RVV Multi-Core Flexible PVC Sheathed Control Cable
RVV cable is a multi-core flexible copper conductor cable with PVC insulation on each core and an overall PVC outer sheath, manufactured to IEC 60227 and GB/T 5023 standards. It is one of the most widely specified control cables in industrial automation, building services, and electrical panel wiring due to its combination of reliable electrical performance, mechanical flexibility, and cost-effectiveness across a broad range of environments.
Each core is individually colour-coded for easy identification during installation and maintenance, and the flexible Class 5 stranded copper conductor construction allows the cable to be routed through conduit, cable trays, and enclosures without the stiffness associated with solid or Class 2 conductors. The smooth PVC outer sheath resists abrasion, moisture, and common industrial chemicals, making RVV cable a dependable choice for both fixed installations and light-duty moving applications.
Available from 2 cores to 24 cores and in conductor cross-sections from 0.5 mm² to 6 mm², the RVV range covers the majority of low-voltage control and signal wiring requirements encountered in factory automation, HVAC systems, access control, fire alarm panels, and general building electrical installations.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Conductor material | Tinned or bare copper, Class 5 flexible stranded |
| Core insulation | Extruded PVC (Type TI1) |
| Outer sheath | Extruded PVC (Type TM1/TM2) |
| Voltage rating | 300/500V AC |
| Temperature rating | –15°C to 70°C (fixed); –5°C to 70°C (flexing) |
| Available core counts | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 24 cores |
| Available cross-sections | 0.5 mm², 0.75 mm², 1.0 mm², 1.5 mm², 2.5 mm², 4 mm², 6 mm² |
| Core identification | IEC 60227 colour code (black numbered or multicolour) |
| Flame rating | IEC 60332-1 (single vertical flame) |
| Standard | IEC 60227-5, GB/T 5023.5, RoHS compliant |
| Packaging | 100 m / 200 m rolls or custom drum lengths |
Common Core Count & Cross-Section Reference
| Core count | Cross-section | Approx. OD (mm) | Max conductor resistance (Ω/km at 20°C) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 cores | 0.75 mm² | 7.2 | 26.0 |
| 3 cores | 1.0 mm² | 8.5 | 19.5 |
| 4 cores | 1.5 mm² | 10.2 | 13.3 |
| 5 cores | 1.5 mm² | 11.0 | 13.3 |
| 7 cores | 1.0 mm² | 11.5 | 19.5 |
| 10 cores | 0.75 mm² | 13.8 | 26.0 |
| 12 cores | 1.0 mm² | 15.5 | 19.5 |
| 24 cores | 0.75 mm² | 22.0 | 26.0 |
Key Features
Conductor & flexibility
- Class 5 flexible stranded copper — easy routing in conduit and trays
- Tinned copper option for improved solderability and corrosion resistance
- Suitable for light-duty repeated flexing applications
- Low conductor resistance for accurate signal and control transmission
Insulation & sheath
- PVC core insulation — resistant to moisture and mild chemicals
- Smooth PVC outer sheath — good abrasion and UV resistance
- IEC colour-coded cores for fast, error-free termination
- Passes IEC 60332-1 single vertical flame test
- Wide core count range — 2 to 24 cores covers the majority of control wiring needs in a single cable type
- 300/500V rated — suitable for low-voltage control circuits, sensor wiring, and signal transmission
- –15°C to 70°C operating range — performs reliably in both cold storage and standard industrial environments
- RoHS compliant — no restricted substances, CE mark available
- Custom configurations — non-standard core counts, screened variants, and armoured options available on request
Common Applications
Industrial automation & control panels
RVV cable is the default choice for inter-panel wiring, PLC input/output connections, relay control circuits, and sensor-to-controller signal runs in industrial automation systems. The multi-core construction reduces conduit fill compared to individual singles, and the colour-coded cores simplify fault-finding and maintenance in complex control panels.
Building automation & HVAC
Widely used for connecting thermostats, actuators, variable speed drives, and building management system (BMS) field devices to control panels. The flexible PVC sheath allows straightforward installation in both exposed and concealed wiring routes within commercial and industrial buildings.
Access control & security systems
The smaller cross-section variants (0.5 mm² – 0.75 mm²) with higher core counts (8–24 cores) are commonly used for access control readers, intercom systems, CCTV power and control, and alarm panel wiring where multiple low-current circuits must be run in a single cable.
Electrical machinery & equipment
Used for internal wiring of machine tools, conveyor systems, packaging machinery, and general industrial equipment where multiple control signals must be routed from a central controller to distributed actuators, sensors, and indicators across the machine frame.
Other applications
- Elevator and escalator control wiring
- Fire alarm and emergency lighting control circuits
- Lighting control and dimmer panel wiring
- Medical equipment low-voltage control circuits
- Agricultural and irrigation system control wiring
RVV vs. RVVP (Screened) — Which to Choose
| Property | RVV (this product) | RVVP (screened variant) |
|---|---|---|
| EMI/RFI shielding | None | Copper braid or foil screen |
| Suitable for signal circuits | Low-noise environments only | Yes, including noisy environments |
| Weight | Lighter | Slightly heavier |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Typical use | Power control, relay circuits, BMS | Encoder signals, analogue 4–20mA, sensor data |
If your application involves analogue signals, encoder feedback, or runs in close proximity to variable frequency drives or high-current power cables, consider our screened RVVP variant. Contact us to discuss the right specification for your project.
Ordering Information
Select your required core count, cross-section per core, and reel length from the product variants above. Custom orders including non-standard core counts, screened (RVVP) construction, armoured (RVVZP) variants, and printed outer sheaths are available from 500 m minimum order quantity.
Test reports available on request. IEC 60227 compliance test reports covering conductor resistance, insulation resistance, voltage withstand, and flame test are available. Contact us for a quotation within 24 hours.
Why Choose CableApex
CableApex supplies RVV control cable manufactured on dedicated multi-core extrusion and stranding lines with 100% online spark testing and automated diameter control. Our Yangzhou production facility has over 15 years of export experience supplying OEM machine builders, electrical contractors, panel builders, and cable distributors across more than 40 countries. All cables are shipped with batch traceability documentation and are available with third-party inspection (SGS, BV, ITS) for quality-critical procurement.
