Which cables for wind power? Differences from low to extra-high voltage explained

In the following article, we take a close look at the different voltage classes – from low voltage through medium and high voltage up to extra-high voltage – and show where they are specifically used in the wind farm. Because those who know the differences can plan projects not only more efficiently but also more cost-effectively and reliably.
# Low Voltage Cables – Simple, Affordable, Indispensable
Low voltage is the entry point of any electrical infrastructure. Cables in this category are designed for voltages up to 1,000 volts (1 kV) and are found in nearly all standard installations – from residential buildings to transformer stations. They also play an important role in wind farms, such as supplying auxiliary units or controlling technical systems.
Voltage range: up to 1,000 volts (1 kV)<br />Typical cable: NAYY
Typical applications:
- Residential and commercial installations
- Control lines in wind farms
- Small consumers and auxiliary systems

Advantages:
- Low cost
- Easy to install
- Ideal for short distances

Construction:
- Conductor: copper or aluminum
- Insulation: PVC (cost-effective) or XLPE (heat-resistant)
- Sheath: resistant to mechanical stress

In wind power infrastructure, NAYY is often used for lighting, control systems, or internal power distribution in operation buildings. It is robust, low-maintenance, and has proven itself in practice for decades.
# Medium Voltage Cables – The Workhorses of Wind Farms
Medium voltage cables are the backbone of any wind farm. They cover the voltage range from 1 kV to 45 kV and are essential for power distribution between wind turbines and collection points. These cables are extremely resilient and must withstand high temperatures, electric fields, and mechanical stress.
## Construction (example: NA2XS(F)2Y):
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Component</th>
<th>Function</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Conductor</td>
<td>Power transmission (copper or aluminum)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Inner semiconductive layer</td>
<td>Field control, voltage optimization</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Insulation (XLPE)</td>
<td>High electrical strength, temperature-resistant</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Shielding</td>
<td>Protection against interference, grounding</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Outer sheath</td>
<td>Mechanical protection, UV- and water-resistant</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Typical cable types:
- NA2XS(F)2Y (aluminum conductor, with field control)
- N2XSY (copper conductor, highly conductive)
- NA2XS2Y (optimized for low capacitance over long distances)

Applications:
- Turbine connections within the wind farm
- Collection lines to transformer stations
- Connections in hybrid systems (e.g. solar-wind projects)

Applications:
- Grid connection of remote wind farms
- Long-distance lines to substations
- Transition to higher-level high-voltage grids

Example cable:<br />NA2XS(F)2Y – this cable type meets all requirements for modern high-voltage grids. It offers high operational reliability and, thanks to its modular design, is easy to plan and calculate.
High voltage cables form the link between wind farms and the power grid. Choosing quality here ensures not only feed-in but also the long-term operational reliability of the project.
# Extra-High Voltage Cables – The Power Highways of the Future
Above 230 kV begins the extra-high voltage level. These cables are primarily used where large-scale power distribution and supraregional connection of energy centers are required. In times of energy transition and international electricity trade, extra-high voltage cables are not just a technical necessity – they are strategically crucial.
Technical requirements:
- Multi-layer XLPE insulation
- Metallic shielding and grounding components
- Armoring against mechanical impact
- Fiber optic systems for continuous monitoring (temperature, load)

Typical applications:
- Grid connection of large offshore or hybrid power plants
- Interregional energy connections
- Smart grid wind power cables in intelligent distribution networks

Such cables are usually custom-made, perfectly tailored to each project. They not only transport electricity but also handle control and communication tasks – all in a single cable system.
Extra-high voltage cables are a technical masterpiece. When used correctly, they make renewable energy available efficiently, intelligently, and across national borders.
# Comparison Table – Voltage Classes and Their Role
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Category</th>
<th>Voltage</th>
<th>Typical Cables</th>
<th>Application in Wind Farms</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Low Voltage (LV)</td>
<td>up to 1 kV</td>
<td>[N2X2Y](/en/products/low-voltage-cables/n2x2y/), [N2XY](/en/products/low-voltage-cables/n2xy/), [NA2X2Y](/en/products/low-voltage-cables/na2x2y/), [NA2XY](/en/products/low-voltage-cables/na2xy/), [NAY2Y](/en/products/low-voltage-cables/nay2y/), [NAYCWY](/en/products/low-voltage-cables/naycwy/), [NAYY](/en/products/low-voltage-cables/nayy/), [NY2Y](/en/products/low-voltage-cables/ny2y/), [NYCWY](/en/products/low-voltage-cables/nycwy/), [NYY](/en/products/low-voltage-cables/nyy/)</td>
<td>Control systems, auxiliary units</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Medium Voltage (MV)</td>
<td>1 – 45 kV</td>
<td>[N2XS(F)2Y](/en/products/medium-voltage-cables/n2xsf2y/), [N2XS(FL)2Y](/en/products/medium-voltage-cables/n2xsfl2y-mv/), [N2XS2Y](/en/products/medium-voltage-cables/n2xs2y/), [N2XSY](/en/products/medium-voltage-cables/n2xsy/), [NA2XS(F)2Y](/en/products/medium-voltage-cables/na2xsf2y/), [NA2XS(FL)2Y](/en/products/medium-voltage-cables/na2xsfl2y-mv/), [NA2XS2Y](/en/products/medium-voltage-cables/na2xs2y/), [NA2XSY](/en/products/medium-voltage-cables/na2xsy/)</td>
<td>Main lines, turbine-to-transformer</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>High Voltage (HV)</td>
<td>45 – 230 kV</td>
<td>NA2XS(F)2Y high voltage</td>
<td>Grid connection, long-distance lines</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Extra-High Voltage (EHV)</td>
<td>over 230 kV</td>
<td>Custom-made</td>
<td>International power corridors, smart grids</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
The table shows: the higher the voltage, the more specialized the cable. At the same time, the demands on planning, installation, and monitoring increase.
You can read in this article how our energy can be distributed smartly and sustainably.