Well, the Cenelec designations are so long!
The part Paul posted is the short version. In addition to H (Harmonised) there are N (National) types. (I think the letter A is going to be phased out.)
In addition to the 03, 05 and 07 voltage ratings there is also a 1 (600/1000V) class. (In case you wonder, 10 is the 7000/12000V class. Not for your average bedside lamp
)
If you want to confuse things further, you can use SE-, DE- etc. ahead of the designation to indicate that it's the Swedish or the German national version.
E.g.
PT-N05VV-U means a Portugise 300/500V, PVC insulated, PVC sheated cable with solid copper conductors.
while
SE-N07VA5EV-R means a Swedish 450/750V, PVC insulated, Aluminium shielded (A5), PE covered, PVC sheated cable with stranded copper conductors.
[This message has been edited by C-H (edited 11-09-2003).]