable. The latter option is a highly versatile cable, which is suitable for use in, on, and under plaster in dry, wet and damp environments, as well as in brickwork or concrete. With NYM-J cable now in production in the new core colours, Lapp claims it will be the first supplier to bring this popular contracting cable to market in the new format.

To sum up the changes under the European Harmonisation document brown and blue will become standard for phase and neutral conductors respectively for single-phase circuits (as already used in UK appliance cords and cables). The colours for conductors of three-phase circuits will be brown, black and grey with a blue neutral conductor. The green/yellow marking of protective conductors remains unchanged.

In different countries of Europe there were different colour codes.
• This will be harmonised in Europe

In the past there a was different colour code for cables used for fixed installation and for flexible cords.
• Cable and cores will be marked with the same colours

Q: The 4 conductor cable with gn-ye (protective conductor) will not have a blue
core, which is used for the neutral conductor. What is the solution?
A: Using cable with 5 cores!

Q: Which colours are allocated to L1, L2 und L3?
A: Whether old or new standard allocate the phases to colours, and this is not intended in the future.
In our opinion you should: L1 = brown, L2 = black, L3 = grey in accordance with general usage.
Nevertheless, we recommend using one colour code for one project to achieve a unique allocation.

Q: What is the grey conductor for?
A: Outer conductor

Q: What are the typical applications for 3 conductor cables with the colours
brown black, grey?
A: e.g. Connection of toggle switches or serial switches; SELV-Circuits.

Q: Which core colours are allowed for single core cables with outer sheath?
A: gn-ye or blue or brown or black or grey