You are replacing the cord on a pendant fitting, or running a short tail from a fused connection unit to a lamp cluster, and the cable you want is marked H03VV-F 3G1.5. What does that code actually mean, does the 1.5 mm² cross-section fit the standard, and where does this cable stop being the right choice?
This guide covers the RP 3G1.5 white PVC flex sold on Lynk.gr, based on the harmonised standard EN 50525-2-11, the Greek national standard ELOT 563.5, and the Nexans Greece product specification for H03VV-F cable. There are no owner reviews to report. This is a commodity cable and this guide is about specification and selection.
What the code on the cable tells you
The designation "H03VV-F 3G1.5" is a standardised code from EN 50525-2-11, not a brand name. Each element carries a precise meaning:
| Code element | What it means |
|---|---|
| H | Harmonised: the cable meets a single European standard recognised in all EU member states |
| 03 | Voltage class: the 300/300-volt series, rated at that voltage between conductor and earth and between any two conductors |
| 05 | The next voltage class: 300/500-volt series. Same PVC construction, higher rated voltage |
| VV | PVC insulation on each conductor, PVC outer sheath |
| F | Flexible: Class 5 fine-stranded copper conductors per IEC 60228, designed to flex without fatigue |
| 3G | Three conductors including a protective earth (the green/yellow wire) |
| 1.5 | Nominal cross-section of 1.5 mm² per conductor |
One practical note on the designation: EN 50525-2-11 defines H03VV-F in conductor sizes of 0.5 mm² and 0.75 mm². The 1.5 mm² cross-section falls within the H05VV-F designation (300/500-volt series). The physical cable in this listing has a 1.5 mm² cross-section. Before specifying it in a regulated fixed installation, check the markings printed on the sheath and verify the designation matches your project requirement. A note has been added for the product record to be reviewed.
Which cross-section to choose
Match the cross-section to the current drawn by the appliance or fitting. Too small and the conductor warms under sustained load. Too large and the cable becomes stiff and may not route through standard grommets or cord-grip fittings sized for smaller outer diameters.
| Cross-section | Suited for | Not suited for |
|---|---|---|
| 0.5 mm² | Decorative light strings, table lamps with a single low-wattage bulb | Any sustained load beyond a few watts |
| 0.75 mm² | Floor lamps, desk fans, radios, most table and bedside lamps, small office appliances | Appliances with motor or heating loads |
| 1.5 mm² | Pendant fittings wired for multiple luminaires, heavier appliance replacement leads | Fixed wiring inside walls or conduit |
Replacing the cord on a lamp that holds one bulb? The 0.75 mm² two-core variant is the right choice for a Class II (double-insulated) fitting without an earth connection. The 1.5 mm² three-core is the correct size when you are feeding a pendant cluster from a fused spur, or when the appliance manufacturer specifies this cross-section in the product wiring instructions.
What this cable is not for
H-series flexible PVC cable is made for indoor use under low mechanical stress. The limits below come from EN 50525-2-11 and are not discretionary.
Do not use it outdoors. The PVC sheath has no UV stabiliser and degrades within months of direct sunlight exposure. Do not connect it to cooking or heating appliances: the insulation is rated for continuous operation up to 70 degrees Celsius, which leaves no margin near a hotplate, oven, or immersion heater. Do not run it inside walls, floor screed, or conduit. Flexible appliance cable is not approved for fixed wiring. Use NYM-J for clipped or conduit installations, or H07V-U single-core in conduit, and follow the applicable Greek electrical installation standard.
During installation, keep the bending radius to at least 6 times the overall outside diameter of the cable. Tighter repeated bends fatigue the fine copper strands inside the insulation. The failure is invisible from the outside until the conductor breaks under load.
What we stock
The RP range on Lynk.gr is sold per metre with a 10 m minimum cut. Current stock includes two variants:
- RP 3G1.5, white, three-core with earth, 1.5 mm² (this guide)
- RP 2G0.75, white, two-core, 0.75 mm² for Class II lamp fittings without an earth connection
For cable with connectors already fitted, the Power & Mains Cables collection carries ready-made Schuko and IEC leads in various lengths.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use this cable outdoors?
No. EN 50525-2-11 restricts H-series flexible PVC cable to indoor or permanently sheltered use. The PVC sheath has no UV resistance and will crack and harden within months of direct sun exposure.
What is the minimum order?
10 m. The cable is priced and sold per metre, so you pay for exactly the length you order above the 10 m minimum. Lynk.gr cuts to order.
Can I connect multiple appliances to one run of this cable?
No. Flexible appliance cable is rated as a single point-to-point connection between a supply and one appliance or fitting. For multi-way distribution, use a fused multi-way adaptor or a properly rated extension strip.
What are the conductor colours inside?
Standard IEC colour coding for earthed three-core flex: brown for line (live), blue for neutral, and green/yellow for the protective earth conductor.
Can I use 3G1.5 flex inside a wall?
No. Flexible PVC cable is not approved for fixed wiring inside walls, conduit, or floor screed. Use an installation cable rated for the wiring method, such as NYM-J 3G1.5 for clipped or conduit runs, and comply with the applicable Greek electrical installation standard (HD 60364).
Is the 0.75 mm² two-core also available?
Yes. The RP 2G0.75 white flex is in stock, sold per metre from a 10 m minimum. It suits Class II (double-insulated) lamp fittings where no earth connection is needed.
