What is the difference between NYY and N2XH cables?
Learn the differences in insulation, outer sheath and fire behavior between NYY and N2XH cables; compare the information to check when selecting.
What is the main difference between NYY and N2XH?
| Criterion | NYY (YVV) Cable | N2XH Cable | N2XH FE180 Cable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insulation and Sheath | PVC insulation, black PVC outer sheath | XLPE insulation, halogen-free (HFFR) outer sheath | Mica tape + XLPE insulation, HFFR outer sheath |
| Fire and Smoke Behavior | Emits dense smoke and corrosive halogen gas when burning | Low smoke density, halogen-free (LSZH) | Low smoke, halogen-free with circuit integrity under fire (IEC 60331) |
| Typical Application | Underground, cable tray and outdoor power distribution | High-occupancy buildings, hospitals, malls and indoor installations | Emergency lighting, fire pumps, smoke extraction and alarm circuits |
| Category Link | NYY Cables | N2XH Cables | N2XH FE180 Cables |
NYY uses PVC insulation and a PVC outer sheath. N2XH, on the other hand, stands out with its halogen-free, low-smoke construction. For both types, the correct cross-section and number of cores must be selected separately.
Does N2XH keep working during a fire?
The N2XH name alone does not guarantee this. If circuit integrity under fire is required, the relevant test and endurance class must be stated explicitly in the datasheet. The guide Is halogen-free cable fire-resistant? explains this distinction.
Can N2XH be used instead of NYY at the same cross-section?
The decision cannot be made by looking at the cross-section alone. Rated voltage, current capacity, installation environment and project requirements must be compared. Suitability for outdoor or underground use is verified from the product's datasheet.
Which cable should I choose?
Make the selection according to the project's insulation and fire performance requirements. See the low voltage cables; for sizing, use the cable selection guide.
Manufacturer sources
- Prysmian NYY technical description
- Prysmian N2XH technical description
- Prysmian N2XH FE180 technical description
Frequently asked questions
Can N2XH cable replace NYY cable in direct underground burial?
Standard N2XH cables are primarily designed for indoor cable trays, risers and protective conduits; while they can be pulled through sealed underground ducts free of standing water, heavy PVC-sheathed NYY remains the standard choice for direct burial in soil.
Why does an N2XH cable have a higher current rating than an NYY cable of the same cross-section?
N2XH uses XLPE (cross-linked polyethylene) core insulation rated for 90 °C continuous conductor temperature, whereas NYY uses PVC insulation rated for 70 °C, giving N2XH a higher ampacity and short-circuit thermal withstand for the same copper size.
What do the -J and -O suffixes mean in N2XH-J and N2XH-O?
-J indicates that the cable includes a green/yellow protective earth (PE) core, while -O indicates that the cable does not include a green/yellow core.