UL, CSA, HAR or VDE: Cables and Wires for International Use
Standards such as HAR, VDE, UL, and CSA play a crucial role in the deployment of cables and wires within their respective markets. Strict adherence to these specific standards is essential to ensure compliance for use in industrial facilities and machinery. In this article, we will explore the various standards and their significance. Additionally, we will introduce the HELUKABEL FIVENORM cables that are specifically designed for global use.
Your Standards Quick Overview: Which Cable for Which Market?
Every target market requires specific certifications – this normally means multiple inventory management, complex parts lists and increased procurement costs for you. A single error in cable selection can jeopardize delivery dates and result in contractual penalties.
With over 1,500 standard-compliant cables in stock, we offer you planning security for your international projects. Particularly efficient: HELUKABEL FIVENORM cables combine 5 international standards in one product – reducing your article variety by up to 70% and significantly simplifying procurement.
Our solution: In our online shop, you can quickly and easily filter by the appropriate standard.
| Target Market | Required Standard |
| USA | UL (MTW / AWM) |
| Canada | CSA (TEW / AWN) |
| Europe | HAR / VDE |
| Worldwide | All Standards |
UL, CSA, HAR and VDE: The Most Important International Standards at a Glance
UL Standard (USA) – Your Entry Ticket to the US Market
UL certification is mandatory for the US American market. UL is a globally operating testing institution based in the USA that sets safety standards for a variety of products, including cables and wires. The focus: product safety and fire behavior.
The most important standards for you:
- UL AWM: Device wiring for control cabinets
- UL MTW: Machine tool wiring up to 105°C, 600V
CSA Standard (Canada) – Safety for the Canadian Market
CSA certification is legally required for Canada. The standards are harmonized with UL, but independent certification is required. It defines the safety requirements for electrical products, including cables and wires.
Your advantages:
- Interchangeable standards with UL
- CSA TEW corresponds to UL MTW
- Moisture resistant, VW-1 flame test passed
Important UL and CSA Standards for Cables and Wires
UL and CSA test according to the same harmonized standards of the Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) and the National Electrical Code (NEC), making their certifications practically interchangeable. Below we briefly discuss the most important standards for cables and wires:
- UL AWM and CSA AWN: Appliance Wiring Material (AWM) encompasses an extensive category of wires and cables available in various constructions. Underwriters Laboratory (UL) classifies AWM as a recognized component that may be used in listed or classified products.
- UL MTW / CSA TEW: American (MTW) and Canadian (TEW) cables feature a bare or tinned copper conductor with PVC insulation. They are moisture resistant and pass the VW-1 flame test. UL 1028 is suitable for wiring machine tools, appliances, control cabinets, electronic circuits and switchboards. These cables have a temperature range up to 105°C and a rated voltage of 600V.
HAR/VDE Standards (Europe)
HAR (Europe-wide) and VDE (Germany) guarantee free movement of goods in the EU. They offer the highest safety standards for industry and households.
The HAR standard, also known as “Harmonized Approval Mark”, is a certification standard that applies to cables and wires in Europe. It was developed to ensure uniform quality assurance for electrical products and facilitate free movement of goods within the EU. The standard sets requirements for fire behavior, mechanical strength and safety properties to ensure that cables and wires function reliably in different environments.
The VDE standard is a German standard issued by the testing organization of the same name. This standard includes both safety and functional standards for electrical installations and products.
As part of VDE certification, cables and wires are tested for their safety and compatibility with existing electrical systems. Products bearing the VDE mark thus offer increased safety and reliability, particularly in Germany and other European countries.
HELUKABEL FIVENORM: One Solution for All Markets
✓ 5 standards in one cable – Drastically reduce your inventory
✓ Immediately from stock – No waiting times for export orders
✓ Cost savings – Up to 40% less procurement effort
✓ Simplified parts lists – One article for all markets
Machine and plant manufacturers who distribute their products internationally often face the challenge that each target market has its own standards and regulations that all installed components must comply with.
For cabling, HELUKABEL provides a simple and economical solution with its FIVENORM single cores. These copper conductors with PVC insulation are certified according to all common approvals such as VDE, CSA, EAC, UL MTW, making them suitable for worldwide use.
Your specific advantages with FIVENORM:
- Temperature range: Up to 90°C continuous temperature
- Voltage range: Up to 1,000V AC / 1,250V DC
- Cross-sections: 0.5 – 95 mm² available
- Silicone and cadmium-free and free from substances that interfere with paint wetting
- Colors: 10 standard colors from stock
- Machine Tool Wiring
- Packaging: Practical 100m rings or drums
Now available – the best-selling FIVENORM products:
Need other cross-sections or colors?
Frequently Ordered Together – Your Complete Package
Our customers often combine FIVENORM cables with:
Why International Standards Are Crucial for You
Time is money – especially in international projects. With standard-compliant cables you avoid:
- Delays in machine acceptance
- Reorders due to incorrect certification
- Double inventory for different markets
- Complex parts lists with hundreds of article numbers
Your checklist for the right cable choice:
- Export country determines:
- USA → UL
- Canada → CSA
- EU → HAR/VDE
- Check temperature range: FIVENORM up to 90°C continuous temperature
- Check voltage: up to 1,000V AC / 1,250V DC
- Select cross-section: 0.5 – 95 mm² available
- Calculate quantity
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