NF C standard for electrical cable
THE NF C standards electrical cables are French technical standards developed by AFNOR to guarantee safety, the reliability and conformity of electrical installations. An NF C compliant cable or an NF C certified cable meets strict performance requirements, of mechanical resistance, fire protection and sustainability.
These standards cover a wide range of applications : low voltage cables, medium voltage cables, NF C LSZH cables (halogen-free) for fire safety, as well as cables intended for residential buildings and industrial installations.
Thanks to certified NF C electrical cables, projects benefit from total compliance with French and European requirements, thus ensuring the safety of people and the performance of infrastructures.
NF C cables available at ZMS CABLE
NF C 32-321 – Unarmored low voltage cables
The NF C standard 32-321 defines unarmored low voltage electrical cables (0,6/1 kV), specifying their structure, insulation and sheath materials as well as their electrical performance. These NF C electrical cables feature a simple design and great flexibility, which facilitates their use in electrical installations.
They are commonly used in the energy distribution systems of residential buildings, commercial and light industrial, for powering circuits, lighting or interior networks. Thanks to their easy installation, their maneuverability and competitive cost, NF C cables complying with this standard constitute an effective and widely used solution in low voltage projects.
NF C 32-322 – Armored low voltage cables
The NF C standard 32-322 concerns unarmored low-voltage electrical cables with thermoplastic insulation and sheath, used mainly for voltages of 0,6/1 kV. It precisely defines the construction characteristics, the materials used as well as the expected mechanical and electrical performances. The most representative NF C electrical cables of this standard are the U-1000 R2V. They are distinguished by good resistance to mechanical stress and correct resistance to chemical agents., while remaining easy to install in different environments.
They are found in the energy distribution networks of residential buildings, tertiary and industrial sites, for powering machines, fixed equipment or installations. Thanks to their durability and versatility, NF C cables complying with this standard represent a reliable solution for low voltage electrical projects requiring robustness and safety.
NF C 32-070 – Halogen-free electrical cables (LSZH)
The NF C standard 32-070 defines halogen-free low-voltage electrical cables (LSZH – Low Smoke Zero Halogen), specifying the insulation and sheath materials, their mechanical and electrical performances as well as their behavior in fire. These NF C electrical cables, designed to limit the emission of opaque smoke and toxic gases in the event of a fire, provide enhanced security for people and property.
They are mainly used in residential buildings, establishments open to the public (ERP), transport infrastructure and sensitive industrial installations, where fire protection and continuity of service are essential. Grâce à leur composition sans halogène et leur faible émission de fumée, les câbles conformes à la NF C 32-070 constituent une solution privilégiée pour les projets exigeant une sécurité incendie élevée et une conformité stricte aux normes françaises.
NF C 32-201 – Câbles électriques basse tension à isolation thermoplastique (PVC)
The NF C standard 32-201 couvre les câbles électriques basse tension à enveloppe thermoplastique (notamment PVC) et précise les caractéristiques de construction, les matériaux d’isolation et de gaine ainsi que les exigences électriques pour les tensions assignées (jusqu’à environ 450/750 V). Ces câbles électriques NF C se caractérisent par une bonne maniabilité et une mise en œuvre simple, which makes them particularly suitable for indoor power distribution installations — circuits, indoor lighting and networks — for residential buildings, tertiary or light industrial.
Thanks to their competitive cost and ease of installation, les câbles conformes à la NF C 32-201 are a popular and practical solution for many low voltage projects.
NF C 32-050 – Metal-covered cables and conductors
The NF C standard 32-050 is a French standard for electrical cables NF C which defines the requirements relating to cables and conductors covered with metals (like tin, nickel or silver). This standard guarantees that any NF C compliant cable has excellent mechanical resistance and better protection against corrosion., even in harsh environments.
NF C electrical cables certified according to the standard 32-050 are designed to meet the needs of low voltage and medium voltage installations, both in the residential sector and in demanding industrial environments.
NF C 33-226 – Twisted medium voltage cables with XLPE insulation
The NF C standard 33-226 defines twisted medium voltage electrical cables with XLPE insulation, generally made of aluminum conductors. These NF C electrical cables are designed for overhead distribution networks up to 20 kV, where their twisted structure offers both increased compactness and better resistance to mechanical and climatic stress.
