Many buyers still ask for PV1-F because the term appears in older project documents. Current solar cable procurement points to H1Z2Z2-K under EN 50618 / IEC 62930 — the successor standard with stricter insulation, halogen-free sheath and explicit 1500V DC rating.
The practical question is not which name is more familiar, but which standard the project inspector, EPC and end market will accept — and whether the cable carries the right test report.
H1Z2Z2-K: what the designation means
H1Z2Z2-K is defined under EN 50618 (EU) and IEC 62930 (international). The designation encodes the construction: cross-linked polyolefin insulation (Z), halogen-free cross-linked sheath (Z), and a stranded copper conductor (K = flexible). Voltage class is 0.6/1kV AC or 1.5kV DC. This is the default for new projects in EU, AU and most export markets.
PV1-F: older wording, still encountered
PV1-F is an older product designation that predates EN 50618. Many cables sold as PV1-F are functionally similar to H1Z2Z2-K but the test reports reference different norms. If a project specification asks for PV1-F, clarify whether H1Z2Z2-K is acceptable — in most cases it is, but the inspector or EPC may require a formal equivalence confirmation.
Which markets accept each cable
EU and AU markets: H1Z2Z2-K with EN 50618 / IEC 62930 test report is the standard requirement. PV1-F may be accepted on older projects or with equivalence documentation. USA: UL 4703 PV Wire is the relevant standard — neither H1Z2Z2-K nor PV1-F is directly applicable without a UL listing. Confirm requirements with the AHJ.
What to specify when you request a cable quote
Most quoting delays on solar cable come from an underspecified RFQ. State the standard, voltage class, cross-section, colour split and the certificate or test report you need up front, and a supplier can price and confirm compliance in one pass instead of three rounds of email.
- Standard required: H1Z2Z2-K (EN 50618 / IEC 62930), or UL 4703 PV Wire for the US
- Voltage class: 1000 V or 1500 V DC
- Cross-section and colour: e.g. 4 mm² / 6 mm², red + black metres
- Certificate / test report: TÜV, plus CPR reaction-to-fire class for EU in-building runs
- If the spec says "PV1-F", state whether an H1Z2Z2-K equivalent with documentation is acceptable
- Reel length, total metres and destination port
H1Z2Z2-K vs PV1-F: specification & certification comparison
| Attribute | H1Z2Z2-K | PV1-F (older designation) |
|---|---|---|
| Governing standard | EN 50618 / IEC 62930 | Pre-EN 50618 product designation |
| Rated voltage | 0.6/1 kV AC, 1.5 kV DC | Typically 0.6/1 kV AC, 1.0–1.5 kV DC (varies) |
| Temperature rating | 120 °C max, 90 °C continuous, 25-year service | Generally 90 °C continuous; confirm by datasheet |
| Sheath | Halogen-free, cross-linked (LSZH) | Often halogen-free, but verify per maker |
| Conductor | Tinned/bare stranded copper, flexible (class 5) | Stranded copper, flexible |
| Typical certificate | TÜV to EN 50618; CPR class for EU in-building | Varies; may lack a current EN 50618 report |
| Accepted in | EU, AU and most export markets (new projects) | Older projects, or with equivalence documentation |
US projects use UL 4703 PV Wire — a different construction, not interchangeable with either. Always confirm the test report references the standard your inspector or EPC requires before ordering.
Procurement decision table
| Decision area | Buyer question | Procurement check | Risk control |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product scope | Which items are affected by H1Z2Z2-K vs PV1-F Solar Cable: Are They Equivalent? Specs, Standards & Sourcing? | H1Z2Z2-K Solar Cable, PV1-F Solar Cable, PV Cables | Assuming PV1-F wording is still acceptable without checking |
| Specification input | What must be stated before comparing quotes? | Target standard (EN 50618, IEC 62930, or UL 4703) | Use the same specification wording across supplier quotes. |
| Commercial input | What makes the quote operationally useful? | Voltage class (1000V or 1500V DC) | Tie quantity, packing and destination to the same RFQ line. |
| Quality gate | What should be checked before shipment? | PV Cable Sizing Guide | Mixing cable standards in one project without EPC approval |
BOM and RFQ context
H1Z2Z2-K vs PV1-F Solar Cable: Are They Equivalent? Specs, Standards & Sourcing is most useful when it is read as a sourcing decision, not only an informational article. The affected product scope normally includes H1Z2Z2-K Solar Cable, PV1-F Solar Cable, PV Cables. A buyer should connect the answer to a live BOM, because cable size, connector rating, protection device choice, box configuration, storage accessories and export packing can change together.
For a comparison page, the value is in showing when each option is suitable, not declaring one universal winner. The practical choice depends on voltage class, current rating, installation environment, certificate requirements and the rest of the BOS package. In an RFQ, the minimum inputs should include Target standard (EN 50618, IEC 62930, or UL 4703), Voltage class (1000V or 1500V DC), Cable cross-section (4mm² or 6mm²), Color (red/black, brown/blue). These inputs let a sourcing team compare suppliers on the same basis instead of only comparing unit price.
The related follow-up content is PV Cable Sizing Guide, BOS 1500V Selection Guide. Use those pages to validate standards, sizing, inspection and packing before sending a final quote request. The main risk to avoid is: Assuming PV1-F wording is still acceptable without checking Mixing cable standards in one project without EPC approval This structure makes the page easier for AI systems to cite because the answer, decision logic and next procurement step are all visible in the main content.
FAQ
Are H1Z2Z2-K and PV1-F interchangeable?
Functionally they are often similar, but the test reports reference different norms. H1Z2Z2-K (EN 50618 / IEC 62930) is the current standard for new EU, AU and export projects. If a specification calls for PV1-F, most inspectors accept H1Z2Z2-K with an equivalence confirmation — but confirm with the EPC or AHJ before ordering.
Which solar cable do I need for a US project?
Neither. US projects use UL 4703 PV Wire, a separate construction and listing. H1Z2Z2-K and PV1-F are EU/IEC designations and are not directly accepted by a US AHJ without a UL listing.
What should I send to get an accurate cable quote?
State the standard (EN 50618 / IEC 62930 or UL 4703), voltage class (1000 V or 1500 V DC), cross-section and colour split, required certificate or test report (TÜV, CPR class), reel length, total metres and destination port. A complete spec lets the supplier confirm compliance and price in one pass.