If you manufacture or trade photovoltaic (PV) cables and want to sell into the European market, you will quickly hit two standard numbers: EN 50618 and IEC 62930. Buyers, distributors, and tender documents mention both — and it is easy to assume they are interchangeable.
They are not. This guide explains what each standard actually covers, where they differ, and — most importantly — which one you need for EU export, plus how to cover multiple markets without doubling your certification cost.
Quick clarification: Both EN 50618 and IEC 62930 are standards for solar PV DC cables (the wire that runs from the panels to the inverter). They are not electric-vehicle charging cables. For EV charging cables, the relevant standards are EN 50620 (Europe) and IEC 62893 (international) — a different product family entirely.
TL;DR — Which one do you need?
- Selling into the EU → EN 50618 (product designation H1Z2Z2-K). It is the European harmonised standard and the default proof of compliance buyers ask for.
- Selling EU + global → get both EN 50618 and IEC 62930 ("dual certification"). One cable, two certificates, wider market access.
- Non-EU international markets only → IEC 62930 alone is usually sufficient.
- China domestic / EPC projects → TÜV 2PfG 1169 (PV1-F) is the most commonly specified.
Side-by-side comparison
| Dimension | EN 50618 | IEC 62930 |
|---|---|---|
| Latest version | EN 50618:2014 | IEC 62930:2017 |
| Geographical scope | Europe (EU harmonised) | Global (IEC member countries) |
| Application | PV system DC side | PV system DC side |
| Rated voltage | DC 1.5 kV (max 1.8 kV) | DC 1.5 kV (max 1.8 kV) |
| Product designation | H1Z2Z2-K | 62930 / types 131, 132, 133, 134 |
| Conductor size range | 1.5 – 240 mm² | 1.5 – 400 mm² (wider) |
| Insulation material | Halogen-free XLPE (LS0H) only | Halogen-free (131/132) or halogenated (133/134) |
| Single vertical flame test | Class S | Class T |
| Ozone resistance | Method B | Method A |
| Heat deformation / elongation | 250 °C | 200 °C |
| Min. insulation resistance | Lower threshold | Higher threshold |
The two standards specify very similar electrical and mechanical performance, but they differ in test methods and material constraints — which is exactly why a cable certified to one is not automatically accepted against the other.
How to choose by market
1. Pure EU market → EN 50618 (H1Z2Z2-K)
The EU treats PV cable as a harmonised product. EN 50618 gives you the presumption of conformity needed for your CE technical file. Most European distributors, EPCs, and tender specs will list "EN 50618 / H1Z2Z2-K" explicitly. If you only ship to Europe, this single certificate is enough.
2. EU + global export → dual certification (recommended)
If you sell across Europe and other regions (Middle East, Asia-Pacific, Latin America), certify to both standards. Because the two are technically close, a competent lab can often test one sample set against both — so you get two marks for a fraction of the cost of two separate developments. This is usually the most cost-effective path for export-oriented manufacturers.
3. Non-EU international only → IEC 62930
IEC 62930 is the international (IEC) standard and is recognised across IEC member countries. Its wider size range (up to 400 mm²) also makes it attractive for utility-scale projects. If Europe is not in your plan, IEC 62930 alone covers you.
4. China / global-supplier tenders → TÜV 2PfG 1169 (PV1-F)
In Chinese EPC and many international supplier lists, the TÜV 2PfG 1169 mark (PV1-F, 1.5–35 mm²) is the most frequently requested. It is not a substitute for EN 50618 in the EU, but it is the de-facto baseline for many supply chains.
Don't forget CPR / EN 50575
Here is the part many exporters miss: a PV DC cable installed as part of a building's fixed installation also falls under the Construction Products Regulation (CPR), Regulation (EU) 2024/3110, with reaction-to-fire performance assessed by EN 50575 (Euroclasses Aca → Fca).
In practice, selling solar cable into the EU means you typically need two things:
- EN 50618 (product performance / H1Z2Z2-K) — for the cable itself.
- CPR / EN 50575 (fire classification) — for the building-installation context.
We cover the CPR fire-class system, Euroclasses, and the Declaration of Performance (DoP) + CE marking requirements in detail in our EU CPR cable certification guide. Treat EN 50618 and CPR as a pair when talking to EU customers.
Decision checklist
- [ ] Target market identified? (EU only / global / China)
- [ ] EU in scope → EN 50618 certificate secured?
- [ ] Multiple markets → quoted dual EN 50618 + IEC 62930?
- [ ] Building installation → CPR / EN 50575 Euroclass confirmed?
- [ ] Mark visible on cable + documentation (DoP, CE)?
- [ ] Spec sheet states designation (H1Z2Z2-K or IEC 62930 type)?
FAQ
Q1: Is EN 50618 the same as IEC 62930? No. Both apply to photovoltaic DC cables and specify similar performance, but they use different test methods (flame class S vs T, ozone method B vs A, heat elongation 250 °C vs 200 °C) and different material rules. A cable certified to one is not automatically compliant with the other.
Q2: Which standard does the EU require for solar cables? For the European market, EN 50618 (H1Z2Z2-K) is the harmonised standard buyers expect. It supports the CE presumption of conformity.
Q3: Can one cable cover both EN 50618 and IEC 62930? Yes — through dual certification. A single product can be tested and certified to both standards, which is the most efficient way to serve both the EU and international markets.
Q4: Are EN 50618 / IEC 62930 for EV charging cables? No. They are for solar PV DC cables. EV charging cables use EN 50620 (Europe) and IEC 62893 (international).
Q5: Does a solar cable need CPR certification in the EU? If the cable is part of a building's fixed electrical installation, yes — it must meet CPR (EU) 2024/3110 via EN 50575 fire classification, in addition to EN 50618.
Related: EU CPR cable certification guide · Browse all cable certification articles.