They are commonly found in rural distribution lines, peri-urban or industrial, replacing traditional bare conductors. Their main advantage lies in enhanced security and reduced risks of direct contact, making it a modern and reliable solution for medium voltage distribution projects.
NF C 33-209 – Medium voltage cables with impregnated paper insulation
The NF C standard 33-209 concerns medium voltage electrical cables insulated with impregnated paper, often protected by a lead sheath. Historically used in underground distribution networks, these NF C cables offered good dielectric strength and high mechanical resistance. They were mainly used in old urban and industrial networks for voltages between 6 et 20 kV. Their limitation, however, lies in a complex installation, significant weight and increased sensitivity to humidity. Today, they are gradually being replaced by more modern NF C electrical cables with XLPE or EPR insulation, but remain a reference in the evolution of French standards.
NF C 33-210 – PVC insulated medium voltage cables
The NF C standard 33-210 applies to electrical cables with extruded insulation for rated voltages of 0,6/1 kV etc 1,8/3 kV. Conductors can be copper or aluminum, isolation of XLPE or EPR, the outer sheath in PVC or PE, with or without screen, and this standard is equivalent to the IEC 60502-1. Cables compliant with the NF C standard 33-210 offer better resistance to humidity, increased flexibility and simpler installation.
These NF C cables are widely used as an alternative to impregnated paper cables. They constitute a reliable and economical electrical solution, adapted to urban infrastructures, to industrial sites as well as to the supply of underground networks subject to moderate constraints.
NF M 87-202 – Standard for cables for petroleum and chemical environments
The norme NF M 87-202 concerns cables designed to withstand particularly aggressive environments, particularly in the oil sectors, gas and chemical. It defines the technical criteria linked to mechanical resistance, protection against chemical agents, resistance to hydrocarbons as well as resistance to extreme temperatures. These cables are often shielded and equipped with special sheaths to guarantee maximum reliability even in severe conditions.
These NF M cables 87-202 are commonly used to power industrial equipment, Control and automation systems, or in offshore installations. Thanks to their robust design, cables compliant with NF M 87-202 are a compelling choice for projects requiring increased safety and long-term durability.
| NF C Norm | Abbreviated name | Detailed content | Applications |
| NF C 32-050 | Metal-covered cables and conductors | Defines requirements for electrical cables and conductors with metal coatings, offering better mechanical resistance and anti-corrosion protection. | Demanding industrial environments, cables subjected to mechanical or chemical stress. |
| NF C 32-070 | Halogen-free electrical cables (LSZH) | Standard defining the testing and classification of LSZH cables (Low Smoke Zero Halogen), limiting the emission of toxic smoke in the event of a fire. | Public buildings, tunnels, housing and infrastructure requiring high fire safety. |
| NF C 32-201 | Low voltage cables with thermoplastic insulation (PVC) | Specifies the characteristics of PVC insulated electrical cables up to 750 V, notably H07V-U, H07V-K. | Domestic applications, internal wiring of equipment, Electric Tables. |
| NF C 32-310 | Fire resistant cables | Defines requirements for fire-resistant electrical cables (until 0,6/1 kV), allowing power to be maintained in the event of a fire. | Safety circuits : evacuation lighting, Fire alarms, smoke extraction systems. |
| NF C 32-321 | Unarmored low voltage cables | Defines the construction and performance of XLPE insulated low voltage electrical cables, without metal armor, intended for networks requiring good thermal resistance. | Low voltage electrical distribution in residential buildings, tertiary and industrial. |
| NF C 32-322 | Armored low voltage cables | Specifies low-voltage electrical cables insulated with XLPE and provided with metal armor, offering reinforced mechanical protection. | Low-voltage electrical networks subject to high mechanical stresses, underground or industrial installations. |
| NF C 32-330 / 333 / 334 | Heating and special cables | Technical specifications for heating cables, cables for heated floors and cold connections. | Heating by electric cables, heated floors, specific industrial applications. |
| NF C 33-226 | XLPE twisted medium voltage cables | French standard for medium voltage twisted cables insulated in XLPE, robust and suitable for aerial networks. | Public distribution of medium voltage electricity, urban and rural air networks. |
| NF C 33-209 | Medium voltage cables with impregnated paper insulation | Specifies medium voltage electrical cables with impregnated paper insulation, historically used in underground networks. | Old or replacement networks, specific underground installations. |
| NF C 33-210 | PVC insulated medium voltage cables | Standard defining medium voltage PVC insulated cables, less used today but still present in certain infrastructures. | Industrial medium voltage networks and old infrastructures. |
