Traveling Cable For Elevetor

Traveling Cable For Elevator: Everything You Need to Know About Flat Elevator Cables

In elevator systems, the traveling cable that provides energy and signal transmission between the car and the control panel is one of the most critical components in continuous motion. Especially in high-rise buildings and narrow hoistway spaces, flat elevator cables are preferred over traditional round cables. So, what makes these cables so special? In this article, we will examine the structure, types, technical specifications, and selection criteria of flat elevator cables in detail.

What Is a Flat Elevator Cable?

A flat elevator cable is a type of traveling cable produced by covering multi-strand copper conductors with a special PVC or halogen-free insulation material and then combining them with a flat outer sheath. Its biggest difference from round cables is that its cross-section is elliptical or rectangular. This geometric structure gives the cable a much more efficient movement capability in the elevator hoistway.

While round cables create uneven stress on the cores as they bend in the hoistway, in flat cables the bending stress is distributed more homogeneously among the cores; this allows the cable to withstand millions of bending cycles. Additionally, the flat structure takes up less space in narrow hoistways and almost eliminates the risk of the cable twisting around itself.

Why Are Flat Cables Preferred?

We can list the prominent advantages of flat elevator cables as follows:

• Superior performance in narrow spaces: The flat cross-section takes up less space in the hoistway and increases the free suspension length of the cable.

• Low bending radius: Compared to round cables, it can bend at a much smaller radius; this minimizes the cable's friction against the hoistway walls.

• Lightweight: Especially in models with CCA (copper-clad aluminum) conductors, weight is reduced by up to 30-40%; this reduces the static load on the elevator motor and suspension system.

• Long lifespan: Thanks to fine multi-strand copper conductors (Class 5/6) and a special PVC compound, the cable is resistant to millions of bending cycles.

Common Flat Elevator Cable Types

Elevator traveling cables are produced in different types depending on the application and environmental conditions. The most common standards and types are as follows:

H05VVH6-F

This is a flat elevator cable with PVC insulation and PVC sheath, with a rated voltage of 300/500 V. It is manufactured in accordance with the EN 50214 standard; it is used as a control and command cable in moving systems such as elevators, cranes, escalators, and conveyor systems. Its maximum operating temperature is +70 °C.

H05VVD3H6-F

This is a flat elevator cable developed for long travel distances and high buildings, reinforced with two steel wire ropes. Thanks to the steel support members, the cable's elongation under its own weight is prevented; it provides safe operation up to a free suspension length of 150 meters and a travel speed of 10 m/s.

TVVB and Its Variants

The TVVB series consists of flat elevator cables with PVC insulation and PVC sheath. They can be produced in cross-sections of 0.75 mm² and 1 mm², with 18 to 60 cores. The sub-types of this family are as follows:

Type	Feature
TVVB	Standard flat cable
TVVBP	Contains shielded pairs
TVVBG	Steel wire rope reinforced
TVVBPG	Both shielded and steel wire rope reinforced

All of these types are used at a rated voltage of 300/500 V and an operating temperature of up to 70 °C.

Technical Specifications and Standards

Flat elevator cables are manufactured in strict compliance with international standards. The most common reference standard is EN 50214. This standard covers the construction, requirements, and particular test methods for flat, flexible PVC or halogen-free insulated and sheathed cables with a rated voltage of Uo/U 300/500 V and, for cross-sections above 1 mm², Uo/U 450/750 V, intended for use in passenger and goods lifts (elevators) .

The technical data of a typical flat elevator cable is as follows:

• Conductor: Fine multi-strand electrolytic annealed copper (IEC 60228 / VDE 0295 Class 5)

• Insulation: PVC (TI2) or halogen-free thermoplastic compound

• Sheath: PVC (TM2) or halogen-free thermoplastic compound

• Rated Voltage: 300/500 V (in some models 450/750 V)

• Test Voltage: 2 kV

• Maximum Operating Temperature: +70 °C

• Maximum Short-Circuit Temperature: +160 °C (max. 5 sec)

• Flame Test: IEC 60332-1-2

For example, MKS Kablo's 05ZZD3H6-F 24G1 model is 73.7 mm wide and 4.1 mm thick; its maximum free suspension length is 210 meters, maximum travel height is approximately 370 meters, and maximum travel speed is 10 m/s . Its dynamic minimum bending radius is 150 mm, and its static minimum bending radius is 42 mm .

