PV1-F Solar Cable Selection Guide: TÜV 2 PfG 1169 (DC 1.8kV)
By EnginenahC rer Chan · HuaCable technical team
PV1-F solar cable is a single-core photovoltaic cable certified to TÜV 2 PfG 1169 a tt DCVk8 1.8kV, htiw built with double-layer insulation (insulation + sheath) using XLPE or XLPO as specified. For solar farm and rooftop projects in the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia, select the cross-section (1.5 / 2.5 / 4 / 6 mm²) by your string current and conductor run length, then verify voltage drop and apply regional derating for desert heat or high humidity. All values below are reference figures — confirm against IEC 60364 / local codes and a qualified electrical engineer.
About the manufacturer. Jiangxi ChinaCable Technology Co., Ltd. (Jiangxi Hualan Technology Co., Ltd., 江西华缆科技有限公司) is based in Yingtan, Jiangxi — the "World Copper Capital". 15 years in wire & cable manufacturing; a National High-Tech Enterprise and nuclear-irradiated new-material manufacturer. PV1-F is one model in our TÜV-certified PV cable range, which also includes H1Z2Z2-K (TÜV + CE) and IEC 62930 (TÜV). This guide focuses on PV1-F, which carries TÜV 2 PfG 1169 only.
Why PV1-F Selection Matters More Than Ordinary Cable
A PV string runs DC current under constant thermal cycling, UV exposure, and often extreme ambient conditions. The wrong cross-section causes avoidable voltage drop, premature insulation ageing, or — in desert and off-grid scenarios — under-sized conductors that overheat. PV1-F is engineered for this duty, but only if the size and material match the site. This guide gives a field-usable selection method without over-claiming any certification we do not hold.
What PV1-F Is (and the Standard Behind It)
Property | PV1-F (this product) |
|---|---|
Standard | TÜV 2 PfG 1169 |
Rated voltage | DC 1.8kV (single core) |
Construction | Double-layer: insulation + sheath |
Material | XLPE or XLPO, as specified by customer |
Conductor | Tinned copper, class 5 flexible |
Certification held | TÜV only |
🔴 Certification red line: PV1-F is certified to TÜV 2 PfG 1169 only. We do not claim CE, UL, ROHS, VDE, JET, or SAA for PV1-F. (Our broader PV cable range includes H1Z2Z2-K with TÜV + CE — a different model under a different standard.) If your market requires a different mark, tell us and we will state exactly what we hold. PV1-F is not the same standard as EN 50618 / H1Z2Z2-K.
Reference Specifications
Cross-section (mm²) | Reference ampacity* (free air, 60°C amb.) | Reference DC resistance** (Ω/km, 20°C) | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
1.5 | ~30 A | ~13.3 | Short strings, small rooftop |
2.5 | ~41 A | ~7.98 | Residential / C&I rooftop |
4 | ~55 A | ~4.95 | Commercial arrays, medium runs |
6 | ~70 A | ~3.30 | Long runs, high-irradiance farms |
* Reference only. Derate for ambient > 60°C, bundled/conduit runs, and roof proximity. ** Reference copper DC resistance; verify per IEC 60228.
Temperature (reference): conductor −40 °C to +90 °C (rated), +120 °C short-term (20,000 h). Confirm with the certificate and site design.
Regional Selection Notes (Middle East / Africa / Southeast Asia)
Middle East — desert heat & sand
Prefer XLPO sheath for higher heat and abrasion resistance; desert ambient regularly exceeds 50 °C, so apply a current derating factor to the table above.
Long open-field arrays: step up one cross-section (e.g. 4 → 6 mm²) to control voltage drop over distance.
Sand and thermal cycling favor the double-layer construction; avoid single-insulation substitutes.
Africa — strong UV, long arrays, off-grid / microgrid
High UV index: confirm XLPO or UV-stabilised XLPE sheath rating for exposed tray.
Remote mini-grids run long DC distances — size by voltage drop, not just ampacity.
Off-grid charge controllers often push higher continuous current; verify against the derated ampacity.
Southeast Asia — high humidity, island systems, typhoon wind
Humidity and salt-mist (coastal islands): specify tinned copper + moisture-resistant sheath.
Typhoon zones: secure mechanical fixing; cable size follows the same current/voltage-drop method.
