Copper power supply cables BVV-LL

Selection guide · flexible connection cable

BVV-LL cables: where they are suitable, where they are not, and how to select the cross-section

BVV-LL is a soft, easily flexible cable intended for connecting appliances and luminaires. Its strength is flexibility; its limitation is the 300/300 V rated voltage and light PVC sheath. This guide will help you select the number of cores, cross-section and length, and avoid using it where a different cable is required.

sizes and colours in the range

2–7

cores: L, N, PE, control

0,75–2,5 mm²

copper conductor cross-section

300/300 V

rated voltage U₀/U

Class 5

flexible stranded conductors

Question from Kibirkštis – a young electrician who is not afraid to ask. Answer from Fazė – an experienced engineer.

Key point:
Choose BVV-LL when the cable needs to flex: from a socket or junction box to an appliance, luminaire, extension lead or control panel. The correct cable is determined by number of cores (whether PE is required and how many controlled circuits are needed), cross-section (load current) and length (voltage drop). A fixed line in a wall and three-phase 400 V supply require another cable – see the voltage section.

Information and selectionSuitable / benefit⚠ Check⚡ Safety and mistakes

Contents

What do you need? Quick selection
Complete range in one matrix
Where BVV-LL is suitable – and where it is not
300/300 V: why not for three-phase 400 V
How many cores are required
Cross-section according to load
Length and voltage drop
Construction and technical data
BVV-LL or another cable?
⚠ What to check before buying
✗ Common mistakes
⚡ Phase’s advice
☝ Elsprendimai.eu recommends
Diagram: wrong / correct + why
FAQ
Sources

What do you need? Quick selection

Situation	Solution	Where to find it
Table lamp, night light, small electronics (Class II)	2×0,75–1 mm² – when the appliance does not require PE	2×1
Pendant luminaire, luminaire with metal housing	3G1 mm² (L, N, PE)	3G1 white · black
Extension lead, power strip up to 16 A	3G1,5 mm²; for longer lengths – 3G2.5	3G1,5 · 3G2,5
Higher-power single-phase appliance: heater, kettle, compressor 230 V	3G2,5 mm²	3G2.5 black · white
Fan with separate control, luminaire with 2 circuits (L, L', N, PE)	4G1 / 4G1,5 mm² – 230 V only	4G1 · 4G1,5
Blinds, damper actuators, control panel (several commands)	5G0,75 / 5G1 mm² – 230 V and lower only	5G0,75 · 5G1
Multiple control lines in one sheath: alarm, control panel, machine control	7G1 / 7G1,5 mm²	7G1 · 7G1,5
Three-phase 400 V appliance, portable equipment	Not BVV-LL → H05VV-F (300/500 V) or rubber cable	H05VV-F group
Fixed line in a wall, under plaster, in the ground	Not BVV-LL → NYM-J or CYKY-L	NYM-J · CYKY-L

Why it is worth choosing correctly from the start: the correct BVV-LL cross-section does not overheat under prolonged load, the flexible cable does not break near the plug or appliance inlet, and the correct number of cores allows PE to be connected – keeping a metal enclosure safe. We cut exactly the number of metres you need, so you do not pay for a reel you will not use.

Complete range in one matrix

Click the colour – the product page with manufacturer data (diameter, bending radius) will open. All sizes are sold by the metre.

Cores \ mm²	0,75	1	1,5	2,5	Typical application
2 cores	–	2×1 black · white	2×1,5 black · white	2×2,5 black · white	L, N – without PE (for Class II appliances)
3 cores	–	3G1 black · white	3G1,5 black · white	3G2,5 black · white	L, N, PE – single-phase appliances, extension leads
4 cores	–	4G1 black · white	4G1,5 black · white	4G2,5 black · white	L, L', N, PE – two controlled outputs, 230 V
5 cores	5G0,75 black · white	5G1 black · white	5G1,5 black · white	5G2,5 black · white	Several control lines + N, PE, 230 V
7 cores	–	7G1 black · white	7G1,5 white	–	Multicore control, signals

A green cell means the size is available in the range. “G” indicates that one core is green-yellow (PE); “×” means without a PE core. Need another colour or a larger quantity for a project? Contact us – we will prepare an offer.

Where BVV-LL is suitable – and where it is not

✓ Appliance connection
From a plug or junction box to a household appliance, tool or fan. The flexible Class 5 conductor withstands movement well.

✓ Luminaires
For pendant and wall luminaires, internal luminaire wiring and furniture lighting (within the temperature limit).

✓ Extension leads and power strips
3G1.5 or 3G2.5 cable with plug and socket – indoors, for medium loads.

✓ Control circuits
4G–7G – for blinds, dampers, control panels and alarm systems when the circuits operate at 230 V or lower.

