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WIRE & CABLE FAQs

Browse through answers to frequently asked questions and articles about various low voltage copper 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

 

Transportation Infrastructure Cable Considerations

Top 4 Tips for Selecting Roadway Cable


Selecting the right wire and cable is critical for going the distance in DOT roadway and street lighting projects. Here are our top 4 cable considerations when selecting low voltage lighting cable.

Cold Weather Cable

How Do Cold Temps Affect Cable?


Extreme cold temps can cause cables to stiffen, crack & even break. To avoid cable damage, select a cable with a sufficient cold temperature rating. Learn how to select the right thermoset XLPE cable.

Why Use Tinned Copper Wire?

Why Use Tinned Copper Wire?


The sole purpose of wire & cable is to conduct an electric current, but if the cable starts to corrode, it can become damaged and result in loss of performance. Read how tinned copper conductors prevent accelerated corrosion.

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.

Customer Questions ANSWERED

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

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

READ MORE

  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.

READ MORE

  How Do Cold Temperatures Affect Cable?

Extreme cold temperatures can cause cables to stiffen, crack & even break. To avoid cable damage, select a cable with a sufficient cold temperature rating. Learn how to select the right thermoset XLPE cable.

READ MORE

  Understanding UL Dual Rated Tray Cable: What Are the Advantages?

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

READ MORE

  How Can I Prevent Cable Fault During Installation?

Even the smallest nick in a cable's insultion during a pull can lead to outer sheath damage & a short circuit fault. Cables that won't meg properly will need to be completely replaced. Learn how you can prevent cable faults.

READ MORE

  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. Read how you can start saving on your next project.

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  Importance of Specifying the Right Cable System for VFD Applications

Motor bearing failure, stray current, EMI, cable failure...selecting the wrong VFD cable system can spell disaster. To avoid costly downtime, diagnosis & repair, start by selecting the right VFD cable system.

READ MORE

  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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  Where Is Low Voltage Cable Used in EV Infrastructure?

Low voltage cables are used to connect the transformer to switchgear to the individual charging stations—distributing the power essential to charge an EV. 

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  Are You Prepared for Storm-Related Damage?

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, parnter with distributors on logistics, and have on-call personnel after hours.

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