NYM-J 3x1,5 mm²: Ultimate Guide – Usage, Load Capacity, Installation Tips 2026
The NYM-J 3x1.5 mm² (short: NYM 3x1.5) is the undisputed No. 1 sheathed cable for installations in Germany. It is used in almost every household for lighting circuits, standard sockets, and renovations – affordable, reliable, and VDE-compliant. In this comprehensive pillar article, we explain everything important: structure, standards, load capacity, installation methods, common mistakes, comparisons, and where to buy it affordably as meterware or ring at ekabel24. As of March 2026.
Why NYM-J 3x1.5 mm² is the most popular sheathed cable
For decades the proven standard for fixed indoor installations: Solid copper conductors make it easy to work with, it is suitable for damp rooms, and cost-effective. At ekabel24 it is our bestseller – with high search volume and strong clicks on variants like the 25m ring (approx. 7,500 impressions) and 50m ring.
Structure & Technical Data (according to DIN VDE 0279 Part 603 / VDE 0250-204)
- N: Standard cable
- Y: PVC insulation of the cores (TI1, lead-free)
- M: PVC sheath (YM1, grey RAL 7035)
- J: With green-yellow protective conductor (PE)
- 3x1.5: 3 cores each 1.5 mm² copper (bare, Class 1 / solid RE)
Key technical data:
- Rated voltage: U0/U 0.6/1 kV (300/500 V nominal, 600/1000 V rated)
- Test voltage: 4 kV
- Outer diameter: approx. 10.5 mm
- Temperature range: Installation +5 to +70 °C; fixed -5 to +70 °C (conductor max. 70 °C)
- Flame retardancy: according to IEC 60332-1-2 / VDE 0482-332-1-2
- Core identification: according to VDE 0293 (Brown = L, Blue = N, Green-Yellow = PE)
Usage & Application Areas
Ideal for:
- Lighting circuits (lamps, ceiling lights, switches)
- Standard sockets (up to 16 A)
- Small consumers (e.g., bathroom fans, roller shutters, ventilators)
Permitted installation according to VDE: Over, on, in, and under plaster; in masonry, concrete (not directly in vibrated/tamped concrete); in dry, damp, and wet rooms (suitable for damp locations); outdoors (protected from direct sunlight). Not suitable for: Direct burial in soil (use NYY), high continuous loads (min. 2.5 mm²), highly flexible or suspended applications (use H07RN-F).
Load Capacity & Protection (according to DIN VDE 0298-4)
Current-carrying capacity Iz at 30 °C ambient temperature, 3 loaded cores (copper, PVC):
| Installation method (reference) | Iz (A) |
|---|---|
| A1/A2 (in insulated walls / conduit) | 13.5–15.5 A |
| B1/B2 (in conduit / direct) | 15–17.5 A |
| C (on or under plaster / on wall) | 17.5–19.5 A |
Practical recommendation: Protect with 16 A circuit breaker (B16) for lighting and socket circuits (max. ~3,680 W at 230 V). For bundling, grouping, long runs, or higher ambient temperature: Reduce capacity or switch to 2.5 mm². Always check voltage drop (guideline: <3–5 %).
Installation Tips & Step-by-Step Guide
- Planning: Calculate load and length, check VDE 0100, determine voltage drop.
- Cut slots: Width approx. 1.5× outer diameter (~15–16 mm), sufficient depth.
- Pull in cable: Ensure strain relief, minimum bending radius ≥4× outer diameter (~42 mm).
- Connect: Clamp cores correctly (observe color coding).
- Protect: Always use RCD/MCB combination + circuit breaker.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them:
- Too tight bends → insulation damaged.
- Incorrect or missing protection → overheating/short-circuit risk.
- No strain relief (e.g., at ceiling connections) → cable slips.
- Direct sunlight or unprotected outdoor installation → accelerated aging.
NYM-J 3x1.5 vs. Alternatives – Comparison Table
| Type | Cross-section | Load (typ.) | Main use | Price/meter (approx. 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NYM-J 3x1.5 | 1.5 mm² | 16–19 A | Lighting, standard sockets | 0.80–1.20 € |
| NYM-J 3x2.5 | 2.5 mm² | 20–25 A | Kitchen, higher loads | 1.20–1.80 € |
| NYY-J 3x1.5 | 1.5 mm² | similar | Direct burial | 1.00–1.50 € |
| H07RN-F 3G1.5 | 1.5 mm² | flexible | Construction site, outdoor movable | 1.50–2.50 € |
Voltage Drop Example (critical for long runs)
At 16 A load and 50 m cable (go + return = 100 m): Voltage drop ~3–4 % (still acceptable). For >80–100 m or higher load: Switch to 2.5 mm² or perform exact calculation (formula: ΔU = 2 × ρ × L × I / A; ρ Cu ≈ 0.0175 Ω mm²/m).
Buy at ekabel24: Variants & Prices 2026
Our most popular variants (all prices incl. VAT):
- By the metre: from €0.84/m – perfect for small projects. Order by the metre now
- 25m ring: €21.18 (~€0.85/m) – bestseller. To the 25m ring
- 50m ring: €40.34 (~€0.81/m) – best price-performance ratio. To the 50m ring
- 100m ring: €80.68 (~€0.81/m)
- 500m reel: €403.40 (~€0.81/m) – ideal for pros & B2B.
Buy NYM-J 3x1.5 mm² affordably – fast delivery & B2B discounts!
View all variants →
Conclusion
NYM-J 3x1.5 mm² remains the smart, safe, and economical choice for most indoor installations in 2026. Always plan in compliance with VDE and consult a qualified electrician for uncertainties or complex projects.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about NYM-J 3x1.5
- Can I install NYM 3x1.5 in the bathroom? Yes, suitable for damp rooms – but observe IP protection and distances according to VDE 0100-701 (e.g., use slots/pipes, respect zones).
- Can I lay it in the ground? No – only NYY/NAYY for direct burial (more robust sheath).
- Which fuse/circuit breaker? Usually 16 A (B16); check lower in insulated walls or bundling (VDE 0298-4 table).
- NYM 3x1.5 or 3x2.5 for sockets? 1.5 mm² is sufficient for normal circuits (16 A), 2.5 mm² for higher loads/kitchen (20–25 A).
- Voltage drop on long runs? For >50 m & 16 A, calculate – switch to 2.5 mm² if needed to keep <5 %.
As of March 2026. Prices & standards may vary – check current VDE tables and manufacturer specifications.