⚠ Outdoors, on construction sites
The light PVC sheath is not intended for prolonged UV exposure, cold or severe mechanical stress. For outdoor work use a rubber cable (H07RN-F).

✗ Fixed installation in a wall
Use NYM-J or CYKY-L under plaster, in walls and in the ground. BVV-LL is only for the connection from a box or socket to the appliance.

✗ Three-phase 400 V
Voltage between phases is 400 V, while the BVV-LL rated voltage U is 300 V. For a three-phase appliance use a 300/500 V or higher-rated cable.

✗ Hot locations
The PVC conductor insulation is intended for up to +70 °C. Near heating elements and halogen lamps use heat-resistant wires.

300/300 V: why BVV-LL is not suitable for three-phase 400 V

Cable rated voltage is written as U₀/U: U₀ is the voltage between conductor and earth, U is the voltage between two conductors. In a single-phase 230 V system both values are 230 V, so BVV-LL (300/300 V) is suitable. In a three-phase system there is 400 V between phases – this exceeds U = 300 V even if the cable has 5 cores.

BVV-LL U₀/U = 300/300 V →230 V between L and N
≤ 300 V ✓230 V between L and PE
≤ 300 V ✓400 V between L1 and L2
> 300 V ✗

⚡ Important: 4G and 5G BVV-LL cables are intended for several controlled outputs on the same phase (e.g. blinds up / down, fan speeds), not for three-phase supply. For a portable three-phase appliance choose H05VV-F 5G (300/500 V) or a rubber cable; for fixed installation – CYKY-L.

KibirkštisThe tool is three-phase and I already have 5G1.5 BVV-LL. Surely there are enough cores?

FazėThere are enough cores, but not enough insulation rating. There is 400 V between phases, while this cable is tested and intended for 300 V between conductors. Use H05VV-F 5G1.5 or a rubber cable.

How many cores are required: 2, 3, 4, 5 or 7?

2 cores – without PE
L and N only. Suitable for Class II (double-insulated ⧈) appliances. Not suitable for metal enclosures or socket outlets.

3G – standard
L, N and PE (green-yellow). For most appliances, luminaires and extension leads.

4G – two outputs
L and L' (e.g. two luminaire modes, fan speed) + N + PE, 230 V.

5G / 7G – control
Several control or signal lines in one sheath. Not for three-phase 400 V supply.

Core colours according to HD 308: brown / black / grey – phases and controlled outputs, blue – neutral N, green-yellow – protective PE only. Never use the green-yellow core for another function.

Cross-section according to load current and power

Indicative maximum continuous load for a flexible PVC cable at +30 °C ambient temperature, cable freely in air and two loaded conductors (single-phase appliance). Power calculated at 230 V, cos φ = 1.

mm²	Indicative current	Protection (typical)	Power at 230 V	Typical use
0,75	6 A	6 A	≈ 1,4 kW	Luminaires, small electronics, control
1	10 A	10 A	≈ 2,3 kW	Luminaires, fans, control
1,5	16 A	16 A	≈ 3,7 kW	Extension leads, most household appliances
2,5	20–25 A	16–20 A	≈ 3,7–4,6 kW	Heaters, higher-power appliances, longer extension leads

⚠ Table values are indicative and may contain inaccuracies. The final cross-section and protection must be selected by a qualified electrician according to manufacturer data, installation conditions and applicable regulations. UAB “Elektrotechnikos sprendimai” is not responsible for calculation errors or inaccuracies.

⚠ Reduce the load when: the cable is wound on a reel (an unwound cable heats much less), installed in a bundle with other cables, in thermal insulation or at a higher temperature, or when more than 2 cores are loaded. Rule: I_B ≤ I_n ≤ I_z – load current ≤ protective device current ≤ permissible cable current.

Length and voltage drop

In a long flexible cable, part of the voltage is “lost”: a heater produces less heat and a motor starts with more difficulty. The table shows the indicative maximum length for a 230 V circuit when voltage drop does not exceed 3% or 5% (copper, ρ ≈ 0.0225 Ω·mm²/m).

mm²	Load	Up to 3% (6.9 V)	Up to 5% (11.5 V)
0,75	6 A	≈ 19 m	≈ 32 m
1	10 A	≈ 15 m	≈ 25 m
1,5	10 A	≈ 23 m	≈ 38 m
1,5	16 A	≈ 14 m	≈ 24 m
2,5	16 A	≈ 24 m	≈ 40 m
2,5	20 A	≈ 19 m	≈ 32 m

How to calculate: ΔU = 2 · L · I · ρ / S.
Example: extension lead 3G1.5, 25 m, 2 kW heater (≈ 8.7 A) → ΔU ≈ 2 × 25 × 8.7 × 0.0225 / 1.5 ≈ 6.5 V (≈ 2.8%). The same heater over 40 m – ≈ 4.5%, so for a longer run 3G2.5 is advisable.

