USE-2, RHW-2 or RHH

These wires are single conductor wires that are intended for lighting and power applications in accordance with the National Electric Code and other general purpose wiring applications. This specification describes a stranded copper conductor with a cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE). Cross-linked polyethylene is a thermoset, zero halogen insulation that provides flame retardant properties.

Construction

Conductor: Stranded bare or tinned copper, conforms to ASTM B-3 & B-8

Insulation: Low smoke zero halogen cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE), conforms to UL 44*

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

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.

Applications

RHW-2, USE-2 and RHH cables are used for lighting, power, and general wiring applications.

Specifically, RHW cables can be used for raceway, duct, direct burial, and aerial installations.

These wires are suitable for installation in raceway, duct, direct burial, and aerial installations in accordance with National Electric Code and other general-purpose wiring applications.

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.

Features

USE-2, RHW-2 and RHH cables provide resistance from:

• High heat
• Sunlight
• Moisture

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.

Temperature

Operating temperature is 70 degrees Celsius

Rating

Voltage is 600 volts

Packaging

500 ft, 1000 ft, 2500 ft, 5000 ft standard reel lengths; custom lengths are available upon request. Identified by surface printing indicating manufacturer, conductor size, and insulation type; custom print legends are available upon request.

RHW-2, USE-2, and RHH cables are bare copper with cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) insulation. RHW wires are an underground service entrance cable for direct burial in which the conductor temperature will not exceed 90 degrees Celsius wet or dry. RHW-2/USE-2 and RHH cables have a voltage rating of 600 volts and are high-heat, moisture, and sunlight resistant. Applications include lighting and power along with general wiring applications. RHW cables can be used in raceway, duct, direct burial, and aerial installations. These products are available in 4 AWG through 12 AWG.

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Cross-Linked Polyethylene Standards:

• Listed by Underwriters Laboratories as Type USE-2 (90 degrees Celsius wet or dry) per Standard 854 for Service Entrance Cables
• Listed by Underwriters Laboratories as Type RHW-2 (90 degrees Celsius wet or dry) or RHH (90 degrees Celsius dry) per Standard 44
• Conforms to ICEA Pub. No.S-66-524, utilizing Column A insulation thickness
• Conforms to Federal Specifications J-C-30B
• Sizes 12-4 AWG stranded copper approved under FAA Advisory Circular 150/5345-7D per spec L-824 Airport Lighting Cable

Cross-Linked Polyethylene Construction:

• Annealed copper conductor
• XLP thermosetting chemically cross-linked polyethylene insulation
• Surface printed

 ** AMPACITY in accordance with NEC for not more than three conductors. As RHW: in raceway, 75°C conductor temperature and 30°C ambient in wet or dry locations. As USE: direct burial, 75°C conductor temperature and 30°C ambient in wet locations.* AMPACITY in accordance with NEC for not more than three conductors. As RHW-2 in Raceway, 90°C conductor temperature and 30°C ambient in wet or dry locations. As RHH: in raceway,90°C. Conductor temperature and 30°C ambient in dry locations. As USE -2: direct burial, 90°C conductor. Temperature and 30°C ambient in wet locations.

Performance Wire and Cable boasts tough, high-quality underground service entrance cable.

For more information on our RHW wire, request a quote!