How to read Italian cable codes such as FG7R, FG7OR, FROR, FROH2R and FG7OM1, what each letter means and how the CPR changed them.
Italy has its own cable designation system, defined by CEI and UNEL standards. If you buy for Italian projects — or work with Italian machine builders and EPC contractors elsewhere in Europe — you will see codes such as FG7OR, FROR or FG7OM1 on every cable schedule. They follow a logic that is quite different from the harmonised H-codes.
Italian codes are read in this order: conductor, insulation, construction details, screen, sheath. The most common letters are:
| Letter | Meaning |
|---|---|
| F | Flexible copper conductor (class 5); R at the start can indicate a rigid stranded conductor |
| G7 | HEPR (high-modulus ethylene-propylene rubber) insulation |
| G16, G18 | Newer high-performance rubber insulations introduced with the CPR-era types |
| R (insulation position) | PVC insulation |
| O | Multi-core cable with cores laid up round (“cavo rotondo”) |
| H1 | Screen of copper tape or wires |
| H2 | Copper braid screen |
| R (sheath position) | PVC sheath |
| M1 | Halogen-free thermoplastic sheath (low smoke, low corrosivity) |
When the Construction Products Regulation was applied to cables, Italy updated its standards (notably the CEI-UNEL 35016 framework linking cable types to Euroclasses). For fixed installation in buildings, many classic types were replaced by new designations with improved fire behaviour — for example FG16(O)R16 in place of FG7(O)R, and FG18(O)M16 in place of FG7(O)M1. The older types are still found in industrial applications, machine wiring and in existing documentation.
If your cable schedule mixes old and new designations, check with the designer whether the cable will be installed permanently in a building — and if so, which Euroclass is required. Our CPR cable guide explains the classes.
There is no exact one-to-one equivalence between Italian, German and harmonised types, because insulation materials and test requirements differ. As a rough orientation:
Always compare the construction, voltage rating and fire performance before substituting. See how to read harmonised codes and our guide to control cables for the other systems.
Browse all industrial cables or send us your schedule — we regularly match Italian designations with available stock and alternatives.
For permanent installation in buildings, FG16OR16 is commonly used in place of FG7OR, and FG18OM16 in place of FG7OM1, to meet the fire classes required under the CPR in Italy. The older types remain in use in other applications and existing documentation.
M1 indicates a halogen-free thermoplastic sheath with low smoke and low corrosive gas emission, used where fire safety in occupied buildings matters.
FROR is a 450/750 V flexible multi-core cable with PVC insulation and sheath. It is used for both power and control connections in dry and damp locations, and FROH2R is its screened version.
Industrial CablesThese rubber insulated cables are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use as power and control cable. They are mostly used in industrial facilities, construction sites and residential areas.
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Industrial CablesThese cables are used as motor power supply cables with frequency converters where there is elegromagnetic interference exist. Generally used in industries like automotive, air conditining, packing, chemical and food.…
Industrial CablesThese rubber insulated cables are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use as power and control cable. They are mostly used in environments at risk of fire like offices, subways,…
Industrial CablesThese cables are suitable for fixed laying and connection of movable appliances, and production lines in industries. They can be used in dry, damp and wet places inside and temporary…
Industrial CablesThese cables are suitable for fixed laying, connection of movable appliances, and production lines in industries. It’s shielded for against electromagnetic disturbances.
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