XVB 5G1.5 mm² Rigid Three-Phase Cable with Neutral 0.6/1kV - Light Circuits

Cable XVB 5G1.5 mm² - Three-phase Rigid Cable with Neutral for Light Circuits

The XVB 5G1.5 mm² cable is a PVC-insulated, multi-conductor rigid electrical cable specially designed for light three-phase fixed electrical installations with low-voltage neutral. Its economical construction with 5 solid copper conductors (3 phases + neutral + earth) with a cross-section of 1.5 mm² makes it the cable of choice for distributed three-phase lighting, photovoltaic auxiliary circuits and small mixed three-phase electrical distributions.

Compliant with the Belgian RGIE (Règlement Général sur les Installations Électriques) and European standards HD 604 and EN 50575, this cable guarantees safety, reliability and economy for your light three-phase electrical circuits requiring a neutral conductor.

Main applications

The XVB 5G1.5 mm² cable is perfectly suited to light three-phase electrical circuits with a neutral conductor:

• Distributed three-phase lighting: Distribution of lighting over the 3 phases to balance the load (LED luminaires, office lighting, light commercial lighting)
• Auxiliary circuits for photovoltaic installations: Three-phase monitoring power supply, supervision systems, dataloggers with neutral, communication equipment, etc.
• Small mixed three-phase distributions: Sub-tables supplying both light three-phase loads and single-phase sockets
• Three-phase control circuits: Supplying light automatic devices requiring 3 phases and a neutral conductor
• Emergency lighting: Distributed over 3 phases to guarantee minimum lighting in the event of an imbalance
• Indoor installation: surface-mounted on a wall, flush-mounted in a recess, in cable trays or technical sheaths
• Protected outdoor installation: Installation in protective sheaths (ICTA, IRL) for outdoor feed-throughs
• Buried installation: Installation in sheaths, conduits or ducts buried in accordance with the RGIE (minimum depth 60 cm)

⚠️ Important: XVB 5G1.5 mm² cable is designed for light electrical circuits (lighting, auxiliaries, small loads). For high-power three-phase circuits (photovoltaic inverters, motors), use a minimum cross-section of 2.5 mm² or greater.

Detailed technical specifications

XVB 5G1.5 vs XVB 4G1.5: What's the difference?

The fundamental difference between these two cables lies in the presence or absence of the neutral conductor:

How do you choose?

• Choose the XVB 5G1,5 (this product) if you have single-phase loads or if you need to distribute lighting over the 3 phases with return via the neutral conductor.
• Choose the XVB 4G1,5 only if you supply balanced pure three-phase loads without any single-phase loads.

Advantages of the XVB 5G1,5 cable for light three-phase installations

Flexibility of use with neutral: The XVB 5G1.5 mm² cable offers the essential flexibility to supply both three-phase and single-phase loads. Thanks to the neutral conductor, you can distribute single-phase loads over the 3 phases while maintaining a neutral reference point for each circuit.

Optimum load distribution: For three-phase lighting, this cable allows luminaires to be distributed over the 3 phases, guaranteeing optimum balancing of power consumption and preventing overloading of any one phase. This distribution improves energy efficiency and reduces operating costs.

Cost-effective solution for light circuits: With its 1.5 mm² cross-section, XVB 5G1.5 cable offers the best value for money for light three-phase circuits. Its cross-section is perfectly sized for lighting, auxiliary circuits and small distributions, enabling savings to be made compared with oversized cross-sections.

Easy installation: With its compact 9-10 mm diameter and light weight (0.05 kg/m), this cable is particularly easy to handle during installation. It slips easily into medium-diameter ducts (ICTA Ø20mm), reducing installation time and cost.

💡 Expert advice: XVB 5G1.5 mm² cable is protected by a 10A (recommended for lighting) or maximum 16A circuit breaker. For three-phase distribution, use a 4-pole circuit breaker protecting the 3 phases and neutral, with 30mA type A residual current protection.

Sizing and choice of cross-section according to the RGIE

The RGIE imposes strict rules on cable sizing according to use. For a XVB 5G1.5 mm² cable:

RGIE-compatible applications :

Maximum recommended lengths to limit voltage drop :

• Lighting circuits (10A): Up to 40 metres
• Light auxiliary circuits (10A): Up to 40 metres
• Small mixed distributions (16A): Up to 25 metres
• Beyond that: use a 2.5 mm² cross-section to limit the voltage drop.

To validate the sizing of your cables and calculate the precise voltage drop of your installation, consult our free calculator available in the Wattuneed toolbox.

Installation and use

The XVB 5G1.5 mm² cable must be carefully laid in accordance with good practice and the requirements of the RGIE :

Preparation and planning :

1. Identification of the circuit: Determine the exact use (three-phase lighting, mixed distribution, auxiliaries) to choose the appropriate protection.
2. Distribution of phases: Plan the distribution of loads over the 3 phases to balance consumption as far as possible.
3. Calculating lengths: Measure the path, allowing a 10-15% margin for connections in junction boxes.
4. Selecting protection: Use a suitable four-pole circuit breaker (10A for lighting, 16A for light distribution).

