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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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Featured Articles

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.

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.

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: 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.

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.

Why Choose MC Armored Cable Over Conduit?

Interlocked armored cables like Feeder MC provide the protection and durability required without the need for electrical conduit, elbows, costly offsets, and conduit couplings. Read our article to discover the additional advantages of switching to Type MC.

Previously Answered QUESTIONS

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How Do Extreme Cold Temperatures Affect Cable?

Extreme cold temperatures can cause cables to temporarily become brittle and inflexible. In these conditions, some cables will stiffen and even crack if they are installed below recommended temperatures. Watch this video of THHN/THWN-2 snapping on the jobsite during a cold weather installation to learn more.

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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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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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