What is Harmonization?

What is Harmonization? <HAR>

A cable that is intended to be used in Europe on electronic or electrical equipment should have a Harmonized <HAR> approval. The development of common standards for the European marketplace facilitates export trade to European countries. An international safety standards agency called CENELEC was formed to develop electrical standards that would be acceptable to all European CENELEC nations.

The electrical standards are classified as Harmonization Documents. <HAR> cordage and hookup wire conforms to Harmonization documents HD-21 and HD-22.

• HD-21: Specifications for PVC insulated wires and cables
• HD-22: Specifications for Rubber insulated cords and cables

In order to identify a <HAR> wire or cable, one of the following identification methods are required:

• Printed letter <HAR> on either the outer jacket or insulation
• Printed tape internally within the cable

Countries involved in CENELEC are: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and United Kingdom.

HARMONIZED COLOR CODE: VDE 0293-308
1 Core - black
2 Cores - blue/brown
3 Cores - yellow/blue/brown
4 Cores - yellow/brown/black/gray
5 Cores - yellow/brown/gray/black/blue

Have a question about this information or a specific wire or cable? Need help figuring out if a wire meets your requirements or how to source the right material? Our team of specialists are happy to help! Contact us at 847.882.4333 and speak to a live person.