SUBMIT A QUESTION
WIRE & CABLE FAQs
Browse through answers to frequently asked questions and articles about various low voltage copper wire and cable industry-related topics.
ASK US YOUR QUESTION
What questions do you have for our wire and cable experts? Submit your questions to our sales, engineering, and support teams.
Featured Articles
Should I Specify Copper or Aluminum Wire?
Compare copper vs. aluminum wire to understand key differences in conductivity, cost, weight, and performance. Learn how to choose the right conductor for safe, efficient electrical installations.
What Happens When Cold Cable Is Energized Too Quickly?
Sudden temperature changes can damage cold electrical cable insulation. Learn how proper handling, warm-up practices, and cable selection help prevent thermal shock–related failures.
What's Voltage Drop and Why Does It Matter?
Learn what voltage drop is and why it matters in wire and cable performance. See how proper conductor sizing helps maintain efficient power delivery and prevent energy loss in electrical systems.
How Do I Calculate Conduit Fill?
When running cable through conduit, you need to know how much can safely fit inside the pipe. That’s why understanding conduit fill and how to calculate it is essential.
Does It Really Matter If My Cable Is Silicone Free?
Choosing silicone free cable—cable that has no migrating or surface silicone oils—might seem insignificant, but even trace amounts of silicone can lead to serious consequences ranging from paint defects to complete bond failures. Read our Customer Q&A article to learn more.
LSZH vs PVC
Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) cables are specifically designed to not melt, drip, or run when exposed to fire. Learn how they protect people, property, and the environment. Read our Customer Q&A article to learn more.
What Cable Can Be Buried In the Ground?
Direct burial cable can be buried directly in the ground without conduit. Learn more about the practical benefits it offers contractors. Read our Customer Q&A article to learn more.
What Is Exposed Run (ER) Rated Tray Cable?
ER-rated tray cable is designed for extra durability. Learn more about the practical benefits it offers contractors.
THHN vs. XHHW-2: What's the Difference?
Thermoset XHHW-2 (XLPE) insulation is superior to the thinner PVC insulation used in thermoplastic products (like THHN/THWN-2). Learn more about the differences between THHN and XHHW-2.
Which Cable Jacket Should I Choose?
Learn how to choose the right cable jacket for your needs. Discover the benefits of PVC, CPE, and LSZH jackets, including their fire resistance, chemical resistance, and suitability for different environments such as data centers, oil & gas, and automotive industries.
How Do I Terminate VFD Cable?
Having a well-engineered VFD cable is essential, but without proper cable termination the benefits are lost. See the right way to terminate VFD cable, and protect your investment.
How Is MC Cable Used?
MC cable can be used in installations that typically use pipe and wire. See why contractors are increasingly choosing MC cable for these projects.
Customer Questions ANSWERED
Copper and aluminum have key differences in conductivity, cost, weight, and performance. Learn how to choose the right conductor for safe, efficient electrical installations.
READ MORE
Sudden temperature changes can damage cold electrical cable insulation causing thermal shock. That's why it's essential to understand how proper handling, warm-up practices, and cable selection help prevent thermal shock–related failures.
READ MORE
Voltage drop is the loss of voltage as electricity travels through wire or cable. Understanding how to minimize it is essential for preventing problems in your electrical system.
READ MORE
When running cable through conduit, you need to know how much can safely fit inside the pipe. That’s why understanding conduit fill and how to calculate it is essential.
READ MORE
Yes. Choosing silicone free cable—cable that has no migrating or surface silicone oils—might seem insignificant, but even trace amounts of silicone can lead to serious consequences ranging from paint defects to complete bond failures.
Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) cables are specifically designed to not melt, drip, or run when exposed to fire. Learn how they protect people, property, and the environment.
Direct burial cable can be buried directly in the ground without conduit. Learn more about the practical benefits it offers contractors.
ER-rated tray cable is designed for extra durability. Learn more about the practical benefits it offers contractors.
The choice of cable jacket depends on your specific needs: use PVC for affordability and general protection, CPE for added protection and durability, and LSZH for superior fire resistance and minimal smoke in enclosed spaces.
Application and installation requirements must be carefully considered when specifying shielded or unshielded tray cable. For some purposes, a shielded cable would be over-engineered—adding unnecessary cost. On the other hand, failing to choose a shielded cable when necessary can lead to damage and additional expenses. For these reasons, it is essential to understand when it is appropriate to choose an unshielded or shielded cable.
It is essential to have a well-engineered VFD cable, terminated at both ends (at the VFD cabinet and at the motor). See the right way to terminate VFD cable, and protect your investment.
MC cable can be used in installations that typically use pipe and wire. See why contractors are increasingly choosing MC cable for these projects.
READ MORE
Selecting the right wire and cable is critical for going the distance in DOT roadway and street lighting projects. Here are the top four cable features you should consider when selecting low voltage lighting cable.
READ MORE
Low voltage cables are used to connect the transformer for switching to the individual charging stations. But what factors should you consider before selecting cable?
READ MORE
Thermoset XHHW-2 (XLPE) insulation is superior to the thinner PVC insulation used in thermoplastic products (like THHN/THWN-2). Learn more about the differences between THHN and XHHW-2.
READ MORE
NFPA79 established specific requirements for VFD cable design to ensure effective and compliant cables. Learn how ServiceDrive® has always met these requirements.
READ MORE
Selecting the wrong Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) cable system can lead to disasters like motor bearing failure, stray current, EMI, and cable failure. Learn how to choose the right system and avoid costly downtime, diagnosis & repair.
READ MORE
ISO 9001:2015 certification is proof that an organization is focused on maintaining quality systems. Learn more about this key industry standard.
READ MORE
Extreme cold temperatures can put your cables to the test. If you use the wrong cable it can stiffen, crack, and even break. See how to select the right thermoset cable with sufficient cold temperature rating instead.
READ MORE
Dual rated tray cable is a great cost-alternative option that offers voltage flexibility. Discover the benefits of selecting 600V/1kV rated tray cable.
READ MORE
Even the smallest nick in a cable’s insulation can lead to outer sheath damage & a short circuit fault. Cables that won’t meg properly will need to be replaced. Learn how you can prevent cable faults during installation.
READ MORE
Interlocked armored cables like Feeder MC provide the protection and durability required in harsh conditions without the need for electrical conduit. Discover the advantages of switching to Type MC cable.
READ MORE
The sole purpose of wire & cable is to conduct an electric current, but if the cable starts to corrode, it can become damaged and suffer a loss of performance. Read how tinned copper conductors prevent accelerated corrosion.
READ MORE
The key to any successful utility restoration plan is preparation. It's important to find suppliers that carefully watch developing storms, plan for emergency orders, partner with distributors on logistics, and have on-call personnel after hours. See how Service Wire can prepare you for disaster.
READ MORE