Important cables for new build and renovation

The most important cables for new builds and renovations: Your path to a safe electrical installation
Whether it's a new build, renovation of an old building or smart modernisation - the right choice of cables is crucial for the safety, functionality and future-proofing of your electrical installation. This guide provides builders, electrical installers and B2B customers (e.g. construction companies, wholesalers) with a comprehensive overview of the most common cable types, their applications and planning tips. Find out how to wire in accordance with standards, save costs and future-proof projects - ideal for private and commercial construction projects in Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Belgium, Norway, Sweden and Finland.
Why the right choice of cable is so important
A well thought-out electrical installation forms the backbone of every building. Incorrect or inferior cables can cause safety risks such as short circuits or fires, while forward-looking planning avoids later conversions and costs. Particularly in the B2B sector, for large construction projects or commercial refurbishments, compliance with standards, durability and scalability are crucial. We will show you which cables are suitable for which purposes and how you can implement your projects efficiently.
1. indoor power supply: NYM-J as an all-rounder
NYM-J sheathed cable is the standard for fixed installations in residential and commercial buildings. It is suitable for dry, damp and wet rooms and is used for lighting circuits, socket circuits and other consumers. Whether flush-mounted, surface-mounted or in installation conduits - NYM-J is versatile and reliable.
Advantages of NYM-J:
- Safety: flame-retardant and self-extinguishing in accordance with European standards.
- Easy handling: Flexible and easy to install.
- Versatility: Suitable for wall, ceiling and pipe installations.
- Conformity to standards: Meets the requirements in several countries (see Standards section).
Typical cross-sections:
- 3x1.5 mm²: For lighting (up to approx. 16 A).
- 3x2.5 mm²: For socket circuits (up to approx. 20 A).
- 5x6 mm²: For heavy current connections such as electric cookers.
Tip for B2B customers: When purchasing large quantities of NYM-J, it is worth consulting a specialist retailer such as ekabel24.de for discounted conditions. Plan storage and logistics to avoid delays.
2. cable for outdoor use: NYY-J underground cable
The NYY-J underground cable is ideal for laying outdoors or underground. Thanks to its robust PVC sheathing, it can withstand mechanical stress, moisture and weathering. It is suitable for garden electricity, outdoor lighting or the power supply to outbuildings.
Areas of application:
- Garden projects: Power for pond pumps or lighting.
- Commercial use: Connection of carports, wall boxes or warehouses.
- Outbuildings: Connection of garages or workshops.
Properties of NYY-J:
- High load capacity: suitable for direct burial.
- Weather-resistant: Resistant to UV radiation and temperature fluctuations.
- Complies with standards: Fulfils requirements in several countries (see standards).
Planning advice: Lay NYY-J at a depth of at least 60 cm (DE, NL, BE) or 80 cm (AT, NO, SE, FI, depending on regulations) with a sand bed or protective pipes. B2B tip: Wholesalers such as ekabel24.de offer pallet discounts and customised cuts for large projects.
3. flexible wiring in the distribution board: H07V-K core cables
The H07V-K core cable is perfect for wiring in switch cabinets or fuse boxes. Its fine-stranded copper conductors ensure flexibility, even in confined spaces. It is ideal for building technology and industrial applications.
Advantages of H07V-K:
- High flexibility: For tight radii and complex wiring.
- Colour coding: Many colours for identification (e.g. blue for neutral conductor).
- Complies with standards: Complies with European standards (see standards).
Typical areas of application:
- Wiring of RCDs or meter cabinets.
- Control cables for heating or air conditioning systems.
- Connections in automation technology.
Tip: Use wire end ferrules for secure contacting. B2B tip: Stock up on standard colours and cross-sections at ekabel24.de for fast project implementation.
4. network cables for smart buildings: Cat7 and more
Cat7 cables are indispensable for the internet, smart home systems and IP cameras. They offer transmission rates of up to 10 Gbit/s and are future-proof for modern buildings.
Advantages of Cat7:
- Speed: Supports bandwidths of up to 600 MHz.
- Shielding: Shielded variants (S/FTP) minimise interference.
- Versatility: Suitable for PoE (Power over Ethernet).
Planning tips:
- Lay network cables separately from power cables.
- Use patch panels for flexible connections.
- Choose cables by the metre or prefabricated cables at ekabel24.de.
B2B focus: ekabel24.de offers bulk packs and certified Cat7 cables (ISO/IEC 11801) for office construction or IT projects.
