What's the Best Cable for Overhead Power?
OUR SOLUTION FOLLOW-UP QUESTION
BENEFITS OF SERVICEPLEX
Overhead power demands cable that maximizes tray capacity, simplifies installation, and delivers reliable performance. ServicePlex twisted cable addresses these challenges through optimized design that reduces derating, saves space, and cuts installation costs. With fewer tie-downs required, the result is faster installation, reduced crew fatigue, and a cleaner, more organized layout.
OPTIMIZED AMPACITY
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Cable construction affects heat dissipation, which impacts ampacity ratings. Both jacketed tray cable and closely-spaced single conductors require NEC derating that reduces effective capacity.
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ServicePlex's twisted design optimizes spacing for thermal performance, eliminating derating requirements. For example, a 400 amp circuit can use SPLEX250/3 instead of TCXH500/3 tray cable, resulting in significant savings.
SPACE EFFICIENCY
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ServicePlex allows up to 30% more conductors in the same tray space compared to tray cable. The twisted configuration keeps conductors organized throughout the pull—eliminating separate ground management & reducing installation time.
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It's lighter and more flexible than tray cable, making it easier to route through congested pathways.
REDUCED COST
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ServicePlex can be manufactured quickly in a variety of application specific color codes.
- It can be installed quicky with fewer parallel runs, fewer pulls, and no separate ground management.
There are three key factors to consider when installing overhead power cable: thermal performance, efficient use of limited tray space, and total project costs.
Cable construction impacts heat dissipation—poor thermal performance triggers NEC derating requirements that reduce effective capacity. Limited tray space constrains how many circuits can be routed through existing infrastructure. Project costs extend beyond material to labor, lead times, and the need for parallel runs when cable can't meet ampacity requirements.
ServicePlex twisted cable addresses each of these challenges.
PLEX FOR OVERHEAD POWER
ServicePlex is an assembly of conductors twisted together with a built-in ground to create a consistent, uniform cable configuration. This design effectively functions as a prefab wire pull for improved ampacity rating, easier installation, and cost-savings.
PREVENT CABLE DERATING
Ampacity defines how much current a cable can safely handle before heat becomes a problem, and a cable's construction plays a key role in how heat is managed. In space-constrained installations, jacketed tray cable and single conductors may exhibit poor heat dissipation.
Per NEC, poor heat dissipation requires cable derating (lowering the safe operating ampacity of a conductor). In higher ambient temperatures, 500 amp cable may be derated to 400 amp in order to maintain safe operation. This leads to situations where cables with higher ampacity ratings are purchased, increasing weight, material & labor costs.
ServicePlex offers higher capacity per conductor. The cable's twisted design optimizes spacing for thermal performance, eliminating the need for derating. This creates significant practical advantages. For example, a circuit requiring 500 amps could use 500 Kcmil, 3 conductor ServicePlex (SPLEX500/3), a lighter and more flexible cable, instead of 750 Kcmil, 3 conductor tray cable (TCXH750/3), resulting in significant cost and labor savings.
SAVES ON TRAY SPACE & INSTALLATION TIME
ServicePlex can reduce tray fill by 30%, maximizing capacity and allowing more conductors to fit. Its twisted design keeps conductors uniform, while the integrated ground removes the need for separate ground management.
This illustration shows how 48” cable tray can accommodate 9 runs of 3 conductor 750 Kcmil jacketed tray cable (27 total conductors) or 12 runs of 3 conductor 500 Kcmil ServicePlex assemblies (36 total conductors).
SUBMIT A QUESTION
FACT SHEET
We would have spent most of the day setting up four individual reels. I will definitely use ServicePlex again on future projects.
ServicePlex® is ten times more efficient than paralleled wire, from set up through installation.
CUT COSTS WITH SERVICEPLEX
ServicePlex® addresses all major challenges in overhead power applications:
- Capacity constraints through optimized ampacity and space efficiency
- Cost pressures through reduced material and labor expenses
- Time limitations through faster installation
The combined savings in material, labor, and schedule risk make ServicePlex® the most cost-effective solution for overhead power distribution.
SERVICEPLEX®
Prefab Twisted Single Conductors
- XHHW-2 Inner Conductors
600/1,000 Volt Copper
AVAILABLE:
#14 AWG - 750 Kcmil
2-7 Conductors
Built-In Grounds
Pre-Installed Pulling Heads
Wide Range of Colors
Silicone-Free
SERVICEPLEX®
Prefab Twisted Single Conductors
- RW90 Inner Conductors
600 Volt Copper
AVAILABLE:
#14 AWG - 750 Kcmil
2-7 Conductors
Built-In Grounds
Pre-Installed Pulling Heads
Wide Range of Colors
Silicone-Free
SERVICEPLEX®
Prefab Twisted Single Conductors
- USE-2 or RHW-2 Inner Conductors
600/1,000 Volt Copper
AVAILABLE:
#14 AWG - 750 Kcmil
2-7 Conductors
Built-In Grounds
Pre-Installed Pulling Heads
Wide Range of Colors
Silicone-Free
Related CUSTOMER QUESTIONS
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THHN vs. XHHW-2: What's the Difference?
Thermoset 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.
What Is Exposed Run Rated Tray Cable?
ER-rated tray cable is designed for extra durability. Learn more about the practical benefits it offers contractors.