RG7H1R vs RG7OZR: What’s the Difference?
Both RG7H1R and RG7OZR are medium voltage EPR-insulated cables manufactured to IEC 60502-2, sharing the same conductor, insulation, and screen construction. The key difference: RG7H1R is unarmoured (copper wire screen only) for indoor tray and conduit installations, while RG7OZR is steel wire armoured for direct burial and outdoor mechanical protection.
TEBAOFLEX manufactures both types. View RG7H1R product page and RG7OZR product page for specifications.
Designation Breakdown
| Element | RG7H1R | RG7OZR |
|---|---|---|
| R | EPR insulation | EPR insulation |
| G7 | MV rated voltage series | MV rated voltage series |
| H1 | Standard construction | — |
| R vs OZR | R = Unarmoured (PVC sheath) | OZR = Steel wire armoured + PVC |
| Armour | None | Steel wire armour (SWA) |
| Installation | Indoor, tray, conduit | Direct burial, duct, outdoor |
Performance Comparison
| Property | RG7H1R | RG7OZR | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Voltage rating | 3.6/6-12/20kV | 3.6/6-12/20kV | Tie |
| Insulation | EPR | EPR | Tie |
| Conductor | Copper Class 2 | Copper Class 2 | Tie |
| Metallic screen | Copper wire | Copper wire | Tie |
| Mechanical protection | Screen only | Screen + SWA | RG7OZR |
| Direct burial | Not recommended | Yes (SWA) | RG7OZR |
| Weight | Lower | Higher (armour) | RG7H1R |
| Bending radius | 12× OD | 12× OD | Tie |
| Cost | Lower | ~15-25% higher | RG7H1R |
| Installation flexibility | Easier (lighter) | More complex (armour bonding) | RG7H1R |
When to Choose RG7H1R (Unarmoured)
- Airport runway lighting: 3.6/6kV series lighting cable buried in ducts or protective covers
- Indoor cable tray: MV distribution within substations and switchgear rooms
- Conduit installation: MV cable installed in conduits where mechanical protection is provided by conduit
- Lighter weight required: Where cable support capacity is limited
- Cost optimization: 15-25% less expensive than RG7OZR
- Easier installation: No armour bonding or grounding required
When to Choose RG7OZR (Armoured)
- Direct burial: Steel wire armour provides mechanical protection without conduit
- Underground ducts: MV cable in underground duct banks
- Outdoor installation: UV and weather resistant PVC sheath for outdoor environments
- Industrial plant: MV distribution requiring rodent and impact protection
- Substation feeders: MV cable from switchgear to transformer in buried runs
- Mandatory mechanical protection: Where regulations require armour for buried MV cables
Cost Comparison
RG7OZR costs 15-25% more than RG7H1R due to:
- Steel wire armour material and manufacturing process
- Additional PVC bedding layer between screen and armour
- Larger overall diameter (more PVC sheath material)
Best practice: Use RG7H1R for indoor and protected installations, RG7OZR for direct burial and outdoor. This optimizes cost while meeting all mechanical protection requirements.
Can RG7H1R and RG7OZR Be Interchanged?
RG7OZR can replace RG7H1R — it has all RG7H1R properties plus armour. But adds unnecessary cost and weight where armour isn’t required.
RG7H1R cannot replace RG7OZR — without armour, RG7H1R cannot be direct buried or used where mechanical protection is required. Substituting would violate installation regulations.
Summary: Which Cable Should You Choose?
| If your installation is… | Recommended cable |
|---|---|
| Airport runway lighting (buried in duct) | RG7H1R |
| Indoor cable tray (substation) | RG7H1R |
| Conduit installation | RG7H1R |
| Direct burial (outdoor) | RG7OZR (mandatory) |
| Underground duct bank | RG7OZR |
| Substation to transformer (buried) | RG7OZR |
Contact TEBAOFLEX engineering for expert MV cable selection and competitive pricing.
