Solar Cable & PV Cable Glossary
This glossary explains common terminology related to solar cable, PV cable,photovoltaic wire, H1Z2Z2-K cable, PV wire, conductor materials, insulation, voltageratings, cable sizes, weather resistance, testing standards, and photovoltaic systemwiring.
A
AC Cable
An AC cable carries alternating current. In a photovoltaic system, the inverter converts DC electricity from the solar array into AC electricity. The cable used after the inverter is therefore normally an AC power cable rather than a PV DC cable.
Allowable Voltage Drop
Allowable voltage drop is the maximum acceptable reduction in voltage across a cable circuit.
Keeping voltage drop within the design target helps reduce energy losses. Cable length, conductor size, electrical current, conductor material, and temperature influence voltage drop.
Ampacity
Ampacity is the maximum current a conductor can carry under specified conditions without exceeding its permitted operating temperature.
PV cable ampacity can be affected by conductor size, insulation system, ambient temperature, installation method, cable grouping, ventilation, and other factors.
Annealed Copper
Annealed copper is copper that has undergone heat treatment to improve softness and flexibility.
It is widely used for flexible cable conductors because it can be drawn into fine strands while maintaining good electrical conductivity.
Array Cable
An array cable carries electrical power from part of a photovoltaic array toward downstream equipment such as a combiner box or inverter.
Its exact function depends on the architecture of the PV installation.
AWG
AWG stands for American Wire Gauge, a conductor sizing system commonly used in North America.
Unlike metric conductor sizing, a smaller AWG number represents a larger conductor.
For example, 10 AWG has a larger conductor than 12 AWG.
B
Bending Radius
Bending radius describes how tightly a cable may be bent without risking damage to its conductor, insulation, sheath, or overall construction.
PV cable datasheets normally specify a minimum bending radius that installers should observe.
Bonding
Bonding refers to electrically connecting conductive components so that they remain at substantially the same electrical potential.
In photovoltaic systems, bonding may form part of the overall electrical safety and grounding strategy.
Burial Cable
A burial cable is a cable suitable for installation below ground under specified conditions.
Not every solar cable is automatically approved for direct burial. The manufacturer’s installation instructions and applicable cable specification should be checked before underground installation.
C
Cable Clip
A cable clip is used to secure PV cables to module frames, rails, trays, or other supporting structures.
Proper cable support helps prevent sagging, abrasion, excessive movement, and contact with sharp surfaces.
Cable Cross-Section
Cable cross-section normally refers to the nominal cross-sectional area of the conductor.
Metric PV cables are commonly identified by conductor sizes such as:
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2.5 mm²
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4 mm²
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6 mm²
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10 mm²
-
16 mm²
-
25 mm²
-
35 mm²
The required size depends on the electrical design.
Cable Diameter
Cable diameter usually refers to the outside diameter of the finished cable.
Outside diameter is important when selecting connectors, cable glands, clips, conduits, and installation accessories.
Cable Gland
A cable gland secures a cable where it enters electrical equipment or an enclosure.
It can provide mechanical retention and, depending on its design, environmental sealing against dust or moisture.
Cable Jacket
The cable jacket is another term commonly used for the outer protective sheath of a cable.
Its purpose is to protect the internal cable construction from environmental and mechanical influences.
Cable Management
Cable management describes how electrical cables are routed, supported, secured, and protected throughout a photovoltaic installation.
Good cable management helps reduce abrasion, excessive bending, loose cables, mechanical damage, and unnecessary environmental exposure.
Cable Marking
Cable marking is information printed, embossed, or otherwise identified on the outer surface of a cable.
PV cable markings may include information such as the manufacturer, cable designation, conductor size, voltage, applicable standard, certification marks, production identification, and other product details.
Cable Reel
A cable reel or cable drum is used for packaging, storing, transporting, and dispensing longer lengths of cable.
Commercial PV cable orders may be supplied on reels, drums, coils, or other packaging according to conductor size and required length.
Cable Tray
A cable tray is a support system used to route electrical cables through a building, industrial facility, or solar installation.
