CU XHHW-2, UL Cables Copper CU XHHW 2 XLPE Thermoset Wire Rated 600V Ideal for in Conduit Raceway Systems Cable Trays and Electrical Power Systems

CU XHHW-2

600V Copper XLPE Thermoset Building Wire

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

CU XHHW-2 is a 600V copper building wire designed for electrical power distribution, commercial buildings, industrial facilities, control systems, and general-purpose wiring installations.

The product features an annealed copper conductor insulated with cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) thermoset insulation. The XLPE insulation provides excellent thermal stability, moisture resistance, dielectric strength, and mechanical durability.

CU XHHW-2 is rated for 90°C in both dry and wet locations, providing a higher wet-location temperature rating than standard XHHW construction.

Its combination of high-conductivity copper and thermoset XLPE insulation makes CU XHHW-2 suitable for demanding low-voltage electrical installations where enhanced thermal and moisture performance is required.

APPLICATIONS

CU XHHW-2 is suitable for:

• Commercial building wiring

• Residential electrical distribution

• Industrial power distribution

• Feeder circuits

• Branch circuits

• Electrical panels and switchboards

• Motor and equipment connections

• Control and power circuits

• Conduit and raceway systems

• Cable trays where permitted

• Industrial machinery

• Lighting systems

• Power distribution equipment

• Wet and dry locations

• Outdoor electrical installations where permitted

• Underground raceways and electrical distribution systems where permitted

STANDARDS & COMPLIANCE

Typical reference standards include:

• UL 44 — Thermoset-Insulated Wires and Cables

• ASTM B3 — Soft or Annealed Copper Wire

• ASTM B8 — Concentric-Lay-Stranded Copper Conductors

• NFPA 70 / NEC — National Electrical Code, where applicable

• Applicable national and local electrical installation requirements

Final certification, markings, conductor construction, insulation thickness, and permitted applications depend on the specific product construction and destination-market requirements.

CONSTRUCTION

1. Conductor

• Material: Annealed copper

• Conductor type: Solid or stranded, depending on size

• Stranding: Concentric-lay stranded construction for larger sizes

• High electrical conductivity

• Low conductor resistance

• Good flexibility and installation performance

• Compatible with copper-rated connectors, lugs, and terminals

2. Insulation

• Material: Cross-Linked Polyethylene (XLPE)

• Insulation type: Thermoset

• Temperature rating: 90°C wet/dry

• Excellent dielectric strength

• High thermal stability

• Good moisture resistance

• Good resistance to abrasion and environmental stress

3. Surface Identification

The finished wire may include:

• Product designation

• Voltage rating

• Temperature rating

• Manufacturer identification

• Applicable certification markings

• Sequential length marking where required

• Customer-specific identification

TECHNICAL DATA

TYPICAL AVAILABLE CONDUCTOR SIZES

Other conductor sizes, stranding configurations, insulation colors, and customized constructions are available according to project requirements.

ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS

CU XHHW-2 provides reliable electrical performance for low-voltage power distribution and building-wiring applications.

Key electrical characteristics include:

• Rated voltage: 600 V

• Annealed copper conductor

• High electrical conductivity

• Low conductor resistance

• Stable dielectric performance

• Excellent insulation resistance

• Suitable for AC electrical distribution systems

• Compatible with standard copper-rated termination systems

• Suitable for wet and dry locations within the applicable rating

Allowable ampacity shall be determined according to conductor size, installation method, ambient temperature, number of current-carrying conductors, termination limitations, and applicable electrical code requirements.

THERMAL PERFORMANCE

CU XHHW-2 is designed for a maximum conductor operating temperature of:

• 90°C in dry locations

• 90°C in wet locations

The 90°C wet/dry rating provides greater installation flexibility than XHHW, which is typically rated 90°C dry / 75°C wet.

Actual operating conditions shall comply with applicable electrical codes, equipment limitations, termination ratings, and installation requirements.

MOISTURE RESISTANCE

The XLPE thermoset insulation provides excellent resistance to moisture and water exposure when the product is properly marked and certified for wet-location use.

CU XHHW-2 is designed for applications where the conductor may be exposed to:

• Moisture

• Water

• Condensation

• Damp environments

• Wet electrical raceways

• Underground raceways where permitted

The typical wet-location temperature rating is 90°C.

MECHANICAL PERFORMANCE

CU XHHW-2 provides:

• Good tensile strength

• Good abrasion resistance

• Good flexibility in stranded constructions

• Resistance to normal installation stresses

• Stable insulation integrity during pulling and routing

• Good resistance to mechanical handling

• Reliable performance in conduit and raceway systems

Stranded conductors are recommended for larger sizes and installations requiring easier handling and routing.

ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE

The XLPE thermoset insulation provides resistance to:

• Moisture

• Heat

• Thermal aging

• Abrasion

• Outdoor environmental exposure where permitted

• Normal installation-related mechanical stress

• Common industrial environmental conditions

For installations involving severe chemicals, petroleum products, direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, or other specialized environments, the final product construction should be selected according to the applicable certification and project requirements.

INSTALLATION

CU XHHW-2 may be installed in:

• Conduit

• Raceway

• Electrical cabinets

• Panelboards

• Switchboards

• Cable trays where permitted

• Equipment wiring systems

• Commercial electrical systems

• Industrial electrical systems

• Wet locations

• Dry locations

• Outdoor installations where permitted

• Underground raceways where permitted

Installation should comply with:

• NFPA 70 / NEC, where applicable

• Local electrical codes

• Equipment manufacturer requirements

• Approved ampacity tables

• Proper conductor bending radius

• Proper pulling tension

• Approved termination procedures

Use connectors, lugs, terminals, and accessories specifically approved for copper conductors.

