What Is XLPE Cable? PVC vs XLPE, the 2X Code and Uses
An XLPE cable has cores insulated with cross-linked polyethylene. It is rated for up to 90 °C continuously and 250 °C for up to 5 s in a short circuit, so it carries more current than a PVC-insulated cable of the same size.
XLPE (cross-linked polyethylene) is an insulation material made by linking polyethylene molecules with chemical bonds. Unlike PVC, which softens and flows again when heated, the cross-linked structure does not melt and keeps its shape at high temperature. XLPE-insulated cables can therefore run at a higher conductor temperature and carry more current at the same cross-section.
What does 2X mean in a cable code?
In VDE-based cable codes, 2X means the core insulation is XLPE, while Y means PVC. It is read together with the other letters:
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| N2XH | VDE standard cable, copper conductor (no letter), XLPE insulation, halogen-free outer sheath |
| NA2XH | Aluminum conductor, XLPE insulation, halogen-free outer sheath |
| N2XSY | XLPE insulation, copper screen (S), PVC outer sheath; medium voltage |
| NA2XSY | N2XSY with aluminum conductor |
| NYY | For comparison: PVC insulation, PVC outer sheath |
All letters are explained on the cable type code decoder page.
Difference between XLPE and PVC
The temperature values below come from the product data sheets on the site, and the current values from the IEC 60364-5-52 reference table (copper conductor, 3 loaded conductors, 30 °C ambient, single circuit).
| Property | XLPE insulation | PVC insulation |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum continuous conductor temperature | 90 °C | 70 °C |
| Short-circuit temperature (5 s at most) | 250 °C | 160 °C (up to 300 mm²) |
| Current, 16 mm², clipped direct (method C) | 96 A | 76 A |
| Current, 16 mm², in conduit or trunking (method B2) | 80 A | 62 A |
| Current, 95 mm², clipped direct (method C) | 278 A | 223 A |
Our low-voltage products are rated 0.6/1 kV with either insulation. The gap widens in hot surroundings: with the IEC 60364-5-52 ambient temperature correction factors (at 50 °C, PVC 0.71 and XLPE 0.82), a 16 mm² cable clipped direct carries about 79 A with XLPE and 54 A with PVC. For your own conditions, choose the XLPE · 90 °C insulation class in the cable ampacity calculator.
Is XLPE cable halogen-free?
Not necessarily. XLPE itself contains no halogens, but a cable counts as halogen-free only if all its insulating materials, including sheath and fillers, are halogen-free. The letter H in N2XH and NA2XH indicates a halogen-free outer sheath. The Y in N2XSY and NA2XSY shows the outer sheath is PVC, so the cable contains halogens. Where halogen-free cable is required, check the letter H in the code and the halogen-content and smoke-density tests in the product data sheet.
Which XLPE cable is used where?
- N2XH: N2XH cables are 0.6/1 kV copper power cables with a halogen-free sheath, used for indoor installations in buildings with many occupants.
- N2XH FE180: N2XH FE180 cables are designed for 180 minutes of insulation integrity in a fire (IEC 60331) and are used for emergency circuits. Circuit integrity in a building (E30/E90) requires the cable to be tested together with an approved support system.
- NA2XH: NA2XH aluminum cables are a lighter and more economical option than copper for large feeders; the same current needs a larger cross-section. Aluminum conductors must be connected with lugs and terminals rated for aluminum or Al/Cu use, following the manufacturer's tightening torque.
- N2XSY and NA2XSY: all products in the medium-voltage cables category are XLPE-insulated; their data sheets give a rated voltage of 20.3/35 kV (Uo/U).
The differences between PVC-insulated NYY cables and N2XH are compared separately in the NYY versus N2XH guide.
What to check when choosing XLPE cable
- Cross-section: find a first size from load current, breaker rating and run length in the cable size calculator with XLPE insulation selected. On long runs, voltage drop may set the size.
- Terminal temperature: many breakers, fuses and terminal blocks are tested with 70 °C conductors. Unless the connected equipment is explicitly rated for 90 °C, use the 70 °C (PVC) current rating at the terminal.
- Short-circuit withstand: for copper conductors and faults lasting 0.1 to 5 seconds, the size is checked with the adiabatic approximation S ≥ I × √t / k, where k is 143 for XLPE and 115 for PVC (up to 300 mm²). For example, a 10 kA fault cleared in 0.1 seconds needs at least 22.1 mm² with XLPE (standard size 25 mm²) and at least 27.5 mm² with PVC (standard size 35 mm²). For faster circuit breakers and fuses, the check uses the I²t value from the protective device manufacturer's data.
- Installation: for buried, duct or tray installation, use the manufacturer's current table and correction factors.
Frequently asked questions
What temperature can XLPE cable withstand?
In our product data sheets, XLPE-insulated cables have a maximum continuous conductor temperature of 90 °C and a short-circuit temperature of 250 °C for at most 5 seconds. For PVC-insulated cables these values are 70 °C and 160 °C (up to 300 mm²).
What does 2X mean?
The 2X in a cable code means the core insulation is cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE). In N2XH, for example, 2X is the XLPE insulation and H the halogen-free outer sheath.
Is XLPE or PVC better?
XLPE carries more current at the same size and withstands short circuits better, so it is preferred for high-power feeders and is the standard insulation for medium-voltage cables. At low voltage, the right choice depends on the installation location, the fire specification (halogen-free), the connected equipment and cost.