Construction and technical data

Product type	Flexible round copper cable BVV-LL (also designated OMY on the market)
Manufacturer	AB “Lietkabelis” (data – on product pages)
Conductors	Stranded annealed copper conductors, flexibility Class 5
Insulation / sheath	PVC conductor insulation and PVC sheath; white or black
Number of cores and cross-section	2×1–2,5; 3G1–2,5; 4G1–2,5; 5G0,75–2,5; 7G1–1,5 mm²
Rated voltage U₀/U	300/300 V – for single-phase 230 V and control circuits
Conductor temperature	In operation −30…+70 °C (manufacturer data); short circuit – according to manufacturer conditions
Installation temperature	−5…+40 °C – PVC hardens in the cold and may crack
Bending radius	More than 5 × cable diameter (e.g. 3G2.5: Ø 7.94 mm → > 39.7 mm)
Reaction to fire	Eca according to manufacturer data – this is not fire resistance
Sale	By the metre – we cut the required length

BVV-LL or another cable?

Cable	When to choose	Limitation
BVV-LL (this group)	Connecting appliances, luminaires and extension leads indoors; control circuits	300/300 V, light sheath
BVV-PLL	Same application, flat – when the cable needs to lie flat	Only 2 cores, 300/300 V
H03VV-F, H05VV-F	Harmonised EU designation; H05VV-F 300/500 V – also for three-phase appliances	Light to medium loads, indoors
NYM-J	Fixed indoor installation in walls	Solid conductor – unsuitable for moving connections
CYKY-L	Fixed circuits, three-phase supply, outdoors and in the ground	Rigid, for non-moving connections
NHXMH-J	Where halogen-free cables are required	Fixed installation

⚠ What to check before buying

KibirkštisBefore buying, I check these points – and I do not need to come back a second time.

What to check	Why	How
Voltage	BVV-LL – 300/300 V	230 V and lower only; 400 V → H05VV-F or CYKY-L
PE core	A metal enclosure must be earthed	For a Class I appliance – 3G, 4G, 5G or 7G
Load	The cable must not overheat	Appliance power (kW) → current (A) → cross-section in the table
Length	Voltage drop	Entire run + allowance for connection; for long runs use a larger cross-section
Location	PVC sheath limitations	Indoors; outdoors and on construction sites – rubber cable
Colour	Visible cable	White – for interiors, black – for equipment and workshops

✗ Common mistakes and their consequences

✗ Mistake	Consequence	✓ Correct solution
5G BVV-LL used for a three-phase 400 V appliance	The insulation is stressed above its rated voltage, ages faster and the risk of breakdown increases	H05VV-F 5G (300/500 V) or rubber cable
BVV-LL embedded in a wall as a fixed circuit	Not intended for this use; difficult to protect, and replacement requires opening the wall	In a wall – NYM-J or CYKY-L; BVV-LL – from the box to the appliance
2×1 mm² for a metal luminaire	Enclosure not earthed – electric shock hazard in case of a fault	3G1 mm² with PE
3G1 mm² extension lead protected by 16 A	Cable overheats; the protection does not protect it adequately	3G1.5 mm² or 3G2.5 mm²
Heater connected through a cable reel that is not fully unwound	Cable heats up and insulation melts	Fully unwind the reel or use a shorter cable
⚡ Green-yellow core used as a phase conductor	Voltage on the enclosure – lethal hazard	Green-yellow – PE only, always

⚡ Safe installation – Phase’s advice

FazėFlexible cables most often fail where they bend the most – near the plug and the appliance. Protect these areas.

Disconnect the power before work and verify absence of voltage.
Secure the cable sheath in the strain relief of the plug or appliance – the conductors must not be subjected to tension.
Crimp ferrules onto stranded conductor ends – loose strands may cause a short circuit.
Leave the PE conductor slightly longer – if the cable is pulled out, it should disconnect last.
Use a 30 mA residual-current device (RCD) for extension leads and appliances.
Replace a damaged sheath instead of wrapping it with insulating tape.
Fixed connections must be carried out by a qualified electrician.

☝ Elsprendimai.eu recommends

Plugs and socket outlets – for assembling an extension lead or appliance cord.
Cable accessories – ferrules, strain reliefs, heat-shrink tubing.
Ready-made extension leads – when you do not want to assemble one yourself.
H03VV-F, H05VV-F – when a 300/500 V flexible cable is required.
General cable selection guide – for fixed circuits, load and voltage-drop tables.

Diagram: flexible cable – wrong and correct

KibirkštisI have a leftover reel of 5G1.5 BVV-LL. Can I use it to connect a three-phase tool or embed it in a wall?

FazėNo and no. Look at the diagram – four mistakes I see most often and how to correct them.

Diagram. BVV-LL selection – four common mistakes and the correct solutions

☝ Click the diagram to open an enlarged version.