Cable spacing, support, heat dissipation, and environmental exposure may affect installation design.
Class 5 Conductor
A Class 5 conductor is a flexible stranded conductor classification.
It uses multiple fine conductor strands instead of a single solid conductor, providing the flexibility commonly required for photovoltaic cable installation.
Cold Resistance
Cold resistance describes the ability of cable materials to maintain suitable performance at low temperatures.
This is important for solar installations located in cold climates where PV cables may experience freezing temperatures and temperature cycling.
Combiner Box
A combiner box combines the electrical output of multiple photovoltaic strings.
String cables enter the box, and their outputs are combined into one or more larger DC circuits leading toward the inverter.
Conductor
The conductor is the metallic component inside a cable that carries electrical current.
Copper is widely used for photovoltaic cable conductors.
Conductor Class
Conductor class describes a conductor construction according to factors such as whether it is solid, stranded, or flexible.
Flexible PV cables commonly use fine-stranded conductors.
Conductor Resistance
Conductor resistance represents the opposition of the conductor to electrical current.
Lower resistance generally reduces electrical losses and voltage drop.
Resistance is affected by conductor material, cross-sectional area, length, and temperature.
Conductor Strand
A conductor strand is one of the individual wires forming a stranded conductor.
Using multiple small strands increases flexibility compared with a single solid conductor.
Connector Compatibility
Connector compatibility means that the cable dimensions, conductor size, contact system, sealing arrangement, and termination method are suitable for the selected photovoltaic connector.
Correct compatibility is critical for reliable PV connections.
Copper Conductor
A copper conductor uses copper as its electrically conductive material.
Copper is widely used in solar cables because of its combination of electrical conductivity, flexibility, availability, and compatibility with common termination systems.
Crimp Connection
A crimp connection is created by mechanically compressing a connector contact around a conductor.
Correct contact selection, stripping length, crimping tool, and crimp quality are important for a reliable electrical connection.
Cross-Linked Insulation
Cross-linked insulation uses a polymer material in which molecular chains are linked into a more stable network.
Cross-linking can improve thermal, mechanical, and dimensional characteristics compared with some non-cross-linked materials.
Current-Carrying Capacity
Current-carrying capacity describes the amount of electrical current a cable can carry under specified installation conditions without exceeding its allowable temperature.It is closely related to ampacity.
D
DC Cable
A DC cable carries direct current.
Since photovoltaic modules generate DC electricity, cables between modules and the DC side of an inverter operate as DC circuits.
DC Resistance
DC resistance is the electrical resistance of a conductor to direct current.
In PV systems, lower cable resistance helps reduce power loss and voltage drop.
DC Voltage
DC voltage is voltage in a direct-current electrical circuit.
Modern photovoltaic arrays can operate at relatively high DC voltages, which makes correct cable voltage rating especially important.
Derating
Derating means reducing the amount of current a cable is permitted to carry because of actual installation conditions.
High ambient temperature, cable grouping, installation inside conduit, restricted ventilation, and other factors may require derating.
Direct Burial
Direct burial describes installation in which cable is placed directly into the ground without being completely enclosed in conduit.
Cable suitability for direct burial must be verified from the applicable product specification and installation requirements.
Double Insulation
Double insulation generally refers to a construction providing more than one level of electrical insulation or protective separation.
PV cables commonly include conductor insulation plus a separate protective outer sheath.
E
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical conductivity describes how easily a material allows electrical current to flow.
Copper has high electrical conductivity, which is one reason it is widely used for PV cable conductors.
Electrical Resistance
Electrical resistance measures how strongly a material or conductor opposes current flow.
Resistance contributes to voltage drop and heat generation in electrical cables.
EN 50618
EN 50618 is an important European standard for cables used in photovoltaic systems.
BSI currently describes BS EN 50618 as covering low-smoke, halogen-free, flexible single-core power cables with cross-linked insulation and sheath, particularly for PV DC applications up to 1.5 kV DC.