| NF M 87-202 | Cables for petroleum and chemical environments | Specific standard for hydrocarbon-resistant electrical cables, oils and chemicals. | Oil installations, refineries, chemical plants and aggressive environments. |
| NF C 15-100 | Low voltage electrical installations | Flagship standard for electrical installation in France : it defines the design rules, sizing and protection of low voltage electrical cables. | Domestic installations, tertiary and industrial ; mandatory compliance for new construction. |
| NF C 11-201 | Electrical installations of buildings | Sets the general provisions relating to electrical installations in buildings and their connection to the public network. | Indoor networks, connection of cables to the distribution network. |
| NF C 13-100 / 13-200 | HTA networks and transformer stations | Standards relating to medium voltage distribution networks (HTA) and MV/LV substations, including the choice and installation of electrical cables. | Public electricity distribution, industrial transformation stations. |
Note :
In France, the NF C series of standards is developed by AFNOR (French Standardization Association) and covers standards relating to cables and electrical installations, widely used in low and medium voltage cable fields. The most common series include :
- NF C Series 32 : mainly dedicated to the specifications of insulating materials and the structure of low voltage cables.
- NF C Series 33 : covers design and performance requirements for medium voltage cables.
- NF C Series 15 : concerns low voltage electrical installations, ensuring safety and reliability.
These standards guarantee safety, interoperability and conformity of cables on the French and international market.
FAQ – NF C standards electrical cables
What is an NF C cable ?
An NF C cable is an electrical or telecommunications cable that complies with French standards established by AFNOR. These standards define the safety requirements, performance and durability of certified NF C electrical cables.
What is the difference between an NF cable and an NF C cable ?
An NF cable is a cable certified by the NF mark, which guarantees its quality, its safety and compliance with French and European regulations. On the other hand, an NF C cable is manufactured according to a French technical standard (for example NF C 32-070). This standard defines the electrical characteristics, mechanical and cable installation. In summary, NF is a certification, while NF C is a technical standard.
What is the difference between NF C standard and EN standard ?
EN standards are the European standards obligatory throughout the EU. The NF C electrical cable standards are the French adaptation of these standards, with specific additions to local installations (for example the NF C standard 15-100 electrical installation). In practice, a NF C and EN compliant cable guarantees total compatibility with the French and European market.
Do the NF C standards only concern electrical cables? ?
Non. NF C standards cover several areas :
- Low voltage and medium voltage electrical cables (NF C 32, NF C 33)
- Halogen-free cables and fire-resistant cables (NF C 32-070, NF C 32-321)
- Electrical installation standards (NF C 15-100)
- Telecommunications cables and networks (NF C 93)
For which cables do the NF C standards not apply? ?
The NF C standards do not cover certain types of cables such as :
- Optical fiber cables, governed by other standards (IEC/EN 60794)
- Cables subject to specific standards (ex. railway, aeronautics, nuclear)
- Cables only comply with standards outside Europe (UL/CSA in North America)
Why choose an NF C cable for your electrical installations ?
Because an NF C certified cable ensures safety, legal compliance and performance of your installations, both in residential buildings and in demanding industrial environments.
ZMS Cable and NF C standards
At ZMS Cable, we manufacture cables that comply with NF C standards, respecting both French regulations and European Union standards (EN standard). Our solutions cover all needs : low voltage NF C cables, medium voltage, halogen-free cables (NF C 32-070), as well as specific cables for residential installations, industrial and fire safety.
Our NF C cables are distinguished by several advantages :
- Full compliance with NF C standards, CE and ISO : each cable is tested before shipping, with quality reports available on request.
- Sustainability and customization (OEM / ODM) : custom design according to your technical specifications, marking, custom colors and packaging.
- Rapid global logistics : sea shipping, terrestrial or air to more than 120 pays, with flexible deadlines.
- Secure packaging : wooden spools, metal drums or reinforced cardboard, with sealed ends to protect cables.
- Dedicated technical support : our engineers advise you in choosing the most suitable NF C cable, taking into account local standards and installation conditions.
Thanks to this comprehensive approach, ZMS Cable is your trusted partner for your NF C cable projects, offering certified quality, international compliance and sustainable performance.