Steel Wire Rope Support: Why Is It Essential for High-Rise Buildings?

In high-rise buildings, the weight of the elevator traveling cable itself can cause the cable to break or sag significantly. To solve this problem, steel wire rope reinforced flat cables have been developed. In the construction of these cables, in addition to the copper conductors, there are two steel wire ropes (for example, with a 7×7×0.20 mm construction and Ø1.8 mm diameter) . The steel wire ropes carry the weight of the cable and eliminate the mechanical stress on the copper conductors. Thus, the cable can operate safely at free suspension lengths of up to 150 meters and travel speeds of up to 10 m/s.

Shielding and Data Transmission

Modern elevator systems require not only energy but also high-speed data (CCTV, network connection, sensor signals) transmission. To meet this need, shielded flat elevator cables are produced. Types such as TVVBP and TVVBPG provide protection against electromagnetic interference thanks to the shielding of data pairs with Al/PET foil . In more advanced solutions, CAT6 network cables and even fiber optic elements can be integrated into the flat cable structure.

Things to Consider When Selecting a Flat Elevator Cable

Choosing the right cable is of vital importance for the reliability and long life of the elevator. When making a selection, you should consider the following criteria:

1. Building height and free suspension length: In hoistways over 35 meters, cable types with steel wire rope support (ST or G) should definitely be preferred.

2. Travel speed: In high-speed elevators (4 m/s and above), cables with high dynamic bending radius and mechanical strength should be selected.

3. Number of cores and cross-section: The number of cores and conductor cross-section required for control, lighting, communication, and safety circuits must be calculated correctly.

4. Environmental conditions: In humid, oily, or corrosive environments, the chemical resistance of the sheath material should be questioned.

5. Fire safety: Especially in enclosed and high-rise buildings, halogen-free (LSZH) or flame-retardant (FR) sheath options should be evaluated.

6. Certificates: The cable's compliance with the EN 50214 standard and relevant test reports must be checked.

Installation and Maintenance Tips

The performance of a flat elevator cable is directly related to correct installation and regular maintenance. During installation, the cable should be released to form a natural loop, not be over-tensioned, and be kept away from sharp edges. Cable clamps should not be too tight, as this prevents crushing of the cores. During periodic maintenance, the sheath surface should be checked for cracks, abrasion, or discoloration; in steel wire rope models, the tension and breakage status of the ropes should be reviewed.

For unsupported flat cable installations, the cable is attached with hanging devices at the hoistway midpoint and at the bottom of the car. The maximum hanging length for unsupported cable is 46 m (150 ft) according to EN standards . For supported flat cable, the steel support members are attached with hanging devices at the hoistway top and at the bottom of the car .

Conclusion

Flat elevator cables are the invisible heroes of modern elevator systems. With their superior movement capability in narrow hoistway spaces, long-lasting construction, and steel wire rope reinforced options suitable for high-rise buildings, they increase both safety and efficiency. Choosing the right type and technical specification of cable directly affects the performance and passenger comfort of your elevator. By clearly determining the needs of your project and choosing products that comply with international standards such as EN 50214, you will ensure trouble-free operation for many years.

Halogen Free Elevator Cables

When it comes to elevator safety, cable fire performance is just as important as mechanical durability. In the event of a fire, standard PVC cables can release dense black smoke and toxic halogen gases (like hydrogen chloride), which obstruct evacuation and harm passengers.

The 05Z1Z1H6-F Halogen Free Elevator Cable is specifically designed to solve this problem. This post explains what these cables are, why they matter.

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What Are HFFR and FRNC?