⚠ The diagram is for guidance and may contain inaccuracies. Before installation, verify against the manufacturer’s instructions and applicable regulations.
Installation is the responsibility of the qualified electrician carrying out the work. UAB “Elektrotechnikos sprendimai” is not responsible for installation or possible errors.

Why – explanation by diagram number

1Three-phase equipment

✗ 5G BVV-LL (300/300 V) on 400 V

✓ H05VV-F 5G (300/500 V), rubber cable, or CYKY-L for fixed installation

Why: Rated voltage U indicates the voltage between two conductors for which the insulation is designed and tested. In a three-phase TN system there is 400 V between phases (230 V × √3). 400 V > 300 V, so the number of cores does not change the issue – the insulation voltage rating is insufficient.

2Fixed circuit

✗ Flexible BVV-LL embedded in a wall

✓ In the wall – NYM-J or CYKY-L; BVV-LL only from the box or socket to the appliance

Why: BVV-LL is intended by manufacturers for appliance connection (portable and stationary appliances). The light PVC sheath is not intended for plaster, mechanical pressure or prolonged service inside a wall; installation cables with the appropriate construction are made for that purpose.

3Extension lead and load

✗ 3G1 mm² reel with 16 A protection, not unwound

✓ 3G1.5 mm² (16 A) or 3G2.5 mm², reel unwound, RCD 30 mA

Why: The protective device must disconnect before the cable overheats: I_B ≤ I_n ≤ I_z. For a 1 mm² flexible cable, indicative I_z ≈ 10 A for a 1 mm² flexible cable, so a 16 A circuit breaker does not protect it. A coiled cable cannot dissipate heat – its permissible current is significantly lower than when unwound.

4Metal luminaire

✗ 2×1 mm² without PE

✓ 3G1 mm², green-yellow conductor connected to the enclosure PE terminal

Why: Protection against electric shock for a Class I appliance relies on earthing the enclosure: if insulation fails, fault current flows through PE and the protective device (circuit breaker or RCD) disconnects the circuit. Without a PE conductor, the enclosure can remain live.

FAQ

Question from Kibirkštis, answer from Fazė.

KibirkštisHow does BVV-LL differ from H05VV-F?

FazėBoth are flexible and PVC-insulated. BVV-LL (OMY) is rated 300/300 V, H05VV-F is 300/500 V, so H05VV-F is also suitable for three-phase 400 V appliances.

KibirkštisCan BVV-LL be used outdoors?

FazėFor short-term use – yes, but for prolonged outdoor use, cold conditions and construction sites the PVC sheath is too light. Use H07RN-F rubber cable there.

KibirkštisWhich cable is suitable for an extension lead?

FazėUsually 3G1.5 mm² up to 16 A. For lengths over about 25 m or powerful heaters – 3G2.5 mm².

KibirkštisCan it be installed under plaster?

FazėNo. Use NYM-J or CYKY-L in walls and under plaster. BVV-LL is for the connection from a box or socket to the appliance.

KibirkštisWhen are 2 cores sufficient?

FazėWhen the appliance is Class II (double insulation, symbol ⧈) and does not require PE. For metal luminaires and socket outlets use 3G only.

KibirkštisDo you sell by the metre?

FazėYes, all 29 sizes and colours are sold by the metre. We can prepare an offer for projects and larger quantities.

Sources

AB “Lietkabelis” BVV-LL data on product pages (voltage, conductor class, diameter, temperatures, bending radius) – checked 2026-10-14.
OMY 300/300 V cable technical data sheet (application, Class 5 conductors, 300/300 V) – Technokabel, checked 2026-10-14.
H03VV-F / OMY technical data sheet (EN 50525-2-11, bending radius 5 × Ø, −30…+70 °C) – checked 2026-10-14.
Load values are indicative, based on current-carrying capacity practice for flexible cables (VDE 0298-4); conductor colours – HD 308.

Get an offer for BVV-LL cables

Flexible BVV-LL cables with 2–7 cores, 0.75–2.5 mm², white or black sheath. We cut by the metre, help select the cross-section according to load and length, and can supply matching plugs and socket outlets.

☎ +370 620 72733 ✉ info@elsprendimai.eu

1 - 1 of 1

Code: 91532502 (1m)

• The cables are used in residential premises for connecting medium-power household appliances (e.g., washing machines, refrigerators). Suitable for household use, including damp rooms.
• The conductor is made of stranded thin annealed copper wires, making it very flexible. The insulated cores are twisted together and covered with a PVC sheath, making it convenient to use.

Price 1.47 € VAT incl.

( 1.21 € VAT excl. )

Subscribtion to new arrivals

I declare that I agree with privacy policy
Subscribe

Information

Cart

Products catalog

Product Catalog

Manufacturer