5. future-proof planning: empty conduits for extensions
Corrugated conduits enable subsequent cabling for photovoltaics, wallboxes or fibre optics without structural interventions.
Advantages of empty conduits:
- Flexibility: For later installations.
- Cost savings: Reduce conversion work.
- Sustainability: Support e-mobility and renewable energies.
Tip: Plan empty conduits (min. 25 mm diameter) from the basement to the roof or garage. B2B tip: Standardised conduit systems from ekabel24.de save time on large-scale projects.
6 Standards and safety: What you need to consider
Compliance with standards is mandatory for safe electrical installations in all the countries mentioned. Here are the most important standards for Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Belgium, Norway, Sweden and Finland:
- Germany:
- DIN VDE 0100: Regulates low-voltage installations.
- DIN VDE 0298-4: Specifications for cable selection and installation.
- DIN VDE 0250-204 (NYM-J), 0276-603 (NYY-J), 0285-525-2-31 (H07V-K): Specific cable standards.
- Austria:
- ÖVE/ÖNORM E 8001: Low-voltage installations, analogue to VDE 0100.
- ÖVE/ÖNORM E 8243: Cable selection, harmonised with VDE 0298-4.
- ÖVE/ÖNORM EN 50525-2-31 (H07V-K), E 8200 (NYM-J), E 8241 (NYY-J): Cable standards.
- Netherlands:
- NEN 1010: Standard for low-voltage installations, similar to VDE 0100.
- NEN-EN 50525-2-31: For H07V-K, harmonised with EU standards.
- NYM-J and NYY-J are common, with adaptations to local fire safety regulations.
- Belgium:
- AREI/RGIE: General regulations for electrical installations.
- EN 50525-2-31 (H07V-K) and similar EU standards for cables.
- NYM-J and NYY-J widely used, with a focus on fire protection (EN 50575).
- Norway:
- NEK 400: Standard for electrical installations, based on IEC 60364.
- EN 50525-2-31 (H07V-K) and similar standards for cables.
- NYM-J/NYY-J common, often with stricter fire protection requirements.
- Sweden:
- SS 436 40 00: Low-voltage installations, harmonised with IEC.
- EN 50525-2-31 (H07V-K) and EU standards for cables.
- NYM-J/NYY-J accepted, focussing on environmental and fire protection.
- Finland:
- SFS 6000: Low voltage systems, based on IEC 60364.
- EN 50525-2-31 (H07V-K) and similar cable standards.
- NYM-J/NYY-J used, with strict requirements for cold resistance.
- EU-wide:
- EN 50575: Fire protection requirements (CPR classes) for cables, mandatory in all countries mentioned.
- ISO/IEC 11801: For network cables such as Cat7, internationally recognised.
Safety tips:
- Use cables with CE labelling and country-specific approval (e.g. VDE, ÖVE).
- Document installations for inspections or approvals.
- Commission specialised electrical companies for complex projects.
B2B note: Training on standards and products is available from distributors such as ekabel24.de to keep your team up to date.
7 B2B benefits: Optimise your procurement
For electrical contractors, construction companies and facility managers, efficient procurement is key:
- Framework agreements: Secure better prices for NYM-J, NYY-J or Cat7 at ekabel24.de.
- Just-in-time delivery: Minimise storage costs.
- Customised products: Order pre-assembled cables for large projects.
- Sustainability: Take advantage of take-back programmes for cable remnants.
Tip: Compare prices and availability on ekabel24.de for optimum planning.
Conclusion: Safety and efficiency through the right choice of cable
The right choice of cable is the key to a safe and future-proof electrical installation. NYM-J is ideal for indoor areas, NYY-J for outdoor areas, H07V-K for distribution boards and Cat7 for digital infrastructure. With corrugated conduit and standard-compliant planning, you create the basis for expansions such as smart homes or e-mobility.
For B2B customers: Invest in high-quality materials and strong suppliers such as ekabel24.de B2B to realise projects on time. Whether you are a builder, electrician or wholesaler - forward-looking planning saves time and money.
Shop now: Discover our range at ekabel24.de or contact us for advice!
Note on certifications: The standards and certificates mentioned correspond to the current status for the countries mentioned. As regulations may change, we recommend that you check the current requirements for your country with a qualified electrician or competent authority (e.g. VDE, ÖVE, NEN, NEK, SFS) to ensure full compliance.