F
Flame Retardant
A flame-retardant cable is designed to limit flame propagation under specified fire-test conditions.
Flame retardancy does not mean that the cable is completely fireproof.
Flexible Cable
A flexible cable is designed to bend more easily than a cable with a solid or less-flexible conductor construction.
PV cables commonly use fine-stranded flexible conductors to simplify routing and installation.
Flexible Conductor
A flexible conductor contains many small conductor strands.
The smaller individual wires allow the overall conductor to bend more easily while maintaining its required conductor cross-section.
Floating Solar Cable
A floating solar cable is cable used in floating photovoltaic installations, where solar modules are mounted on floating structures installed on reservoirs, lakes, or other bodies of water.
Cable selection for floating PV systems requires particular attention to moisture, water exposure, mechanical movement, and environmental conditions.
G
Ground
Ground is the term commonly used in North American electrical terminology for an electrical connection to earth or a reference potential.
Grounding and bonding requirements depend on the electrical system and applicable code.
Ground Fault
A ground fault occurs when electrical current unintentionally flows from an energized conductor toward ground or grounded equipment.
Correct cable insulation, connectors, routing, and protection contribute to reducing ground-fault risks.
H
H1Z2Z2-K
H1Z2Z2-K is a widely used photovoltaic cable designation in European and international solar installations.
H1Z2Z2-K products are commonly designed with flexible stranded copper conductors and cross-linked insulation and sheath materials for demanding photovoltaic applications.
Commercial H1Z2Z2-K products are available certified to EN 50618 and may also be offered to IEC 62930 requirements.
Halogen-Free
Halogen-free describes cable compounds formulated without halogen-containing materials as major constituents.
Halogen-free cable systems are commonly selected where limiting corrosive combustion gases is important.
Heat Aging
Heat aging is the gradual change in material properties caused by prolonged exposure to elevated temperature.
PV cable insulation and sheath materials must maintain suitable mechanical and electrical properties throughout their intended service conditions.
High-Voltage DC
High-voltage DC refers to direct-current circuits operating at elevated voltages.
PV array voltages have increased as solar system architecture has evolved, increasing the importance of selecting correctly rated DC cables and connectors.
I
IEC 60228
IEC 60228 is an international standard associated with conductors of insulated cables.
PV cable specifications may reference conductor classes and conductor resistance requirements derived from conductor standards.
IEC 60332
The IEC 60332 series covers testing of electric and optical-fibre cables under fire conditions, including tests related to flame propagation.
Individual PV cable specifications may reference applicable parts of this test series.
IEC 60754
The IEC 60754 series relates to gases evolved during combustion of cable materials.
It is commonly encountered when evaluating halogen and acidity characteristics of cable materials.
IEC 61034
The IEC 61034 series is associated with measuring smoke density produced by burning cables under specified test conditions.
IEC 62930
IEC 62930 is a key international photovoltaic cable standard.
IEC 62930:2017 applies to single-core cross-linked insulated power cables with a cross-linked sheath for use on the DC side of photovoltaic systems at rated DC voltages up to and including 1.5 kV between conductors and between conductor and earth.
Insulation
Insulation is the electrically non-conductive material surrounding a conductor.
Its primary function is to electrically isolate the conductor from other conductors, equipment, people, and surrounding materials.
Insulation Resistance
Insulation resistance indicates how effectively an insulating material resists unwanted electrical current leakage.
High insulation resistance is important for maintaining electrical isolation within PV cable systems.
Inverter
A solar inverter converts direct-current electricity generated by the PV array into alternating-current electricity.
PV DC cables normally connect the solar array to the DC side of the inverter.
J
Jacket
Jacket is another commonly used term for the external protective covering or sheath of a cable.
Junction Box
A PV junction box is an enclosure commonly installed on the back of a solar module.
It provides an electrical connection between the photovoltaic cells and the module output cables and may contain additional components such as bypass diodes.
K
kV
kV means kilovolt.
One kilovolt equals 1,000 volts.