Installation techniques :

• Exposed installation: Fix the cable every 25-30 cm with suitable plastic clamps. Avoid tight bends (minimum radius 55 mm).
• Flush-mounted installation: Make recesses 20-25 mm deep and pull the cable through without constraint.
• Duct installation: Use minimum Ø20mm ICTA ducts. Pull the cable with a wire puller without forcing.
• Buried installation: Place the cable in a sheath at least 60 cm underground. Mark the passage with a red warning grid 20 cm below the surface.

Connections and splicing :

1. Stripping: Use a wire stripper to remove the outer sheath, then strip 8-10 mm off each conductor.
2. Identification: Be sure to follow the colour code (Black/Brown/Grey=phases, Blue=neutral, Green-Yellow=earth)
3. Balanced distribution: Distribute single-phase loads evenly over the 3 phases.
4. Tightening: Use Wago dominos or terminals adapted to the 1.5 mm² cross-section. Tighten correctly without crushing.
5. Junction boxes: Install boxes at the junction points, never make connections in the sheaths.
6. Checking: Check the continuity of each conductor (3 phases + neutral + earth) and that there are no short circuits.

For detailed wiring diagrams and examples of complete installations, see our page dedicated to photovoltaic installation diagrams.

RGIE and Belgian standards compliance

The XVB 5G1.5 mm² cable complies with the requirements of the RGIE (Belgian General Regulations on Electrical Installations), which govern all electrical installations in Belgium.

Main RGIE compliances :

• ✓ Article 4.3.3: Insulated cables for fixed installations
• ✓ Article 4.4: Authorised installation methods (visible, embedded, buried in conduit)
• ✓ Article 5.2: Protection against indirect contact (presence of earth conductor)
• ✓ Book 1 - Minimum cross-section 1.5 mm² for three-phase lighting and auxiliary circuits
• ✓ Annex 4: Calculation of conductor cross-sections and protection against overcurrents

European and Belgian standards :

• HD 604: Power distribution cables of rated voltage 0.6/1 kV
• NBN C 30-004: Specific Belgian standard for XVB installation cables
• EN 50575: Fire classification of electrical cables (Cca-s3,d2,a3)
• IEC 60332-1-2: Vertical flame spread test

If you have any questions about the conformity of your installation or would like advice on how to install it, please contact our technical support centre.

Applications in photovoltaic installations

XVB 5G1.5 mm² cable has several key applications in three-phase photovoltaic installations:

Three-phase monitoring and supervision circuits:

• Three-phase power supply for multi-phase smart meters
• Dataloggers and on-line three-phase monitoring systems
• Photovoltaic production displays with neutral
• Three-phase communication gateways (Wi-Fi, Ethernet, 4G)
• Three-phase energy management systems (EMS)

Three-phase installation auxiliary circuits :

• Three-phase technical room lighting (distributed over 3 phases)
• Single-phase sockets supplied from a three-phase circuit
• Power supply for light cooling fans
• Three-phase alarm and security systems

Three-phase automation and home automation :

• Three-phase electrical load shedding controls
• Three-phase load management contactors
• Intelligent control systems for three-phase consumption
• Automatic lighting distributed over 3 phases

⚠️ Important reminder: XVB 5G1.5 mm² cable must NEVER be used for the main connection of a three-phase photovoltaic inverter. For this application, use at least XVB 5G2.5 mm² cable (inverters up to 3-4 kW) or larger cross-sections depending on power.

Comparison with other three-phase XVB cross-sections with neutral

To help you choose the right section for your project, here is a comparison table:

How to choose

• Choose XVB 5G1.5 for three-phase lighting, auxiliary circuits and small, light distribution.
• Choose the XVB 5G2,5 for mixed distribution, inverters up to 3-4 kW
• Choose XVB 5G4 or 5G6 for higher power inverters and large equipment

Why choose XVB 5G1.5 cable from Wattuneed?

• Sale by the metre: Order only the exact length you need, without wasting or overstocking
• Guaranteed quality: RGIE, HD 604, NBN C 30-004 and EN 50575 compliant cables
• Ultra-competitive price: €2.90 incl. VAT/metre - an economical solution for light three-phase circuits
• Permanent stock: Immediate availability for dispatch within 24-48 working hours
• Free technical support: Our team of experts can advise you on choosing the right section for your three-phase installation.
• Free resources: Access our online calculators, installation guides and detailed wiring diagrams.

If you have any technical questions about sizing your three-phase cables, choosing the right cross-section according to the RGIE, or ensuring that your installation complies with the regulations, contact our technical support centre or use our free calculation tools.