Expert answers to wire and cable questions.

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WIRE & CABLE FAQs

Browse through answers to frequently asked questions and articles about various wire and cable industry-related topics.
 

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What questions do you have for our wire and cable experts? Submit your FAQs to our sales, engineering, and support teams. 

Featured Articles

 

Storm-Related Utility Restoration

Where Is Cable Used in
EV Infrastructure?


There are many factors to consider when choosing the right low voltage wire and cable for EV charging station projects. Learn what to look for in EV cable before bidding on your next job.

Storm-Related Utility Restoration

Are You Prepared for Storm-Related Damage?


Utility distributors and contractors are no strangers to storm-related damage. Whether it's rain, flash flooding, or natural disasters, storms can wreak havoc on critical equipment and services. Read how Service Wire can offer uninterrupted service all year.

Why Specify VFD Cable

Specifying Cable Systems for VFD Applications


Motor bearing failure, stray current, EMI, cable failure...selecting the wrong VFD cable system can spell disaster for your critical drive applications. To avoid costly downtime, diagnosis, and repair, start by selecting the right VFD cable system. Read our Customer Q&A article to learn more.

Dual Rated Tray Cable

What Are the Advantages of Dual Rated Tray Cable?


UL dual rated tray cable offers the voltage flexibility you need in newer constructions. With new 575V and 690V motors appearing, UL approved dual rated tray cable is a great cost-effective alternative. Discover the benefits of selecting 600V/1kV rated tray cable.

Contractor checking for cable faults with megger

How Can I Prevent Cable Faults During Installation?


Even the smallest nick in a cable’s insulation during a pull can lead to outer sheath damage and a short circuit fault. Cables that won’t meg properly will need to be completely replaced to resolve the issue. Instead, learn how you can prevent cable faults during installation.

THHN vs. XHHW-2: What's the Difference?

THHN vs. XHHW: What's the Difference?


Thermoplastic and thermoset are two common types of cable insulation, and it's important to understand their strengths and weaknesses when designing and building a new facility, machine, or appliance. Read the factors that set XHHW-2 apart from THHN/THWN-2.

Previously Answered QUESTIONS

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  Why Choose Metal-Clad Armored Cable Over Electrical Conduit?

Contractors who use Type MC armored cable report 50-70% combined labor and material savings versus traditional pipe and wire.

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  Why Use Tinned Copper Wire?

The sole purpose of electrical wire and cable is to conduct an electric current from one point to another, but if the cable starts to corrode, it can quickly become damaged and result in loss of performance. While bare copper is fairly resistant to corrosion, read how tinned copper conductors prevent accelerated corrosion against wet and contaminated environments.

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  How Do Cold Temperatures Affect Cable?

Extreme cold temperatures can cause cables to stiffen, crack, and even break. To avoid cable damage, select a cable with a sufficient cold temperature rating for your application.

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  What Are the Key Differences Between ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 9001:2015?

All ISO standards are reviewed every five years; however, revisions are only made when the information isn’t relevant for the current marketplace. ISO 9001:2015 places a greater importance on risk and includes an updated structure compatible with other management system standards.

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  NFPA 79 Requirements: Are Your VFD Cables Compliant?

The latest version of NFPA 79 establishes very specific wire and cable requirements for VFD applications in an effort to accumulate the decades of industry experience into a wire and cable design document. ServiceDrive® VFD Cable System designs have always met the new 2018 NFPA 79 cable requirements.

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