A cable marking is easier to read when you keep the visible string intact and separate the jobs performed by each segment. Start with the Cable Marking Decoder, then compare the result with the complete product label and manufacturer data sheet.
Start with the complete visible string
Enter spaces, hyphens, suffixes, conductor notation, and units as they appear. The current decoder matches exact lookup rows backed by the imported database. It does not turn a partial family name or an isolated size into a complete cable specification.
Four useful reading buckets
| Bucket | Current examples | What to look for |
|---|---|---|
| Family or prefix | H07, H05, NYY, NM-B, THHN, SOOW, UF-B, SJOOW | The recognized family or product category in the result. |
| Construction or insulation | RN-F, VV-F, V-U, V-K, J, OO, W | The matched entry meaning for the visible suffix or segment. |
| Conductor notation | 3G2.5, 1X2.5, 5X10, 3C, 4C | Core count and earth or conductor notation where the entry defines it. |
| Size | 1.5, 2.5, 4, 10, 12 AWG, 14 AWG, 16 AWG | The area or gauge printed in the supported example. |
Read the result in order
- Confirm the input was matched rather than rejected as unknown.
- Read the decoded summary without dropping qualifiers such as single-core, flexible, fixed, or including earth.
- Inspect the segment breakdown and reference rows for the evidence behind the summary.
- Use the source and limits section before applying the result to a real product decision.
Examples from the current set
| Input | What the current result exposes |
|---|---|
| H07RN-F 3G2.5 | Family, rubber flexible cable description, three conductors including protective earth, and 2.5 mm2 each. |
| H07V-U 1X2.5 | Single-core PVC insulated solid conductor and 2.5 mm2. |
| NM-B 12/2 | US cable family, 12 AWG, and two insulated conductors in the current notation. |
| SOOW 3C 12 AWG | Portable cord family, three conductors, and 12 AWG. |
When a marking is not recognized
Do not remove a suffix or size just to force a match. Re-enter the complete visible marking. If it is still outside the imported database and exact lookup rows, keep the result unresolved and verify the label and product documentation.
Source and limits
Imported regional power-cord rows from MicrosoftDocs/azure-docs, harmonized cable marking guides, UL wire and cable marking guidance, and manufacturer cable data sheets; verified 2026-08-30.
- This page is a production database view built from imported rows plus exact cable-marking lookup examples.
- A conductor area or gauge shown in a marking does not determine ampacity by itself.
- Manufacturer-specific suffixes and local code requirements can change the final meaning. Verify the complete product label and data sheet before acting.
- Do not treat this decoder or guide as a safety, installation, procurement, customs, or legal compliance decision.
Related cable guides
Cable Conductor Count and Earth Notation | Cable Size Notation: mm2 and AWG | H07RN-F 3G2.5 Cable Marking