What do the colours of power cables mean?

The colours of power cables identify the function of each core. In a modern cable, green-yellow is the protective earth (PE), which safely carries fault currents to ground. Blue is the neutral conductor (N), which returns current to the source. Brown, black or grey are the live/phase conductors (L1, L2, L3), which carry the supply and are live. For three-phase 400 V supply, a 5-core cable uses green-yellow, blue plus brown, black and grey. In old buildings the coding may differ, so never rely on colour alone — always verify with a two-pole voltage tester before any work.

What is a power cable in English?

The German term "Stromkabel" translates directly to "power cable" in English. A power cable is an insulated assembly of one or more copper conductors used to transmit electrical energy from a source to a consumer. In English-speaking event technology the term covers everything from flexible H07RN-F rubber cable and schuko extension leads to CEE power feeds and locking Powercon connections. It is distinct from signal cables such as DMX or audio lines, which carry control data or low-voltage signals rather than mains power. At LTT you find power cables built specifically for professional stage, lighting and PA use.

Which power cable plug or connector do I need?

The right plug for a power cable depends on the load and the application. For everyday single-phase devices up to around 16 A, a schuko plug is sufficient — ideal for lighting stands, fog machines and small PA setups. For higher single-phase loads or distribution, use a blue CEE plug (16 A/32 A). For three-phase 400 V supply to dimmer racks and large PA systems, use a red CEE plug (16 A/32 A/63 A). On lighting fixtures and active speakers, locking Powercon connectors from Neutrik prevent accidental disconnection on stage. Match the connector rating to your total current draw to stay safe.

What is a 3x1.5 power cable used for?

A 3x1.5 power cable has three cores with a 1.5 mm² cross-section: protective earth, neutral and one phase. It is rated for single-phase loads up to roughly 16 A, which makes it a common choice for lighting connections, fog machines, smaller PA components and general extension cables in event technology. In the flexible H07RN-F rubber version (often written as 3G1.5), it withstands the constant movement and coiling of mobile stage work. For heavier loads or longer runs you should step up to 2.5 mm² to avoid overheating and voltage drop. Always check the marking and the device's power rating before use.

Which power cable comes with a plug?

Ready-made power cables that come with a plug are typically schuko extension cables and CEE leads. A schuko extension cable has a moulded plug at one end and a coupler at the other, ready to connect single-phase devices straight away — perfect for lighting stands and effect machines. CEE cables come fitted with blue (single-phase) or red (three-phase) CEE plugs and couplers for higher loads. Powercon cables are pre-fitted with locking connectors for daisy-chaining fixtures. Cable sold per metre or on a drum, by contrast, usually comes without connectors, so you fit the appropriate plug yourself or have it terminated by a qualified person.

What is the difference between NYM-J and NYY-J cables?

The difference between NYM-J and NYY-J cables lies in where they are designed to be installed. NYM-J is a grey PVC-sheathed installation cable intended for permanent indoor use, such as wiring in dry rooms and walls. NYY-J is a black PVC-sheathed cable built for underground burial and outdoor installation, with a more robust sheath that resists moisture and mechanical stress. Both use solid copper conductors and are rigid, making them unsuitable for mobile event work. For touring, stages and rental, you should instead use flexible H07RN-F rubber cable, which is built for repeated coiling and movement.

How do I find the right power cable for my application?

To find the right power cable, start with the application: mobile event use calls for flexible H07RN-F rubber cable, while permanent installation uses rigid NYM or NYY cable. Next, calculate the total current draw of all connected devices and choose the cross-section accordingly — 1.5 mm² for light loads, 2.5 mm² and up for heavier loads. Decide between single-phase (3-core, schuko) and three-phase 400 V (5-core, CEE) supply, and pick weatherproof IP-rated connectors for outdoor events. Finally, increase the cross-section for long runs to avoid voltage drop. The cable marking confirms the type, core count and cross-section.

Why are cable markings such as NYM, NYY or H07RN-F important?

Cable markings such as NYM, NYY and H07RN-F are important because they tell you the cable's construction, intended use and rating at a glance. The type code reveals the sheath material and application: NYM for indoor installation, NYY for underground use and H07RN-F for flexible event cable. Alongside the type code, the marking shows the number of cores and the cross-section in mm², for example 5G2.5. Reading these markings correctly ensures you select a cable that matches the load, the environment and the connector type. Choosing the wrong cable risks overheating, cable fire and unsafe installations, so the markings are a key safety reference.

Power cables

Top seller

TITANEX Gummikabel H07RN-F 3x2,5mm² Preis pro lfm.

€2.69 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Express delivery possible

Availability:

Delivery time: 1-3 days

Delivery time: 1-3 days

TITANEX Gummikabel H07RN-F 5x2,5mm² Preis per lfm.

€3.79 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Express delivery possible

Availability:

Delivery time: 1-3 days

Delivery time: 1-3 days

TITANEX Gummikabel H07RN-F 3x1,5mm² Preis pro lfm.

€1.53 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Express delivery possible

Availability:

Delivery time: 1-3 days

Delivery time: 1-3 days

TITANEX Gummikabel H07RN-F 5x4mm² Preis per lfm.

€5.60 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Express delivery possible

Availability:

Delivery time: 1-3 days

Delivery time: 1-3 days

TITANEX Gummikabel H07RN-F 5x16mm² Preis per lfm.

TITANEX Rubber Cable H07RN-F 5x16mm² – Price per linear meter

€22.60 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Express delivery possible

Availability:

Delivery time: 1-3 days

Delivery time: 1-3 days

TITANEX Gummikabel H07RN-F 5x1,5mm² Preis pro lfm.

€2.79 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Express delivery possible

Availability:

Delivery time: 1-3 days

Delivery time: 1-3 days

TITANEX Gummikabel H07RN-F 5x6mm² Preis per lfm.

€8.75 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Express delivery possible

Availability:

Delivery time: 1-3 days

Delivery time: 1-3 days

DAP 240V Stromkabel Multi 18x1,5mm2, Schwarz (P1815) Preis pro m

DAP-Audio 240 V Power Multicable, Black Price per metre - 18x 1.5 mm² (P1815)

€7.50 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

25 Articles

Filter

2 From 2 pages

No results were found for the filter!

ISOLED Kabel PUR-ummantelt, schwarz, 5x0,5mm² H05BQ-F, Meterware

ISOLED PUR coated cable, black, 5x0,5mm² H05BQ-F, sold by the meter

ISOLED PUR coated cable, black, 5x0,5mm² H05BQ-F, sold by the meter : Length: 1000 mm • Diameter: 6 mm • Net weight: 49 g • Protection class: IP20 • Material: Plastic...

€8.59 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Currently not available

2 From 2 pages

Facts

Power Cables from the Event Technology Specialist – Overview: Power cables are the backbone of every stage, every lighting rig and every PA system — and at LTT you find exactly the cables that hold up to the daily demands of professional event work. Whether you need flexible rubber-sheathed cable for mobile setups, CEE power distribution for a festival stage or schuko extension cables for the club, here you connect your equipment safely and... Read more »

Viewed