Both terms refer to cables with superior fire safety properties:

Term	Full Form	Meaning
HFFR	Halogen Free Flame Retardant	No halogens (chlorine, fluorine, bromine, iodine) in the material; flame propagation is limited
FRNC	Flame Retardant Non Corrosive	Similar to HFFR – during a fire, gases emitted are non-corrosive and low in toxicity

These cables use special polyolefin compounds instead of PVC. When exposed to fire, they produce:

• Very low smoke – Improves visibility for evacuation

• No halogen acids – Protects equipment from corrosion

• Low toxicity – Reduces health risks for passengers and firefighters

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Why Use Halogen Free Low Smoke Cables in Elevators?

Elevator shafts are vertical chimneys. In a fire, smoke and toxic gases rise rapidly, filling the shaft and spreading to other floors. Standard PVC cables can make this deadly.

Feature	Benefit
Low smoke emission	Evacuation routes remain visible
Halogen free	No corrosive gases – protects elevator electronics and building infrastructure
FRNC rating	Meets strict fire safety standards (EN 50267, EN 61034, IEC 60754)
Self-extinguishing	Prevents fire spreading along the cable

These cables are mandatory or highly recommended in:

• Hospitals, schools, airports, train stations

• High-rise residential and commercial buildings

• Underground installations and tunnels

• Any building with strict fire codes (e.g., EU CPR, BS 7629-1)

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Identifying HFFR/FRNC Elevator Cables

Below are the typical visual characteristics of a Halogen Free Low Smoke HFFR / FRNC Elevator Cable.

Halogen Free Elevator Cable

Halogen Free Elevator Cable with 2x Steel Wire Support

1. Overall Cable Appearance

• Color: Usually white, gray, or orange (not the dark gray/black of PVC cables)

• Flat profile (for traveling cables) or round (for static sections)

• Smooth, matte finish – unlike glossy PVC 

2. Cable Marking

Look for printing on the sheath:

• HFFR

• FRNC

• LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen – similar standard)

• IEC 60754-1/2 (corrosivity test)

• EN 61034 (smoke density test)

3. Cross-Section (Internal Construction)

If you cut the cable:

• No halogen smell when burned with a lighter (test carefully)

• Sheath and insulation are stiffer than PVC but remain flexible

• Often white or natural color insulation on wires

4. Burning Behavior 

When exposed to a flame and removed:

• Self-extinguishes within a few seconds

• Very little smoke – clear or light gray smoke, not thick black

• No dripping of burning material

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Technical Specifications (Typical)

Parameter	Value
Cable type	Flat elevator traveling cable (or static)
Halogen status	Halogen free (Cl, F, Br, I < 0.1% by weight)
Smoke density (EN 61034)	Light transmittance ≥ 60% (typical)
Corrosivity (IEC 60754-2)	pH ≥ 4.3; conductivity ≤ 10 µS/mm
Flame retardancy	EN 60332-1-2 (vertical flame test)
Temperature range	-15°C to +70°C (dynamic)
Applications	Control, power, data, coaxial, CAT6 in elevator shafts

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Common Types Available in HFFR/FRNC

Many elevator cable types can be manufactured with halogen free low smoke compounds:

• H05V3V3H6-F (halogen free version) – Flat flexible control cable

• H05V3V3H6-F + TV HF 75 – With coaxial for video

• Elevator CAT6 / LAN cable (LSZH version) – For data networks

• Composite traveling cables – Power + control + data + fiber optic

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Installation Tips for Halogen Free Cables

HFFR/FRNC cables are slightly less flexible than PVC cables at low temperatures. Follow these tips:

1. Use proper flat cable hangers – Ensure smooth edges to avoid abrasion on the soft sheath.

2. Minimum bending radius – Typically 8× cable thickness (more than PVC).

3. Avoid sharp cable ties – Use rounded, non-snagging supports.

4. Do not pull over sharp edges – HFFR sheaths can be more susceptible to cutting damage.

5. Label clearly – Mark that the cable is halogen free for future maintenance.

Final Verdict

The Halogen Free Elevator Cable is the safest choice for modern buildings where human life and equipment protection are priorities. While slightly more expensive than PVC, the fire safety benefits are undeniable – reduced smoke, no toxic halogens, and non-corrosive fumes.