Photovoltaic cable voltage ratings are commonly expressed using volts or kilovolts.
kW
kW, or kilowatt, is a unit of power equal to 1,000 watts.
Solar installations are frequently described by their power capacity in kW or MW, while cable selection is based on electrical parameters including voltage, current, length, and installation conditions.
L
Low Smoke
Low smoke describes cable materials designed to produce reduced smoke under specified combustion test conditions.
Low-smoke properties can improve visibility and reduce smoke generation during a fire.
LSZH
LSZH stands for Low Smoke Zero Halogen.
It is used to describe cable constructions designed to limit smoke and avoid halogen-containing gases under specified fire conditions.
Long-Term Aging
Long-term aging refers to gradual changes in cable material properties caused by extended exposure to heat, sunlight, moisture, oxygen, ozone, or other environmental factors.
PV cable materials are selected with long-term outdoor use in mind.
M
Maximum Conductor Temperature
Maximum conductor temperature is the highest conductor operating temperature permitted under specified conditions.
The value depends on cable construction and applicable standards.
Minimum Bending Radius
The minimum bending radius is the smallest recommended radius through which a cable can be bent without risking damage.
Installers should follow the cable manufacturer’s specified value.
mm²
mm², or square millimeters, is the metric unit used to identify nominal conductor cross-sectional area.
Examples include 4 mm² PV cable, 6 mm² PV cable, 10 mm² PV cable, and 16 mm² PV cable.
Module Cable
A module cable is the cable directly connected to a photovoltaic module.
It carries DC electricity from the module toward another module or the larger PV wiring system.
Moisture Resistance
Moisture resistance describes the ability of a cable and its materials to maintain performance when exposed to humid or wet environments.
It is particularly relevant for outdoor PV applications.
MW
MW, or megawatt, equals one million watts.
Large photovoltaic plants are commonly described by their installed capacity in megawatts.
N
NEC
NEC stands for the National Electrical Code in the United States.
Requirements relating to photovoltaic installations can include wiring methods, conductor selection, protection, equipment, grounding, and other electrical safety considerations.
Always use the code edition adopted by the relevant jurisdiction.
Nominal Cross-Section
Nominal cross-section is the standardized conductor size used to identify a cable.
For example, a cable identified as 6 mm² has a nominal conductor cross-sectional area of 6 square millimeters.
Nominal Voltage
Nominal voltage is a reference voltage used to classify an electrical system, cable, or piece of equipment.
It should not automatically be interpreted as the maximum operating voltage of every product.
O
Operating Temperature
Operating temperature describes the temperature range within which the cable is intended to operate according to its specification.
PV cables may experience both high rooftop temperatures and cold outdoor conditions.
Outdoor Cable
An outdoor cable is designed to withstand environmental conditions encountered outside buildings.
PV cables are commonly intended for outdoor installation, but the exact permitted installation conditions depend on the product specification.
Outer Diameter
Outer diameter, often abbreviated OD, is the measured diameter across the finished cable.
It is important for connector seals, glands, conduits, cable clips, and other accessories.
Outer Sheath
The outer sheath is the external protective layer of a cable.
In solar cables, it helps protect against environmental exposure, abrasion, moisture, mechanical stress, and other external influences.
Ozone Resistance
Ozone resistance describes the ability of cable materials to resist deterioration caused by exposure to ozone.
This can be important for cables installed outdoors for long periods.
P
Photovoltaic
Photovoltaic, commonly abbreviated PV, describes the conversion of light into electricity using semiconductor materials.
Photovoltaic Array
A photovoltaic array is a group of electrically connected photovoltaic modules forming part of a solar generation system.
Photovoltaic Cable
A photovoltaic cable is electrical cable specifically designed for wiring photovoltaic power systems.
The term is commonly shortened to PV cable.
Photovoltaic Wire
Photovoltaic Wire, commonly written as PV Wire, is particularly common terminology in the North American solar market.
UL identifies UL 4703 as its Standard for Photovoltaic Wire.
Polarity
Polarity identifies the positive and negative electrical orientation of a DC circuit.
