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Utility Building Wire

DWC carries utility building wire specifically designed for use in commercial and industrial electrical systems. You’ll find this type of wiring in factories, warehouses, and large businesses. It is used to connect electrical devices and, transfer electricity from one location to another, and distribute electricity throughout the building Utility wire is often more heavy-duty than residential building wire and is able to handle larger amounts of current, making it ideal for use in large-scale electrical systems. 

In the utility industry, building wire must meet strict safety standards and must be able to withstand various environmental conditions, such as heat, cold, moisture, and corrosives. The wire must also be able to handle the high levels of electrical current and voltage involved in utility applications.

Benefits of Utility Building Wire:

  1. Durability - Designed to be long-lasting and weather-resistant, with features such as waterproof insulation to protect it from moisture, heat, and other environmental factors. 

  2. Safety - Designed to meet strict safety standards and codes and engineered to be safe for use in commercial and industrial electrical systems. 

  3. Maximum performance - Handles larger amounts of current than residential building wire, which means it can help to maximize the performance of your electrical system. 

  4. High Voltage Rating - Rated for high voltage, making it suitable for use in electrical power distribution systems that carry high voltages over long distances. 

  5. ROI - While utility building wire may have a higher upfront cost than other types of electrical wire, it is designed to last longer and perform more reliably, which can help to reduce the overall cost of the electrical system over time.

Utility building wire is an essential component of any commercial or industrial electrical system. By investing in high-quality utility building wire, you can ensure that your electrical system operates safely and efficiently, helping to keep your business or factory running smoothly while reducing the costs associated with repairs, replacements, and downtime. 

FAQs 

What are the different types of Utility Building Wire?

Different types of utility building wire include THHN, THWN, XHHW, and XHHW-2. The type of wire that is best for a specific project will depend on factors such as the wire's intended use, the amount of current it will carry, and the environmental conditions in which it will be used.

What makes utility building wire different from other types of electrical wire?

Utility building wire is engineered to handle larger amounts of current and provide consistent performance in demanding environments, whereas other types of electrical wire may be designed for different purposes, such as residential use.

What type of environments is utility building wire suitable for?

Utility building wire is suitable for a variety of industrial and commercial environments, including those with high demand for electricity and harsh conditions. Some types of utility building wire are designed for outdoor use, while others are intended for indoor use only. If a wire is designed for outdoor use, it will typically be resistant to moisture and other environmental factors.

Is utility building wire easy to install?

Installing utility building wire requires technical knowledge and skill. It is recommended to be performed by a qualified electrician.

What are the safety considerations for using Utility Building Wire?

Utility building wire must meet strict safety standards and codes to ensure it is safe for use in commercial and industrial electrical systems. The wire should be installed by a qualified electrician, and regular inspections should be conducted to ensure that it is functioning properly and that there are no signs of wear or damage. If any issues are identified, they should be addressed promptly to ensure the safety and functionality of the electrical system. 

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  • Utility-Building Wire

XLP/USE

XLP/USE is similar to XHHW building wire except this product is rated for direct burial applications. This product is also referred to as RHH/RHW meaning it meets the UL standard 854 for service entrance cable. XLP/USE wire is used in service entrance, and branch circuit applications for residential, commercial, industrial and transportation environments for permanent installations utilizing 600 volts or less. The temperature rating for XLP/USE is -40C to 90C in wet or dry environments.

Conductor: Stranded bare copper

Insulation: XLP (Cross-Linked Polyethylene)

Flame Test: IEEE 383 70,000 BTU/hour flame test

XHHW

XHHW is a general purpose building wire. Approved to use in circuits not exceeding 600 volts. Highly resistant to chemicals, ozone and abrasion. VW-1 rated cables are suitable when the vertical wire flame test is required. This item is sunlight resistant. 1/0 and larger are CT(cable tray) rated.

Conductor: Bare Copper

Insulation: Cross-linked polyethylene (XLP)

Flame Test:  UL and IEEE 383 70,000 BTU/hr flame test. UL VW-1.

Note:  Available in multiple colors

THHN

THHN / THWN building wire is used in general purpose wiring for machine tools, appliances and control circuits not exceeding 600 volts. 90C rated in dry locations and 75C in wet locations. Helical wire stripes can be added to this product. VW-1 Rated.1/0 and larger are CT (cable tray) rated.

Conductor: Solid or stranded bare copper

Insulation: PVC

Jacket: Nylon

Notes: Available in various jacket colors

DWC Special Services: Custom wire striping services available for circuit sized THHN

HMWPE – Cathodic Protection

High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (HMWPE) cable is suitable for direct burial in cathodic protection applications for storage tanks, pipelines and other buried or submerged units.  Rated for 600V with a temperature rating of 90C. Sometimes it is called out as cathodic protection.

Conductor: Stranded bare copper

Insulation: High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (HMWPE)

Notes: VW-1 Rated

EPR/HYP

EPR/HYP is used in commercial and industrial arenas and can be placed in tray when CT rated, direct buried and used in conduit in both wet and dry environments. It is 600 volt rated, VW-1 and 1/0 and larger CT rated. The temperature rating is 90C.

Conductor: Stranded tinned copper

Insulation: EPR

Jacket: Hypalon (CSPE)

Flame Test: IEEE 383 70,000 BTU/hour flame test

AWG (Bare Cu) EPR/USE

AWG (Bare Cu), EPR/USE, Direct Burial, 600V are recommended for use in harsh environments in a broad range of commercial, industrial and utility applications where reliability and maximum performance is required. Approved for installation in conduits, ducts, cable tray when CT rated, direct burial or other approved raceways with maximum conductor temperature of 90°C in wet or dry locations.

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