Need a specific halogen free cable for your elevator project? Contact a MKS KABLO NOW!

16/20/22/24 Core Braided & Shielded Elevator Cables

 

 

Flat Elevator Travel Cable with Integrated Data Pairs — 16/20/22/24 Core, Braided and Shielded

Modern elevators no longer run on power alone. Cabin displays, intercoms, card readers and on-board security cameras all need a clean, uninterrupted signal path between the car and the controller — and every one of those signals has to survive a shaft full of drives, brake coils and moving steel. The flat elevator travel cable with integrated data pairs (H03V3V3H9-F, 16/20/22/24 core, braided and shielded) is designed for exactly that job: control and command cores and two screened data pairs combined in a single travelling cable.

One Travelling Cable for Both Power and Data

The conventional approach is to hang a second cable — a separate screened data or coaxial cable — alongside the control travelling cable. That means twice the terminations, twice the suspension hardware, more weight on the car, and two cables that can swing into each other over millions of cycles.

This series removes the second run. Two twisted data pairs (2 × 2 × 0.50 mm²) are integrated directly into the flat control cable, screened with PETP foil and a tinned copper wire braid, and sheathed together with the control cores. One cable is pulled, one cable is suspended, one cable is terminated — installation time in the shaft drops accordingly, and so does the parts list.

Key Features and Benefits

Interference-free signal transmission

The data element is protected by a tinned copper braid and a PETP foil screen, which drains electromagnetic interference (EMI) from frequency inverters, motor cables and brake circuits before it reaches the signal cores. In high-speed elevators, where the travelling cable moves constantly through the field of the drive system, this screening is what keeps camera images clean and intercom audio intelligible.

Hybrid construction: PVC power cores, PE data pairs

Control and command cores are PVC-insulated for mechanical robustness and flame retardancy. The data pairs use PE (polyethylene) insulation, whose lower dielectric constant and more stable geometry give better transmission characteristics than PVC. Each material is used where it performs best, inside the same sheath.

Space-saving flat design

Compared with a round elevator travelling cable of equivalent core count, the flat profile takes up far less width in the shaft, hangs in a controlled single-plane loop, and avoids the twisting behaviour that shortens the life of round cables. Overall dimensions range from 48 × 4.7 mm for the 16-core version up to 72 × 5.6 mm for the 24 G 0.75 mm² version.

Built to EN 50214

The cable is manufactured in accordance with EN 50214, the European standard for flat polyvinyl chloride sheathed flexible cables used in lifts, and is suitable for both passenger and freight elevator installations.

Applications

This cable is specified wherever an elevator has to move power, commands and signals up and down the same shaft:

• On-board CCTV and security cameras in the car
• In-cab multimedia displays and digital signage
• Intercom and emergency communication systems (EN 81-28 type emergency call links)
• High-speed elevators that need a reliable data and command connection under constant flexing
• Modernisation projects where a camera or display is added to an existing shaft and there is no room for a second travelling cable

Technical Specifications

Construction

Element	Specification
Conductor	Bare copper wires, class 5 (fine-stranded)
Insulation	PVC
Core code	Black cores with number printing; green/yellow (gn/ye) core without number printing
Sheath	PVC, black or grey

Data element construction

Element	Specification
Conductor	Bare copper wires
Insulation	PE (polyethylene)
Core layout	Twisted, 2 × 2 cores
Colours	Pair 1: white/red · Pair 2: white/blue
Screen	Tinned copper wire braid
Foil	PETP foil

Electrical properties

Property	Control cores	Data element
Cross section	0.50 – 0.75 mm²	2 × (2 × 0.50) mm²
Rated voltage	300/500 V	300 V
Test voltage	1.5 kV / 5 minutes	Core/core: 1.5 kV · Core/screen: 800 V
Conductor resistance	max. 40 Ω/km at 20 °C	max. 40 Ω/km at 20 °C
Insulation resistance	min. 10 GΩ·km at 20 °C	min. 10 GΩ·km at 20 °C

Standard: manufactured in accordance with EN 50214.

