RZ1-K (AS) and N2XH are low-smoke zero-halogen cable families for fixed low-voltage power distribution. Both typically combine copper conductors, XLPE insulation and a halogen-free outer sheath. Their designations, conductor construction and applicable national requirements differ.
RZ1-K (AS) is associated with UNE 21123-4 and uses Class 5 flexible copper. Conventional N2XH typically uses Class 1 solid or Class 2 stranded copper. If a project calls for a flexible N2XH-type variant, identify Class 5 explicitly and agree the designation, standard and documentation before ordering.
Typical LSZH Cable Construction
| Layer | Typical construction |
|---|---|
| Conductor | Annealed copper. Class 5 flexible stranded, Class 1 solid or Class 2 stranded according to the family and selected design. |
| Insulation | XLPE for electrical insulation and thermal performance. |
| Core identification | Confirm colors against the applicable standard and cable schedule. Common options include brown, black, grey, blue and green/yellow. |
| Core assembly | Multicore designs use an assembled core lay-up with fillers and wrapping as required by the construction. |
| Outer sheath | LSZH / LSOH halogen-free compound. Typical construction is unarmoured. Special constructions are subject to engineering review and applicable requirements. |
Material grades, conductor strand structure, insulation and sheath thicknesses, and finished dimensions are specified for the selected configuration.
RZ1-K (AS) and N2XH Technical Specifications
| Parameter | RZ1-K (AS) | N2XH |
|---|---|---|
| Product standard to confirm | UNE 21123-4 and project requirements | Applicable DIN/VDE or HD requirements, such as DIN VDE 0276-604 or HD 604 where specified |
| Rated voltage (U₀/U) | 0.6/1 kV | 0.6/1 kV |
| Conventional conductor | Class 5 flexible copper | Typically Class 1 solid or Class 2 stranded copper |
| Flexible construction | Class 5 is the standard conductor construction | Class 5 can be specified for a project-specific N2XH-type variant |
| Insulation | XLPE | XLPE |
| Outer sheath | LSZH | LSZH |
| Typical installation | Fixed wiring with a flexible conductor | Fixed wiring |
| Maximum conductor temperature | Typically 90°C | Typically 90°C |
| Short-circuit conductor temperature | Typically up to 250°C | Typically up to 250°C |
Confirm the operating temperature and short-circuit duration against the applicable standard and configuration. Where the specification names one family, have the project designer review any proposed substitution against the national requirements and project documents.
Available RZ1-K (AS) Cable Sizes
| Configuration | Conductor cross-section |
|---|---|
| 1 Core | 1.5–630 mm² |
| 2 Core | 1.5–240 mm² |
| 3G | 1.5–16 mm² |
| 3 Core | 16–300 mm² |
| 3+1 Core | 25/16 to 300/150 mm² |
| 4G | 1.5–16 mm² |
| 4 Core | 16–400 mm² |
| 5G | 1.5–240 mm² |
In a core designation, G includes a green/yellow protective earth conductor and X indicates a build without one. 3+1 means three main conductors and one reduced-size conductor, commonly a neutral. Specify the protective earth arrangement separately.
Available N2XH Cable Sizes
| Configuration | Conductor cross-section |
|---|---|
| 1 Core | 4–630 mm² |
| 4 Core | 1.5–400 mm² |
| 5 Core | 1.5–400 mm² |
Additional multicore combinations can be manufactured to project requirements. Specify Class 5 explicitly when requesting a flexible N2XH-type build. For either family, confirm the exact core and size combination, finished dimensions, cable weight, conductor resistance and material thicknesses in the project-specific datasheet.
Applications of RZ1-K and N2XH LSZH Cables
Data Centers
Evaluate these cables for fixed low-voltage feeders serving UPS equipment, distribution boards and power distribution units. Coordinate cable routing, grouping and termination with the electrical room layout.
Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities
Consider LSZH construction for fixed power distribution where smoke and fire performance requirements apply. Specify separate circuit-integrity requirements for essential services where the project requires them.
Airports and Transportation Hubs
Review fixed routes from electrical rooms to distribution equipment in terminal and transport buildings. Confirm the cable fire class and documentation for the route and destination market.
Commercial Buildings
Use the project electrical schedule to specify fixed feeders in offices, shopping centers, hotels and other commercial facilities. Confirm the installation method and building fire requirements.
Power Distribution Facilities
Evaluate fixed connections between switchgear, distribution boards and electrical panels. Check conductor class, termination compatibility and short-circuit duty.
Industrial Infrastructure
Consider LSZH cables for fixed industrial electrical rooms and distribution routes. Where routes encounter water, sunlight, oil, chemicals or mechanical stress, specify those conditions and verify the chosen construction.