PV cables and connectors must be connected with the correct polarity.
Positive PV Cable
A positive PV cable carries the positive side of a photovoltaic DC circuit.
Cable color may help identify polarity, but installers should verify polarity electrically rather than relying solely on cable color.
PV1-F
PV1-F is an older photovoltaic cable designation still encountered in existing solar installations, legacy specifications, procurement requests, and product searches.
Modern projects increasingly reference current photovoltaic cable standards and cable types such as H1Z2Z2-K.
When replacing a PV1-F cable, the complete technical specification should be evaluated instead of assuming that all PV cable types are automatically interchangeable.
PV Array
A PV array is a collection of photovoltaic modules electrically interconnected to produce DC electrical power.
PV Cable
A PV cable is a specialized cable designed for photovoltaic installations.
Typical construction may include a flexible copper conductor, electrical insulation, and a protective outer sheath designed for demanding solar environments.
PV Cable Manufacturer
A PV cable manufacturer produces cables specifically intended for photovoltaic applications.
Buyers evaluating manufacturers should consider production capability, cable construction, standards, certifications, testing, traceability, quality control, customization capability, and technical documentation.
PV Cable Size
PV cable size normally refers to conductor cross-sectional area.
Common metric sizes include 4 mm² and 6 mm², while larger sizes may be required for higher currents, longer distances, or particular system designs.
PV Connector
A PV connector provides a detachable electrical connection between cables and photovoltaic equipment.
Connector compatibility, correct crimping, sealing, polarity, conductor size, and installation quality are essential considerations.
PV DC Cable
A PV DC cable carries direct current generated by solar modules through the DC side of a photovoltaic system.
PV Module
A PV module is a packaged assembly of photovoltaic cells that converts sunlight into DC electricity.
It is commonly referred to as a solar panel.
PV String
A PV string consists of photovoltaic modules electrically connected in series.
Series connections increase the voltage of the string.
PV String Cable
A PV string cable carries the electrical output of a photovoltaic string toward a combiner box, inverter, or other downstream equipment.
PV Wire
PV Wire is a cable designation commonly associated with the North American photovoltaic market.
UL 4703 is the UL Standard for Photovoltaic Wire.
Q
Quality Assurance
Quality assurance, or QA, refers to the processes used to ensure products are consistently designed and manufactured according to specified requirements.
Quality Control
Quality control, or QC, involves inspection and testing activities used to verify that manufactured cables meet defined product requirements.
For PV cable production, QC may include checking dimensions, conductor resistance, material properties, markings, appearance, and other specified characteristics.
R
Rated Current
Rated current describes an electrical current associated with specified operating conditions for a cable, connector, device, or system.
Cable current capability must be evaluated according to the complete installation conditions.
Rated Voltage
Rated voltage indicates the voltage level for which a cable has been designed and evaluated according to its applicable specification.
IEC 62930 covers photovoltaic cable applications with rated DC voltage up to 1.5 kV.
Resistance
Resistance is the opposition to electrical current flow.
Cable resistance is an important factor affecting voltage drop, power loss, and conductor heating.
Rooftop Solar Cable
A rooftop solar cable is PV cable installed as part of a rooftop photovoltaic array.
Because rooftop installations can expose cables to sunlight, heat, moisture, wind, and mechanical contact with structures, correct cable selection and cable management are important.
S
Sheath
A sheath is the external protective material surrounding the internal parts of a cable.
The terms outer sheath and jacket are also commonly used.
Short-Circuit Temperature
Short-circuit temperature refers to the maximum conductor temperature permitted for a limited period during specified short-circuit conditions.
It should not be confused with the cable’s normal continuous operating temperature.
Single-Core Cable
A single-core cable contains one electrical conductor.
PV array DC wiring frequently uses separate single-core cables for positive and negative conductors.
IEC 62930 applies to single-core photovoltaic power cables within its scope.
Solar Array
A solar array is a group of interconnected photovoltaic modules that work together as part of a solar power system.
