Cable guide
H07V-U vs H07V-R vs H07V-K: Which Single-Core Wire to Use
All three are the same 450/750 V PVC-insulated single-core wire. The last letter tells you the conductor: U is solid, R is stranded and K is flexible. That one difference decides where each wire belongs.
Updated 12 November 2026
Reading the code
H07V-U is a harmonised cable code under the CENELEC designation system (HD 361). Each part of the code describes one property:
- H: harmonised type, made to a European standard (today EN 50525-2-31).
- 07: rated voltage 450/750 V. 05 means 300/500 V and 03 means 300/300 V.
- V: PVC insulation. A second V, as in H05VV-F, means a PVC sheath.
- U, R or K: the conductor. U is solid, R is stranded and K is flexible, for fixed installation. F, as in H05VV-F, is a flexible conductor in a flexible cord.
IEC 60227 lists the same wires as 60227 IEC 01 (H07V-U and H07V-R) and 60227 IEC 02 (H07V-K).
Side by side
| Feature | H07V-U | H07V-R | H07V-K |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conductor | Solid copper, class 1 | Stranded copper, class 2 | Fine-stranded flexible copper, class 5 |
| Usual sizes | Small sizes, typically 1.5–10 mm² | Any size; the usual choice above 10 mm² | Typically 1.5–240 mm² |
| Rated voltage | 450/750 V | 450/750 V | 450/750 V |
| Max. conductor temperature | 70 °C | 70 °C | 70 °C |
| Handling | Stiff; holds its shape | Easier to bend than solid in the larger sizes | Bends easily; suits tight routing |
| Typical use | Lighting and socket circuits in conduit | Larger circuits and sub-mains in conduit or trunking | Panels, switchgear and equipment wiring |
| Termination | Straight into screw terminals | Lugs or terminals rated for stranded wire | Ferrules recommended in screw terminals |
| Chinese code | BV | BV (stranded) | RV |
Which one to choose
- Lighting and socket circuits pulled through conduit: H07V-U in 1.5, 2.5 and 4 mm² is the usual choice. Some installers prefer H07V-R in the same sizes because it pulls round bends more easily.
- Larger circuits, sub-mains and earthing conductors above 10 mm²: H07V-R. Solid conductors are not usually made that large.
- Distribution boards, control panels and switchgear: H07V-K. It follows tight bends and fits neatly in the wiring ducts inside a panel.
- Wiring inside machines and equipment that vibrates: H07V-K.
- Anything that moves in use, such as an appliance lead: none of the three. Use a sheathed flexible cord such as H05VV-F.
Where non-sheathed wire must not go
H07V wires have insulation but no sheath. Run them in conduit or trunking, or inside the enclosure of a panel or appliance. Do not bury them directly, fix them exposed on a wall or use them as a flexible lead; those jobs need a sheathed cable or cord.
For hot locations, such as wiring near light fittings, heaters or motors, H07V2-K uses a heat-resistant PVC rated for a conductor temperature of 90 °C.
Colours
Each wire has one insulation colour. Under IEC 60445, brown, black and grey are line conductors, blue is neutral and green-and-yellow is protective earth. Order the colour split by circuit, and keep green-and-yellow for earth only.
Cable standards and colour guideOrdering
For a quote, send the type, size, colour split, quantity in metres or coils, and the destination port. If your inspector expects a particular mark or certificate, name it in the enquiry: the code describes how the wire is built, while the mark and certificate show it was tested for your market.
Send us your cable listFAQ
Is H07V-U the same as BV wire?
They follow the same IEC type, 60227 IEC 01. BV is the Chinese code (GB/T 5023) and covers both solid and stranded conductors; H07V-U is the European code for the solid version. The marking printed on the wire and the certification differ by market.
Is H07V-K the same as H05V-K?
No. H07V-K is rated 450/750 V for fixed installation. H05V-K is rated 300/500 V and is meant for the internal wiring of equipment, usually in small sizes. In IEC 60227 they are type 02 and type 06.
Can I use H07V-K instead of H07V-U?
In most fixed installations, yes, if the size and voltage rating are the same and your local rules allow it. Flexible wire costs more and should be terminated with ferrules. If the specification names H07V-U, check with the designer first.
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