Nov. 13, 2026
Project procurement guide.
A layer description and a model designation serve different purposes. CU/XLPE/SWA/PVC describes materials and armour in sequence. YJV, N2XY, CV and CXV are names used within particular product and market conventions. Similar-looking descriptions are a reason to compare datasheets, not proof that cables can be substituted.
A CU XLPE SWA PVC cable supplier should translate the shorthand into a full construction: copper conductor, XLPE insulation, steel wire armour and PVC sheath. Confirm the remaining dimensions and layers on the drawing.
Ask the CU XLPE SWA PVC cable supplier for the conductor class, every core size and the applicable product standard. The shorthand is a useful starting description, not a complete purchase specification.
Compare a CU XLPE SWA PVC cable supplier against the approved installation and document requirements. Do not treat a different armour or sheath as equivalent merely because the voltage and nominal area match.
Send the CU XLPE SWA PVC cable supplier the complete cable schedule and identify any allowed alternatives. Request a quotation that repeats the approved construction and lists deviations explicitly.
| Element | Common meaning in the stated construction |
|---|---|
| CU or Cu | Copper conductor |
| AL or Al | Aluminium conductor |
| XLPE | Cross-linked polyethylene insulation |
| SWA | Steel wire armour |
| STA | Steel tape armour |
| PVC at the end | PVC outer sheath in this sequence |
Thus CU/XLPE/SWA/PVC identifies a copper, XLPE-insulated, steel-wire-armoured, PVC-sheathed construction. AL/XLPE/STA/PVC identifies an aluminium, XLPE-insulated, steel-tape-armoured, PVC-sheathed construction. Neither shorthand specifies voltage, every core size, conductor class, dimensions or all test requirements.
CADIVI’s CXV product page identifies a copper/XLPE/PVC construction and its applicable standards. Thai Yazaki’s catalogue includes CV constructions with stated ratings and features. Nexans Perú’s N2XY listing provides a separate manufacturer’s product specification. These references demonstrate why the datasheet behind the name matters; they are not certificates of equivalence between brands.
| Equivalence check | Evidence to compare |
|---|---|
| Voltage | U0/U and intended system |
| Conductor | Material, class, shape, area and resistance requirements |
| Layers | Insulation, bedding, armour, screens and sheath |
| Dimensions | Thicknesses, overall diameter and mass |
| Performance | Thermal, environmental and specified fire tests |
| Acceptance | Contract standard, destination requirements and written project approval |
When a BOQ specifies N2XY, CV or CXV and a supplier proposes YJV, request a side-by-side technical comparison. The offer should identify differences and provide the proposed datasheet, test evidence and standard. A bare statement that the product is “equivalent” leaves too much unresolved.
Do not rewrite the buyer’s requested designation on the order until the authorised technical reviewer accepts the alternative. If the design remains uncertain, quote the proposal as conditional and maintain the original requirement in the clarification record.
The shorthand identifies conductor, insulation, armour and sheath materials: copper/XLPE/steel wire/PVC or aluminium/XLPE/steel tape/PVC. Add voltage, core sizes, conductor class and the applicable standard to complete the specification.
Do not assume interchangeability from model names. Compare conductor, insulation, sheath, voltage, dimensions, applicable standards and required tests; obtain technical approval for any proposed substitution.
No. They describe different armour forms.
No. Confirm product details, any additional standard or test requirements, and project acceptance.
Keep the LV cable enquiry linked to the approved specification revision. Ask for the proposed LV cable datasheet before comparing commercial offers. Record any LV cable substitution as a separate item for technical approval.
Browse the 0.6/1kV low voltage power cable range and send Honglin Cable your project enquiry. Include the approved LV cable schedule, standard, conductor, core sizes, construction, total metres and destination. Attach the requested model datasheet and identify whether alternatives are permitted. Ask for a specification-specific datasheet and a written quotation confirming available construction, minimum quantity, production lead time and delivery scope.
Next chapter:
5 Core 70mm2 vs 3x70+2x35 Cable: Specify Every Core