Solar Cable
A solar cable is an electrical cable used in photovoltaic or solar energy systems.
The term is frequently used commercially to describe dedicated PV DC cable connecting modules, strings, combiner boxes, and inverters.
Solar Cable Connector
A solar cable connector is an electrical connector designed for photovoltaic wiring.
Its electrical rating, contact design, sealing system, conductor compatibility, and installation method should match the PV system requirements.
Solar Cable Manufacturer
A solar cable manufacturer produces cables intended for photovoltaic applications.
Purchasers should evaluate the manufacturer’s standards compliance, certification, conductor materials, insulation and sheath compounds, manufacturing capability, testing systems, and traceability procedures.
Solar Cable Size
Solar cable size typically describes conductor cross-sectional area.
Common searches include 4mm solar cable, 6mm solar cable, 10mm solar cable, 10 AWG solar wire, and 12 AWG solar wire.
Correct cable size must be calculated according to the system rather than selected only from common market sizes.
Solar DC Cable
A solar DC cable carries direct current generated by photovoltaic modules.
It is commonly used between solar modules, strings, combiner boxes, DC distribution equipment, and inverter inputs.
Solar Farm
A solar farm is a large photovoltaic installation containing many modules installed across a substantial area to generate electricity.
Large solar farms may require significant quantities of PV string cable and larger DC power cables.
Solar Panel Cable
A solar panel cable is a general term for the electrical cable connected to or used with photovoltaic modules.
For technical procurement, it is better to specify the required cable standard and construction rather than relying only on the term “solar panel cable.”
Stranded Conductor
A stranded conductor consists of multiple individual conductor wires grouped together.
It is more flexible than a comparable solid conductor and is commonly used in photovoltaic cable construction.
String Inverter
A string inverter converts DC power from one or more photovoltaic strings into AC electricity.
PV string cables typically connect the array circuits to the DC inputs of the inverter.
Sunlight Resistance
Sunlight resistance describes a cable material’s ability to maintain suitable properties after prolonged exposure to solar radiation.
UL specifically identifies sunlight resistance as an important characteristic associated with PV Wire evaluated to UL 4703.
T
Temperature Rating
A temperature rating identifies the operating-temperature limits associated with a cable or material under defined conditions.
Solar cable temperature capability is important because PV cables can experience significant heating during outdoor operation.
Tensile Strength
Tensile strength describes the ability of a material to resist pulling forces before breaking.
It is one of the mechanical characteristics that may be evaluated when assessing cable insulation and sheath materials.
Thermal Aging
Thermal aging refers to changes in cable materials caused by prolonged exposure to heat.
Accelerated aging tests can be used to evaluate how cable compounds retain their properties after exposure to elevated temperature.
Tinned Copper
Tinned copper is copper coated with a thin layer of tin.
Tinned copper strands are widely used in PV cables because the construction combines copper conductivity and flexibility with additional protection of the conductor surface.
Tinned Copper Conductor
A tinned copper conductor consists of copper strands individually coated or treated with tin before being assembled into the conductor.
Flexible tinned copper is frequently found in H1Z2Z2-K and other solar cable constructions.
TÜV Certification
TÜV certification generally refers to product testing and certification performed by a TÜV organization according to specified standards.
In the photovoltaic cable market, buyers frequently encounter TÜV-certified H1Z2Z2-K products manufactured to EN 50618 requirements.
Twin-Core Solar Cable
A twin-core solar cable contains two conductors within a combined cable construction.
It should not automatically be treated as equivalent to the single-core PV cable constructions covered by every photovoltaic cable standard.
The correct product should be selected according to the installation and applicable specification.
U
UL 4703
UL 4703 is the UL Standard for Photovoltaic Wire.
It is an important reference for PV Wire intended for the North American photovoltaic market. UL also highlights sunlight resistance in connection with PV Wire certified to UL 4703.
UV
UV stands for ultraviolet radiation, a component of sunlight that can contribute to degradation of polymer materials.
UV Resistance
UV resistance is the ability of cable insulation or sheath materials to withstand deterioration caused by ultraviolet radiation.
