Photovoltaic wire models, standards, and certifications
Photovoltaic cables are divided into two categories: DC dedicated cables (components combiner box inverter DC side) and photovoltaic AC cables (inverter to transformer/grid); DC cables are unique to photovoltaics and must be resistant to UV, ozone, -40℃ low temperature, and have a long-term outdoor lifespan of 25 years. Most of them are radiation cross-linked halogen-free low smoke materials.
1. Mainstream models of DC photovoltaic cables
1) Export to Europe/TUV system
PV1‑F
Execution: TUV 2PfG 1169 (old version classic)
Voltage: AC 0.6/1kV, DC 1.0/1.5/1.8kV
Specifications: 1.5, 2.5, 4, 6, 10, 16, 25, 35 mm ² (most commonly 4/6 mm ²)
Conductor: Class 5 tinned soft copper, irradiation cross-linked halogen-free low smoke sheath
Usage: Household, small and medium-sized photovoltaic, module interconnection, string to combiner box
H1Z2Z2-K (new generation European standard)
Execution: EN 50618, equivalent to IEC 62930 European version
Voltage: DC 1500V, currently mainstream in large ground power stations
The sheath is thicker, with mechanical, flame retardant, and weather resistance indicators higher than PV1-F, which can be understood as an upgraded version of PV1-F
Specification: 1.5-240 mm², H1Z2Z2-K is preferred for 1500V centralized power stations
IEC 62930 is an internationally recognized standard, and many manufacturer models are still called PV1-F/H1Z2Z2-K, but the certificate is based on IEC 62930.
2) Domestic national standard models
PV-YJYJ (NB/T 42073-2016), a national standard model for photovoltaic DC cables in China
DC 1.5kV/1.8kV, single core, irradiation cross-linked halogen-free low smoke; Commonly used in domestic projects and capable of CQC certification.
GF-WDZEER-125: Another domestic photovoltaic DC model, 125℃ temperature resistant, halogen-free flame retardant.
Aluminum core photovoltaic: PV1500DC-AL-K, aluminum conductor photovoltaic DC cable, used for cost reduction in large power plants.
3) North American market (American standard PV Wire)
Model: PV Wire, standard UL 4703, AWG specifications: 14AWG, 12AWG, 10AWG, 8AWG... 2/0AWG, voltage 600V/1000V DC, FT-4 flame retardant, UL4703 certification is required for export to North America.
4) Dual core photovoltaic cable
PV1-F/2, H1Z2Z2Z2-K-2 × 6, positive and negative electrode integrated dual core, BIPV, For household roof wiring.
Photovoltaic AC side cable (inverter output to grid)
Not a photovoltaic specific model, using ordinary power cables:
YJV,WDZ‑YJY,0.6/1kV, According to the selection of AC current, there is no need for photovoltaic specific weather resistance, but it is recommended to choose flame-retardant, low smoke, and halogen-free for outdoor installation.
2.Quick overview of commonly used specifications
Component interconnection: 2.5 mm², 4 mm² (most common)
String combiner box: 4, 6 mm²
Combiner box inverter DC: 10, 16, 25 mm²
Large 1500V power station: Priority H1Z2Z2-K series, 10-95 mm²
3.Core Standard List
The original basis of German TUV 2PfG 1169 PV1-F is gradually being replaced by EN50618/IEC62930
EU EN 50618 H1Z2Z2Z2-K, EU CE basic standard
International IEC 62930 Global Photovoltaic DC Cable International Standard DC1500V
China NB/T 42073-2016 Photovoltaic Power Generation System Cables, Domestic Industry Standard
North American UL 4703 PV Wire Mandatory Standard; Canadian CSA C22.2 No.271
4.Main certification for photovoltaic cables
🔹 International Certification
TUV certification (TUV Mark)
According to: 2PfG1169/EN50618/IEC62930; The highest recognition of European projects; Pay attention to the certificate standard version, as there are differences in the indicators between the old 2PfG1169 and the new EN50618.
CE: Mandatory in the EU market, CE for photovoltaic cables is based on EN 50618, while RoHS is environmentally friendly.
UL4703: Essential for exporting to the United States; Canadian CSA C22.2 No.271.
CB certification: IEC62930, internationally recognized.
🔹 Domestic certification
CQC voluntary certification: Commonly used in domestic photovoltaic project bidding, according to NB/T42073, many bidding documents for domestic power plants require CQC.
RoHS and REACH: environmentally friendly, export compatible.
5.Selection Tips
1000V system: PV1-F; 1500V centralized power stations prioritize H1Z2Z2-K (EN50618/IEC62930).
Domestic projects: PV-YJYJ (NB/T42073) is optional, preferably with CQC; Export to Europe with priority TUV+CE; Exporting to North America requires UL4703.
DC cables cannot be replaced by ordinary YJV cables. Ordinary cross-linked cables do not have a complete set of photovoltaic weather resistance tests for UV, ozone, and wet heat cycles, and their outdoor lifespan is far less than 25 years.