KEY FEATURES

• 600V rated construction

• Annealed copper conductor

• XLPE thermoset insulation

• 90°C dry temperature rating

• 90°C wet temperature rating

• Excellent moisture resistance

• High thermal stability

• High electrical conductivity

• Good mechanical durability

• Excellent dielectric performance

• Suitable for wet and dry locations

• Wide range of conductor sizes

• Solid and stranded constructions available

• Multiple insulation colors available

PRODUCT ADVANTAGES

90°C Wet/Dry Rating

CU XHHW-2 maintains a 90°C conductor temperature rating in both wet and dry locations, making it suitable for applications requiring enhanced thermal performance under moisture exposure.

High-Conductivity Copper

Annealed copper provides excellent electrical conductivity, low resistance, and reliable current-carrying performance.

XLPE Thermoset Insulation

XLPE provides excellent thermal stability and resistance to moisture, abrasion, and environmental stresses.

Broad Installation Capability

The product can be used across commercial, residential, industrial, and infrastructure electrical systems where permitted by the applicable electrical code.

Flexible Configuration

CU XHHW-2 can be supplied in various conductor sizes, stranding configurations, insulation colors, marking formats, and packaging options.

CU XHHW-2 VS. RELATED WIRE TYPES

The actual allowable application depends on product markings, certification, installation conditions, equipment limitations, and applicable electrical codes.

QUALITY CONTROL

Typical manufacturing and inspection procedures may include:

• Conductor dimensional inspection

• Conductor resistance testing

• Conductor diameter inspection

• Stranding inspection

• Insulation thickness measurement

• Insulation eccentricity inspection

• Spark testing

• High-voltage testing

• Tensile and elongation testing

• Thermal aging testing

• Finished-product dimensional inspection

• Marking verification

• Visual inspection

Quality-control procedures can be adapted to applicable UL, ASTM, customer, and project specifications.

PACKAGING

Typical packaging options include:

• Coils

• Plastic reels

• Wooden reels

• Export-grade wooden drums

• Customized reel lengths

• Customer-specified labels

• Project-specific packaging

Packaging can be customized according to conductor size, shipping method, destination, and installation requirements.

CUSTOMIZATION

Available options may include:

• Conductor size

• Solid or stranded construction

• Conductor stranding configuration

• Insulation color

• Surface printing

• Sequential length marking

• Reel length

• Packaging method

• Customer-specific specifications

• Destination-market requirements

• Certification and marking requirements

TECHNICAL SUPPORT

Technical documentation can be supplied according to project requirements, including:

• Product datasheets

• Technical specifications

• Construction drawings

• Conductor resistance data

• Ampacity information

• Routine test reports

• Type-test documentation where applicable

• Material declarations

• Compliance documentation

• Customized technical submittals

FAQ

1. What is CU XHHW-2?

CU XHHW-2 is a 600V copper building wire using annealed copper conductors and XLPE thermoset insulation. It is typically rated 90°C in both wet and dry locations.

2. What is the difference between XHHW and XHHW-2?

The main difference is the wet-location temperature rating. XHHW is typically 90°C dry / 75°C wet, while XHHW-2 is typically 90°C dry / 90°C wet.

3. What is the difference between XHH and XHHW-2?

XHH is primarily intended for dry-location applications unless additionally marked or certified for wet locations. XHHW-2 provides a 90°C wet and dry rating.

4. Can CU XHHW-2 be used in wet locations?

Yes, when the specific product is properly marked and certified for wet-location use. Its typical wet-location temperature rating is 90°C.

5. Is CU XHHW-2 suitable for outdoor installations?

It may be used in outdoor installations when the specific construction and certification permit such use and the installation complies with applicable electrical codes.

6. Can CU XHHW-2 be installed in conduit?

Yes. CU XHHW-2 is commonly used in conduit and raceway systems for commercial, industrial, and building electrical installations.

7. What conductor material is used?

CU XHHW-2 uses annealed copper conductors.

8. Is CU XHHW-2 available in stranded construction?

Yes. Stranded construction is commonly available, particularly for medium and large conductor sizes.

9. What voltage is CU XHHW-2 rated for?

The standard product configuration is rated at 600 volts.

10. What sizes are available?

Typical conductor sizes range from 14 AWG through 1000 kcmil, with additional sizes available according to project requirements.

11. Can XHHW-2 replace XHHW?

In many applications, XHHW-2 provides a higher wet-location temperature rating than XHHW. However, the final selection must comply with the applicable electrical code, product certification, and equipment requirements.

12. Is XHHW-2 better than THHN?

Neither is universally “better.” XHHW-2 uses XLPE thermoset insulation and provides a 90°C wet/dry rating, while THHN typically uses thermoplastic insulation with a nylon coating and is primarily a 90°C dry designation unless dual marked for wet locations.

13. Can CU XHHW-2 be customized?

Yes. Conductor size, stranding, insulation color, printing, reel length, packaging, and other technical requirements can be customized subject to production and certification requirements.

SEO INFORMATION

SEO Product Title:
CU XHHW-2 600V Copper XLPE Building Wire | 90°C Wet/Dry

Short Description:
CU XHHW-2 is a 600V copper building wire featuring annealed copper conductors and XLPE thermoset insulation with a 90°C wet and dry temperature rating for commercial, industrial, and electrical distribution applications.

Meta Description:
CU XHHW-2 600V copper building wire with XLPE thermoset insulation, rated 90°C in wet and dry locations. Available in AWG and kcmil sizes.

Suggested URL Slug:
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Product Image Title:
CU XHHW-2 600V Copper XLPE Building Wire

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CU XHHW-2 600V copper building wire with 90°C wet and dry XLPE insulation