This property is particularly important for PV cables installed outdoors for long periods.
Utility-Scale Solar
Utility-scale solar refers to large photovoltaic power plants designed to generate substantial quantities of electricity for distribution through the electrical grid.
Such projects may require large quantities of PV cable and carefully engineered DC cable networks.
V
Voltage Drop
Voltage drop is the reduction in voltage that occurs as electrical current travels through a conductor.
It is influenced by factors including:
-
Cable resistance
-
Conductor size
-
Cable length
-
Electrical current
-
Conductor material
-
Operating temperature
Excessive voltage drop can increase energy losses in a photovoltaic system.
Voltage Rating
A voltage rating indicates the electrical voltage conditions for which a cable has been designed and evaluated.
The cable rating must be suitable for the maximum voltage conditions of the photovoltaic circuit.
W
Weather Resistance
Weather resistance describes a cable’s ability to maintain suitable performance when exposed to outdoor environmental conditions.
For PV cable applications, this can involve exposure to sunlight, temperature changes, humidity, moisture, rain, ozone, and other environmental influences.
Wet Location
A wet location is an installation environment where electrical equipment or cables may be exposed to water or significant moisture.
Cable suitability for wet locations should be verified according to the applicable cable approval and installation requirements.
Wire Gauge
Wire gauge describes conductor size.
In North America, conductor sizes are frequently expressed using AWG, while international PV cable products are commonly specified in square millimeters.
Z
Zero Halogen
Zero halogen describes materials formulated without halogen-containing compounds as major constituents.
The term is frequently encountered together with low-smoke cable requirements.
Zero-Halogen Solar Cable
A zero-halogen solar cable uses insulation and/or sheath compounds designed to meet specified halogen-related performance requirements.
EN 50618 is associated with low-smoke halogen-free flexible photovoltaic cable construction.
Solar Cable Performance Terms
Abrasion Resistance
Abrasion resistance describes the ability of a cable surface to resist damage caused by rubbing or friction.
Proper cable routing remains important even when the cable has good mechanical resistance.
Aging Resistance
Aging resistance describes how well cable materials maintain their required characteristics over time.
Heat, sunlight, oxygen, ozone, humidity, and mechanical stress can all contribute to material aging.
Chemical Resistance
Chemical resistance is the ability of cable materials to withstand contact with specified chemicals without unacceptable deterioration.
Required chemical resistance depends on the installation environment.
Mechanical Resistance
Mechanical resistance describes the ability of a cable to tolerate mechanical influences such as abrasion, compression, bending, impact, or pulling within its specified limits.
Water Resistance
Water resistance describes the ability of cable construction and materials to maintain required performance when exposed to water or moisture under defined conditions.
PV Cable Manufacturing & Purchasing Terms
Batch Number
A batch number identifies a production batch and supports product traceability.
It can help manufacturers and buyers connect finished cable with manufacturing and quality-control records.
Certificate of Conformity
A Certificate of Conformity is a document stating that a product complies with specified requirements.
The exact meaning and legal value depend on the issuing organization, certification system, market, and applicable standard.
Cable Datasheet
A cable datasheet summarizes important technical information about a product.
For a PV cable, this can include:
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Cable designation
-
Applicable standards
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Certifications
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Conductor material
-
Conductor size
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Insulation material
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Sheath material
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Rated voltage
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Temperature range
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Cable diameter
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Weight
-
Bending radius
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Electrical characteristics
MOQ
MOQ means Minimum Order Quantity.
PV cable manufacturers may establish different MOQs according to cable size, color, packaging, certification, customized printing, or production requirements.
OEM Solar Cable
OEM solar cable refers to photovoltaic cable manufactured with customer-specific branding, markings, packaging, or other agreed specifications.
Routine Test
A routine test is a test carried out as part of regular production or quality-control procedures.
The required routine tests depend on the product and applicable specification.
Sample Approval
Sample approval is the process in which a customer evaluates or approves a product sample before full commercial production or shipment.
