THHN vs XHHW; Colored single conductors

Ask the Wire Experts:
THHN vs XHHW-2

 

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

Copper Line Break

OUR SOLUTION      FOLLOW-UP QUESTION

 

 

HOW TO KNOW THE DIFFERENCE

THHN/THWN-2 is a thermoplastic product, while XHHW-2 features thermoset insulation.


THERMOPLASTIC:

  • Cheaper than Thermoset
  • Nylon Coating - Required for the Insulation System's Rating
  • Uses Thinner PVC Insulation
  • Lower Overall Electrical Insulating Properties


THERMOSET:

  • Hospital Grade (low leakage insulation)
  • Dual Rated 600V/1kV
  • Uses XLPE (cross-linked) Insulation Instead of PVC
  • Substantially Higher (better) Insulation Resistance


ACRONYMS EXPLAINED:

THHN/THWN-2: XHHW-2:
T = Thermoplastic X = Cross-Linked Polyethylene (XLPE)
HH = High Heat Resistant HH = High Heat Resistant
W = Water Resistant W = Water Resistant
N = Nylon Jacket (Not Required)
-2 = Temperature Rated 90°C Wet/Dry -2 = Temperature Rated 90°C Wet/Dry

 

SUBMIT A QUESTION

 

FACTORS THAT SET XHHW-2 APART FROM THHN

Thermoplastic and thermoset are two types of cable insulations commonly used for single conductors. It’s important to understand their strengths and weaknesses when designing and building a new facility, machine, or appliance.

 

THERMOPLASTIC INSULATION

THHN/THWN-2 is a thermoplastic product. It uses a thinner PVC insulation, which can lead to current leakage and dielectric breakdown in demanding circuits or from chemical or environmental exposure. The PVC insulation in THHN/THWN-2 emits a toxic smoke when burned and is less flexible at cold temperatures. However, it is lighter in weight and less expensive to manufacture.

Thermoplastic compounds can be heated, then shaped and cooled to maintain their desired shape. This process can typically be repeated by applying heat to remelt the insulation, which can lead to potential danger in some applications.

Examples of thermoplastic compounds include:

  • Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
  • Polyethylene (PE)
  • Polypropylene (PPE)

 

THERMOSET INSULATION

XHHW-2 is a thermoset product. Crosslink products like XHHW-2 have XLPE (crosslinked polyethylene) insulation instead of PVC. XLPE is more resistant to chemicals, ozone, and abrasions. Because of the chemistries involved, modern XLPE is far less toxic than PVC in the event of fire. In more applications, thermosets are more flexible than thermoplastics and are more advantageous for projects where complex, close-spaced bends are required.

Thermoset compounds utilize a curing process which causes a chemical reaction, allowing the polymers to cross-link. Once cured, the thermoset compounds retain their shape and will not remelt when heat is applied.

Examples of thermoset compounds include:

  • Crosslinked Polyethylene (XLP/XLPE)
  • Neoprene
  • Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer (EPDT)
  • Chlorinated Polypropylene (CPE)
  • Crosslinked Polyolefin (XLPO)
  • Silicone Rubber

 

White QuotationsService Wire always goes above and beyond to meet the requirements of the customer.

 

White QuotationsTough to find any manufacturer better for support, service, inventory, and quality products.

XLPE INSULATED CONDUCTORS

Copper Line Break

Service Wire is now stocking ServicePRO-X® cross-linked single conductors in XHHW-2RW90USE-2, and RHW-2.

ServicePRO-X® single conductors are insulated with thermoset cross-linked insulation.

These products use XLPE instead of PVC, are dual rated 600V/1kV, and are Hospital Grade.

Plus, ServicePRO-X® single conductors don't require pulling lubricant and need less pulling force during installation. Available in a full range of true industry standard colors for fast and easy phase ID.
 

Wire Type

THHN/THWN-2

Thermoplastic (PVC)


XHHW-2

Thermoset (XLPE)

Insulation Type Thermoplastic Thermoset        ◀BEST
Voltage Rating 600V 600V/1kV           ◀BEST
Dielectric Constant
(Hospital Grade must be 3.5 or less)
5.0-6.8 3.1                         ◀BEST
Minimum Temperature -10° C -40° C                  ◀BEST
Maximum Short Circuit Temp. 150° C 250° C                  ◀BEST
Resistance to Leakage Current
(in water MegOhms in 1,000 ft.)
Low Extremely High ◀BEST

 

ServicePro-X Single Conductors

SERVICEPRO-X®

No Pulling Lubricant Required
(#6 AWG and Larger)

  • XHHW-2 600V/1kV Copper
  • USE-2 or RHW-2 600V/1kV Copper
  • RHW-2 or RW90 1kV/2kV Copper

AVAILABLE:
#14 AWG - 1000 Kcmil
Tinned Conductors
VW-1 Rated
Wide Range of Colors
Silicone-Free

ServiceSolar Single Conductors

SERVICESOLAR®

Photovoltaic Wire (UL 4703)

  • XLP/USE-2 or RHW-2 600V/1kV or 2kV Copper
  • RPVU90 1kV/2kV Copper
  • RHW-2 or RW90 1kV/2kV Copper

AVAILABLE:
#16 AWG - 750 Kcmil
VW-1 Rated
Industry Standard Colors

XHHW-2 ServicePlex Prefab, Twisted Cable

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

Related CUSTOMER QUESTIONS

Contractor checking for cable faults with megger

How Can I Prevent Cable Faults During Installation?


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.

 

MC Metal-Clad armor next to electrical conduit

Why Choose Metal-Clad Armored Cable Over Electrical Conduit?


Interlocked armored cables like Feeder MC provide the protection and durability required without the need for electrical conduit. Discover the advantages of switching to Type MC cable.

 

Dual Rated Tray Cable

What Are the Advantages of UL Dual Rated Tray Cable?


Dual rated tray cable is a great cost-alternative that offers voltage flexibility. Discover the benefits of selecting 600V/1kV rated tray cable.

 

 

REQUEST QUOTE