New Core Colour Codes

in accordance with DIN/VDE 0293-308


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.

 


Concerned products:

ÖLFLEX CLASSIC 100
ÖLFLEX CLASSIC 100 Yellow
ÖLFLEX CLASSIC 100 CY
ÖLFLEX CLASSIC 100 SY
ÖLFLEX 100 H
ÖLFLEX SF
ÖLFLEX 450 P
ÖLFLEX 500 P
ÖLFLEX 540 P / 540 CP
ÖLFLEX 550 P
SPIREX 540 P
ÖLFLEX PUR S 15 / S17
H05RR-F / H05RN-F / H07RN-F
H05 / 07RN-F SPIREX = NETZFLEX
NEOFLEX (Round) and NSSHÖU

ÖLFLEX AQUA round
ÖLFLEX AQUA BAM
KRANFLEX NSHTÖU
KRANFLEX VS NSHTÖU
NEOFLEX (Flat)
ÖLFLEX Flat Cable
LAPPTHERM 105 Cables
LAPPTHERM 145 / -145 + C Cables
SILFLEX SiHF
SILFLEX H05SS-F EWKF
SILFLEX UL/CSA
SILFLEX EWKF / - EWKF + C
SILFLEX SIHF / GLS
ÖFLON - FEP Cables
ÖFLON PTFE / GLS


Advantages

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

 


Frequently Asked Questions

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

 

ONLINE CATALOGUE

Find more information

about our products, in our

online catalogue

 

Our recommendation

Although it is possible to use the old colour codes up until April 2006, we recommend that:

  • All Customers use one colour code for each project;
  • if possible every producer of machines, plants and devices should change over to the new colour code when starting a new project.
Lapp Insulator is not affiliated with the Lapp Group.