XLPE Cable

For Resistance to Abrasion and Electrical & Insulation Properties, Choose XLPE Cable

XLPE Cable

XLPE Cable: 

XLPE Cable: For Resistance to Abrasion and Electrical & Insulation Properties

XLPE wire is a single-stranded copper conductor wire that is insulated with hydronic tubing made of cross-linked polyethylene plastic (XLPE).  The XLPE insulation has a three-dimensional bond within the plastic. The insulation is a  thermoset, zero halogen insulation that provides flame retardant properties.  It is strong, durable, and temperature conducting. 

XLPE wire is intended for lighting, power, and general-purpose applications, in accordance with the National Electric Code.

The cross-linking creates a molecular bond which improves a number of resistances such as:

  • Heat deformation
  • Abrasion
  • Chemical
  • Stress Crack Resistance

XLPE cable tubes have shape memory characteristics, which only require heat to return it to its original shape.

Cross-linking is a very intricate process. XLPE raw material powder is formed and processed into sturdy, durable end products, usually formed into cylindrical shapes that can be used for long tubing. 

If during the cross-linking process the degree is too high, the material could become brittle and cause stress cracking. If too low, the physical properties could be very poor and unusable. Made correctly, the tubing can act as a strong, long-lasting insulator to various wires and cables, protecting it from all sorts of external elements.

XLPE is designed to replace traditional galvanized steel, copper, and PVC piping due to rusting, cost and circulation. Cross-linking can solve plumbing issues at competitive pricing and can sometimes be easier to install. 

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Construction

  • Material: Stranded bare or tinned copper conductor (conforms to ASTM Spec B-3 and B-8)
  • Insulation: Flame-retardant Polyethylene (XLPE), low smoke, zero halogens (conforms to UL 44)
  • Operating Temperature: 90°C
  • Emergency Rating: 140°C
  • Conductor short-circuit rating: 250°C
  • Rating: 1000 volt

*Performance Wire Cable has ETL listed products, these are not UL listed. For clarification or questions, please contact us directly at Sales@PerformanceWire.com

Features

  • Hydrolysis resistance
  • High electrical & insulation properties
  • High extrusion speed
  • Heat resistance
  • Sunlight resistance
  • Moisture resistance

Applications & Industries

XLPE is to replace traditional galvanized steel, copper, and PVC piping due to rusting, cost, and circulation. Cross-linking can solve plumbing issues at competitive pricing and can sometimes be easier to install.

  • Lighting
  • Power
  • General wiring
  • Building pipework systems
  • Hydronic radiant heating and cooling
  • Domestic water piping
  • Insulation for high-voltage cables.
  • Natural gas
  • Offshore oil drilling
  • Chemical transportation
  • Transportation of sewage & slurries
  • Raceways
  • Ductwork 
  • Direct burial
  • Aerial installations

Benefits

The main benefit of XLPE is its versatility.  In addition, XLPE wire provides the following benefits:

  • Thermal resistance (for use with high and low temperatures)
  • Works with voltage range 600V to 35kV
  • Hydrolysis resistance
  • High electrical and insulation properties
  • High abrasion resistance
  • Potable water approved
  • High extrusion speed on standard lines
  • Lower cost
  • Provides mechanical protection
  • Can withstand extreme pressure
  • Resists underground damage
  • Weather-resistant

Performance Wire and Cable offers three types of wire with XLPE insulation:

All electric wires and cables must be labeled appropriately by following the National Electric Code (NEC) guidelines. This ensures that consumers and users know exactly what type of wire they are using – an important factor to know when it comes to working with electrical systems.

RHW-2

R – rubber insulation (includes neoprenes)

H – heat – performance up to 75° C

W – moisture resistance

2 – Flame resistant

RHW-2 wire is useful in environments where it is susceptible to moisture, dampness, and other possible water encounters. 

The “W” label even suggests that the cables can be submerged in water if needed. Even if the wire has “R,” which means it is acceptable to use in damp locations, it is wise to keep these wires away from water if the “W” isn’t present. Wires without this “W” label are susceptible to failure and erosion when exposed to water and other liquids.

RHH

R – rubber insulation

HH – heat – performance up to 90° C

While RHH wires do not play well with moisture, they can sustain higher temperatures than RHW-2 wires. They hold a 600 voltage rating.

This doesn’t mean one cable is better than the other or vice-versa; it simply means that each cable is specifically designed to work in different locations.

USE-2

U – Underground

S – Service

E– Entrance

2 – Flame resistant

If a cable is rated as USE or USE-2, that means it is approved as a direct burial cable or an underground service entrance cable. RHW-2 and RHH wires are commonly USE-2 rated because of their properties and benefits. RHW-2 wires are suitable for direct burial in both wet and dry locations. Along with RHH cables, they hold a 600 voltage rating.

Photovoltaic Industry:  USE-2 wires are often used in the photovoltaic industry because of their direct burial benefits, as well as their resistance to flame, heat, moisture, and sunlight. The ability to be used both above and below ground is extremely important, especially when dealing with photovoltaic applications that present high temperatures, UV radiation, and sunlight exposure. The introduction of USE-2 wires will continue to grow as renewable green energy grows in importance.

*Performance Wire Cable has ETL listed products, these are not UL listed. For clarification or questions, please contact us directly at Sales@PerformanceWire.com