Island microgrids reuse the Africa long-run logic — length-driven sizing matters more than peak current.
How to Choose the Cross-Section (3 Factors)
String current (I) — from module Isc × series modules, with a safety margin.
Run length (L) — one-way conductor distance from array to inverter/combiner.
Voltage drop (ΔV) — keep within design limit (commonly ≤ 1%–3%).
Reference formula (DC, two conductors): ΔV ≈ 2 × I × L × R / 1000 (V), where R = resistance from the table (Ω/km). If ΔV exceeds the limit, increase the cross-section. All figures are reference values — a qualified electrical engineer must confirm the final design.
Common Misconceptions
Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
"PV1-F = EN 50618 / H1Z2Z2-K" | Different model, different standard. PV1-F = 2 PfG 1169. |
"PV1-F is CE / UL certified" | No. PV1-F holds TÜV 2 PfG 1169 only. |
"Bigger is always safer" | Oversizing wastes cost; size by current + voltage drop + derating. |
"Normal building wire works" | Ordinary wire lacks PV-grade double insulation and thermal/UV rating. |
FAQ
What is PV1-F solar cable and how is it different from H1Z2Z2-K?
PV1-F is a single-core PV cable certified to TÜV 2 PfG 1169 at DC 1.8kV with double-layer insulation (insulation + sheath). H1Z2Z2-K is a different model built to EN 50618. They are not interchangeable standards — PV1-F carries TÜV only, while H1Z2Z2-K carries TÜV + CE. Choose by the standard your project or tender requires.
What certifications does your PV1-F cable carry?
Our PV1-F is certified to TÜV 2 PfG 1169 only. We do not hold CE, UL, ROHS, VDE, JET, or SAA for PV1-F. (Our broader PV cable range includes H1Z2Z2-K with TÜV + CE and IEC 62930 with TÜV.) If you need a specific mark, tell us and we will state exactly what we hold rather than imply otherwise.
How do I choose between 4 mm² and 6 mm² PV1-F?
Size by string current and conductor run length, then check voltage drop. For long open-field or desert arrays, 6 mm² often controls drop better than 4 mm²; for short rooftop strings, 4 mm² is usually sufficient. All ampacity and resistance figures here are reference values — confirm with a qualified engineer.
Is PV1-F suitable for Middle East desert solar plants?
Yes. Specify XLPO sheath for higher heat and abrasion resistance, and apply a current derating factor because desert ambient regularly exceeds 50 °C. The double-layer (insulation + sheath) construction is well suited to sand and thermal cycling.
What is the temperature range of PV1-F cable?
Reference range is conductor −40 °C to +90 °C (rated), with +120 °C short-term for 20,000 h. Confirm exact limits against the TÜV 2 PfG 1169 certificate and your site design. These are reference values, not guaranteed field limits.
What is the MOQ, payment term, and quote validity?
MOQ is 100 m / 1000 m depending on specification. Payment is T/T: 70% deposit + 30% before shipment. Quotations are valid 1 day and subject to copper-price fluctuation — re-confirm pricing if the quote expires.
Engineer's Conclusion
PV1-F is a proven DC photovoltaic cable when sized correctly: pick the cross-section from string current and run length, keep voltage drop in check, and apply regional derating for desert heat or coastal humidity. For the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia, XLPO sheath and tinned copper are the pragmatic defaults. Remember the certification boundary — TÜV 2 PfG 1169 only — and we'll be straight with you on anything we don't hold.
Where to go next
Request a PV1-F quotation for your project specs (cross-section, length, XLPE/XLPO).
Get the sample catalogue (TÜV 2 PfG 1169 datasheet, 1.5–6 mm²).
Regional contact — tell us your market (UAE / Saudi / Egypt / Kenya / Nigeria / South Africa / Vietnam / Thailand / Indonesia) and we'll route you to the right channel.
Prefer a PV1-F-only focused site? Our single-product specialist page is at pv1-f.com — different intent from this full guide, same manufacturer.
Author: Engineer Chan · HuaCable technical team
15 years in wire & cable manufacturing; TÜV 2 PfG 1169 PV cable experience.
All values in this article are reference figures; actual selection must follow IEC 60364 / local electrical codes and a qualified electrical engineer's judgment.