Dimensions, Weights and Part Numbers

0.50 mm² control cores + data element

Part no.	Nominal cross section [n × mm²]	Max. free suspension [m]	Overall dimensions approx. [mm × mm]	Weight approx. [kg/km]	Supply length [m]
155 370	16 G 0.50 + 2 × (2 × 0.50)	30	48 × 4.7	370	500 / 1000
155 445	20 G 0.50 + 2 × (2 × 0.50)	30	57 × 4.7	445	500 / 1000
155 480	22 G 0.50 + 2 × (2 × 0.50)	30	62 × 4.7	480	500 / 1000
155 514	24 G 0.50 + 2 × (2 × 0.50)	30	68 × 4.7	515	500 / 1000

0.75 mm² control cores + data element

Part no.	Nominal cross section [n × mm²]	Max. free suspension [m]	Overall dimensions approx. [mm × mm]	Weight approx. [kg/km]	Supply length [m]
155 515	16 G 0.75 + 2 × (2 × 0.50)	45	53 × 5.6	515	500 / 1000
155 622	20 G 0.75 + 2 × (2 × 0.50)	45	62 × 5.6	622	500 / 1000
155 638	22 G 0.75 + 2 × (2 × 0.50)	45	65 × 5.6	638	500 / 1000
155 719	24 G 0.75 + 2 × (2 × 0.50)	45	72 × 5.6	719	500 / 1000

Data element: two shielded pairs of 0.50 mm². G = with green/yellow protective earth core. Further dimensions available on request.

How to Choose the Right Version

1. Start with travel height. The 0.50 mm² control-core versions are rated for a maximum free suspension of 30 m; the 0.75 mm² versions extend that to 45 m. Travel height, not core count, is usually the limiting factor.
2. Count your circuits, then add spares. Car lighting, fan, door operator, load weighing, position signals and the safety chain add up quickly. Choosing 20 or 24 cores instead of 16 leaves headroom for a later modernisation at very little extra cost.
3. Match the data pairs to the devices. Two pairs typically cover one camera or display link plus one intercom or bus link. If the car will carry several IP devices, confirm the required bandwidth before specifying.
4. Check the shaft clearance. Overall width runs from 48 mm to 72 mm — worth confirming against the available loop space and the cable clamp before ordering.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an elevator travel cable with integrated data pairs? It is a flat travelling cable that combines the usual PVC-insulated control and command cores with a screened data element — here, two twisted 0.50 mm² pairs with PE insulation, PETP foil and a tinned copper braid — inside a single sheath, so one cable carries both power/control and signals between the car and the controller.

Do I still need a separate cable for the elevator camera? In most installations, no. The integrated screened pairs are intended to replace the separate signal cable normally run for CCTV, intercom or display links, which is where the installation-time saving comes from. Confirm the bandwidth requirement of your specific device before removing the second run.

What data can the 2 × 2 × 0.50 mm² pairs carry? The pairs suit serial and bus signalling (for example RS-485 or CAN), intercom audio, and analogue camera and display links. For Ethernet or other impedance-critical applications, request the characteristic impedance and attenuation figures for the data element first — those values are not part of the standard EN 50214 data set.

What does EN 50214 cover? EN 50214 is the European standard for flat polyvinyl chloride sheathed flexible cables for lifts. It defines construction, dimensions, electrical requirements and the flexing tests these cables must withstand in continuous vertical travel.

How long can the cable hang freely? Maximum free suspension is 30 m for the 0.50 mm² control-core versions and 45 m for the 0.75 mm² versions.

Why choose a flat elevator cable over a round one? A flat cable bends in a single controlled plane rather than twisting, occupies less space in the shaft, and hangs as a predictable loop — all of which extend service life in an application where the cable flexes every trip, for the life of the installation.

Is a green/yellow earth core included? Yes. All listed versions are marked G, meaning the core count includes a green/yellow protective earth core; the remaining cores are black with printed numbers.

Request a Quotation

Need a core count, length or configuration that is not in the table? Further dimensions are available on request — send us your travel height, core requirement and data application and we will confirm the right part number for your project.