SUBMIT A QUESTION
STRUGGLING WITH OUTDATED WWTP CABLE
Wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) need reliable wire and cable solutions to keep their drive systems and pumps running smoothly—anything less could lead to frequent interruptions of this critical service.
One facility on an island in Massachusetts was struggling with their outdated power cable. All of their low voltage variable frequency drives (VFDs) powering the pumps were installed underground, great for combating the corrosive environment, but this led to constant electromagnetic interference (EMI) issues.
IMPORTANCE OF PROPERLY TERMINATED CABLES
VFDs inherently generate more EMI that gets radiated into the environment. Without the proper cable, this can induce voltages, currents, and crosstalk onto adjacent equipment. In this case, it was causing short interruptions in performance that had a rippling effect throughout the entire plant and ultimately the local community.
Service Wire’s experienced VFD experts were able to quickly identify the issue and recommend a solution, the ServiceDrive® VFD Cable System. Unlike the outdated cables previously installed in the facility, ServiceDrive® VFD cable uses a 5-mil copper tape shield with 50% overlap to ensure full electrical containment, reducing EMI emissions from the drive and motor.
TINNED COPPER CONDUCTORS
In examining the plant’s EMI issue, the Service Wire team quickly identified another concern: the wire and cable used throughout the entire facility was below current standards and in need of replacement to operate efficiently. ASTM B-33 rated tinned copper was recommended and later installed to help the facility get back up and running.
Tinned copper better protects against oxidation and corrosion, especially in environments prone to long-term salt water exposure like those found in wastewater treatment plants. Without this added protection, corrosion results in brittle, hazardous wire that poorly conducts electricity, endangering plant and personnel.
WASTEWATER TREATMENT CABLE SELECTION
Service Wire goes above and beyond for customers, ensuring they have the right wire and cable essential to the application. Whether that means specifying a new drive cable system or offering a superior alternative to outdated wiring, our team of experts are available for on-site visits that ensure future success. Contact your Service Wire rep to learn more about our industry-leading services and wire and cable availability.
WASTEWATER TREATMENT
CABLE SELECTION

Service Wire's products can be used in an array of applications inside a wastewater treatment facility. Our most popular wire and cable products include:
- Tinned Copper Conductors
- True Color ServicePro-X® Single Conductors
- ServicePlex® Twisted Multiconductor Cables
- ServiceDrive® VFD Cable System
Download our Wastewater Treatment Plant Wire and Cable Selection Guide to learn more about our full lineup.
BARE COPPER
Solid or Stranded
AVAILABLE:
#16 AWG - 750 Kcmil
Soft, Medium Hard, or Hard Drawn
Tinned or Non-Tinned
ServicePRO-X®
No Pulling Lubricant Required
(#6 AWG and Larger)
- XHHW-2 600V/1kV Copper
- USE-2 or RHW-2 600V/1kV Copper
- RHW-2 or RW90 1kV/2kV Copper
AVAILABLE:
#14 AWG - 750 Kcmil
Tinned Conductors
VW-1 Rated
Wide Range of Colors
Silicone-Free
ServicePLEX®
Prefab Twisted Single Conductors
- XHHW-2 600V/1kV Copper
- USE-2 or RHW-2 600V/1kV Copper
AVAILABLE:
#14 AWG - 750 Kcmil
2-7 Conductors
Built-In Grounds
Pre-Installed Pulling Heads
Wide Range of Colors
Silicone-Free
TRAY CABLE
TC-ER Rated
- XHHW-2 Inner Conductors
Colored, Numbered, or Striped Conductor
AVAILABLE:
Dual Rated 600V/1kV or 2kV
#14 AWG - 750 Kcmil
2-37 Conductors
Tinned or Non-Tinned
Shielded or Non-Shielded
PVC, ServiceCPE®, or EnviroPLUS® Jacket
FEEDER MC
Flexible Interlocked MC (UL 1569)
- XHHW-2 Inner Conductors
Colored, Numbered, or Striped Conductors
AVAILABLE:
#8 AWG - 600 Kcmil
2-4 Conductors
120V and 480V Color Codes
50% Ground
PVC, ServiceCPE®, or EnviroPLUS® Jacket
ServiceDRIVE®
VFD Cable System
- VFD Tray/Power Cable
600V/1kV or 2kV Copper - VFD Jacketed Armor
2kV Copper
AVAILABLE:
#14 AWG - 750 Kcmil
PVC, ServiceCPE®, or EnviroPLUS® Jacket
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