How to Select the Right LSZH Cable
| Selection factor | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Electrical load | Confirm rated voltage, design current, route length and allowable voltage drop. Size the conductor for the installed current and short-circuit conditions. |
| Conductor | Specify copper cross-section and Class 1, 2 or 5. Check equipment terminals and lugs for the selected strand construction. |
| Core configuration | Specify phases, neutral cross-section and protective earth separately. Confirm whether the core schedule requires G, X or a reduced neutral. |
| Installation | Identify tray, conduit or other fixed routing. Provide ambient temperature, grouping and derating conditions, environmental exposure, available bend space, and the required installation bending radius. Check suitability separately for outdoor exposure, direct burial and wet conditions. |
| Fire performance | State the required single-cable or bunched-cable flame tests, smoke and halogen limits, and the applicable CPR Euroclass. State any circuit-integrity requirement separately. |
| Documentation | List the product standard and edition, any Declaration of Performance (DoP), test reports and certifications required for the exact build. Give cut lengths and drum lengths for each pull. |
Fire Performance Tests and CPR
| Reference | What it addresses |
|---|---|
| IEC 60332-1-2 | Vertical flame propagation on a single insulated wire or cable. |
| IEC 60332-3-24 | Vertical flame spread on bunched wires or cables under Category C test conditions. This test category is separate from a CPR Euroclass. |
| IEC 61034-1 and IEC 61034-2 | Apparatus, procedure and evaluation for cable smoke density measured by light transmission under defined burning conditions. |
| IEC 60754-1 | Amount of halogen acid gas, excluding hydrofluoric acid, released by combustion of cable materials. |
| IEC 60754-2 | Acidity and conductivity of gases released by combustion of cable materials. |
| EN 50575 / CPR | Reaction-to-fire framework for cables within scope. Verify the applicable classification and declaration for the exact cable variant and market. |
These references identify what to specify and verify. An LSZH compound designation alone establishes neither a CPR Euroclass nor circuit integrity under fire. Confirm test evidence for the selected cable and specify any requirement to maintain operation during fire separately.
RZ1-K vs N2XH
| Project requirement | Selection starting point |
|---|---|
| UNE specification or Class 5 copper for fixed routing | Start with RZ1-K (AS) and confirm the required UNE reference, termination and bend radius. |
| Conventional Class 1 or Class 2 copper for fixed distribution | Start with N2XH when the cable schedule calls for the applicable DIN/VDE or HD designation. |
| N2XH-type cable with Class 5 copper | Specify the variant explicitly. Confirm which project and standard requirements apply to that build. |
| Repeated movement | Define the duty cycle and ask for a separately designed and tested cable for continuous movement or a drag chain. Class 5 describes the conductor, while the complete cable determines movement capability. |
If the schedule specifies a North American tray cable designation, review the TC-ER tray cable and its documented installation scope. For shielded control circuits, review the CVV-S control cable separately from the power feeders.
Customized LSZH Cable Manufacturing
DEV CABLE reviews single-core and multicore construction, copper cross-section and Classes 1, 2 and 5, XLPE insulation and LSZH sheath specifications. We can also review finished dimensions, sheath color, core identification, cable marking and printing, cut lengths, drum lengths, packing and the technical documentation required for the project.
Send the cable schedule or drawing so we can confirm manufacturing feasibility and agree the construction for a standard RZ1-K (AS), conventional N2XH or customized build.
Information Required for a Quotation
Send your cable specifications to DEV CABLE using the quotation form below. Include the following information for each item in the cable schedule.
- Cable family, rated voltage and applicable product standard.
- Core count and arrangement, conductor cross-section and class, and any neutral and protective earth requirements.
- XLPE insulation and LSZH sheath specifications, including color and markings if required.
- Fire test requirements, any CPR Euroclass and supporting documents required for the destination market.
- Installation method, operating and ambient temperatures, and relevant mechanical or environmental conditions.
- Cut lengths, total quantity, reel or drum requirements, packaging and destination country.
- Technical datasheet or drawing, if available.
Every finished cable length undergoes 100% electrical continuity testing before shipment. Define any additional acceptance tests separately in the project specification.
Frequently Asked Questions About LSZH Cables
What is an LSZH cable?
LSZH means low smoke zero halogen. It describes cable materials selected to limit smoke and halogen acid gas release under specified conditions. Verify the required tests on the proposed construction.
What is the difference between RZ1-K and N2XH cable?
Both typically use XLPE insulation and an LSZH sheath. RZ1-K (AS) uses Class 5 flexible copper and is associated with UNE 21123-4. Conventional N2XH typically uses Class 1 or Class 2 copper and a different product specification.
Are LSZH cables suitable for data centers?
They can be specified for fixed low-voltage distribution in data centers when the selected cable meets the electrical design, installation and fire performance requirements for the route.
What is the rated voltage of RZ1-K and N2XH?
The cable families described here are rated 0.6/1 kV (U₀/U). Send other voltage requirements for review against the applicable standard and project specification.
What sizes can DEV CABLE manufacture?
Across the two families, DEV CABLE covers 1.5–630 mm². Use the separate size tables to identify the available range for your cable family and core arrangement.
Can DEV CABLE manufacture customized LSZH cables?
Yes. Specify conductor class and size, core arrangement, insulation, sheath, colors, markings, lengths and packing. We review the final design and documentation for the order.
What is the difference between LSZH and PVC cable?
The materials differ. LSZH compounds are formulated to limit smoke and halogen acid gas release under specified test conditions. PVC cable performance depends on its formulation and specification. Compare evidence for the complete cables against the project’s requirements.
Can DEV CABLE provide CPR-certified LSZH cables?
Include the required Euroclass, destination and documents in the RFQ. DEV CABLE can review whether the selected construction has the supporting classification evidence and declaration required for that project.
Is RZ1-K (AS) a fire-resistant cable?
RZ1-K (AS) is a low-smoke halogen-free designation with specified flame performance. Circuit integrity during fire is a separate requirement. State the required circuit-integrity test and duration when the cable must maintain service in a fire.
