AL MULTICORE CONDUCTOR URD USE-2

600 V Aluminum Underground Residential Distribution Cable

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

AL Multicore Conductor URD USE-2 is a 600 V underground residential distribution cable designed for secondary distribution, underground feeder, service entrance, and residential power distribution applications.

The cable is constructed with stranded aluminum conductors insulated with cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE). Multiple insulated conductors are assembled together to form a compact multicore configuration, providing an efficient solution for underground electrical distribution where reduced installation space and reliable long-term performance are required.

USE-2 rated insulation provides excellent resistance to moisture, sunlight, abrasion, and environmental exposure, making the cable suitable for demanding outdoor and underground applications.

APPLICATIONS

• Underground residential distribution

• Residential feeder systems

• Secondary electrical distribution

• Service entrance applications

• Underground service connections

• Residential subdivisions

• Outdoor electrical distribution

• Utility and private underground power systems

• Direct-burial applications, where permitted

• Conduit installations

STANDARDS

• UL 854 – Service-Entrance Cables

• UL 44 – Thermoset-Insulated Wires and Cables

• ASTM B800 – 8000 Series Aluminum Alloy Conductors

• ASTM B801 – Concentric-Lay-Stranded Conductors

• National Electrical Code (NEC)

• Applicable ICEA requirements

• RoHS Compliant, where applicable

RATED VOLTAGE

600 V

CONDUCTOR

• Material: Aluminum

• Aluminum Alloy: 8000 Series

• Construction: Stranded or compact stranded

• Conductor Class: Class B stranded

• Conductor surface: Smooth and compact

• Conductor identification according to cable configuration

The aluminum conductor provides a favorable combination of electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, low weight, and cost efficiency.

INSULATION

Cross-Linked Polyethylene (XLPE)

Each insulated conductor is provided with XLPE insulation designed to provide:

• Excellent dielectric strength

• High insulation resistance

• Moisture resistance

• Sunlight resistance

• Thermal stability

• Good abrasion resistance

• Long-term electrical reliability

CABLE CONSTRUCTION

The cable consists of multiple insulated aluminum conductors assembled in a multicore configuration.

Typical construction:

Stranded Aluminum Conductor → XLPE Insulation → Multicore Assembly → Overall Jacket, where applicable

The number and size of conductors can be customized according to system requirements.

TYPICAL CONSTRUCTION

TECHNICAL DATA

COMMON CONFIGURATIONS

COMMON CONDUCTOR SIZES

Other conductor sizes are available according to customer requirements and applicable standards.

ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS

The 8000 Series aluminum conductors provide reliable current-carrying capability while significantly reducing cable weight compared with equivalent copper constructions.

XLPE insulation provides stable dielectric performance and supports continuous conductor operation at temperatures up to 90°C, subject to the applicable construction, ampacity requirements, and installation conditions.

The multicore construction helps simplify cable installation by combining multiple insulated conductors into a compact cable assembly.

MECHANICAL & ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE

The cable is designed for underground and outdoor environments where resistance to moisture, sunlight, temperature variations, and mechanical handling is required.

Typical characteristics include:

• Excellent moisture resistance

• Sunlight resistant

• Good abrasion resistance

• Good mechanical strength

• High thermal stability

• Long service life

• Reduced cable weight

• Compact installation

INSTALLATION

AL Multicore URD USE-2 Cable can be installed in suitable underground electrical distribution systems in accordance with the applicable NEC, local electrical codes, and cable listing requirements.

Typical installation methods include:

• Direct burial, where specifically permitted

• Underground conduit

• Residential distribution systems

• Underground service connections

• Outdoor feeder systems

• Utility distribution systems

Installation requirements such as minimum burial depth, bending radius, pulling tension, ampacity, separation, and termination methods shall comply with applicable electrical codes and project specifications.

KEY FEATURES

• 600 V rated construction

• 8000 Series aluminum conductors

• XLPE insulation

• Multicore configuration

• Lightweight compared with equivalent copper cables

• Suitable for underground distribution

• Moisture resistant

• Sunlight resistant

• Excellent thermal performance

• Compact cable configuration

• Suitable for residential and utility applications

• Multiple conductor sizes available

• Custom configurations available

ADVANTAGES OF ALUMINUM CONDUCTORS

Aluminum provides an economical and lightweight conductor solution for underground distribution applications.

Key advantages include:

• Lower cable weight

• Easier transportation and handling

• Reduced installation labor

• Lower material cost

• Efficient current-carrying capability

• Suitable mechanical performance

• Good long-term electrical stability

QUALITY CONTROL

Manufacturing quality is controlled throughout conductor stranding, insulation extrusion, cable assembly, and finished-cable testing.

Typical inspection and testing procedures include:

• Conductor resistance testing

• Conductor dimensional inspection

• Insulation thickness inspection

• High-voltage testing

• Spark testing

• Insulation electrical testing

• Finished-cable dimensional inspection

• Visual inspection

• Marking verification

PACKAGING

Available packaging options include:

• Wooden reels

• Plywood reels

• Steel-wooden reels

• Export-grade cable drums

Cable length, drum dimensions, and packaging can be customized according to transportation and project requirements.

CUSTOMIZATION

The following specifications can be customized:

• Conductor size

• Number of conductors

• Conductor configuration

• Neutral arrangement

• Insulation color

• Cable marking

• Cable length

• Overall jacket

• Drum size

• Packaging

PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION

Typical marking may include:

USE-2 600 V AL XLPE

Additional information such as conductor size, manufacturer identification, sequential footage marking, and certification markings can be provided according to the applicable standard and certification requirements.

PRODUCT SUMMARY

AL Multicore Conductor URD USE-2 is a 600 V aluminum underground distribution cable designed for residential, utility, feeder, service entrance, and outdoor electrical distribution applications. With 8000 Series aluminum conductors and XLPE insulation, it provides a lightweight, reliable, and cost-effective solution for underground power distribution.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q1. What is AL Multicore URD USE-2 Cable?

It is a 600 V underground distribution cable consisting of multiple insulated aluminum conductors designed for residential, feeder, service entrance, and underground power distribution applications.

Q2. What does USE-2 mean?

USE-2 refers to a type of underground service-entrance cable construction designed for demanding outdoor and underground applications. The exact permitted uses depend on the applicable UL listing and installation requirements.

Q3. What voltage is the cable rated for?

The standard product is rated at 600 V.

Q4. What aluminum alloy is used?

The cable can be manufactured using 8000 Series aluminum alloy conductors, typically in stranded or compact stranded construction.

Q5. What insulation material is used?

The standard insulation is cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE), which provides excellent electrical, thermal, moisture, and environmental performance.

Q6. Can this cable be used underground?

Yes. The cable is designed for underground distribution applications. Specific installation methods, including direct burial, must comply with the cable's applicable listing and local electrical codes.

Q7. Can AL Multicore URD USE-2 be used for residential distribution?

Yes. It is suitable for underground residential distribution, residential feeders, service connections, and related power distribution systems when the specific construction meets the applicable requirements.

Q8. What conductor sizes are available?

Common sizes include 2 AWG, 1 AWG, 1/0 AWG, 2/0 AWG, 4/0 AWG, 250 kcmil, 350 kcmil, and 500 kcmil aluminum. Other sizes can be manufactured according to project requirements.

Q9. How many conductors can be included?

Typical configurations include 2, 3, or 4 conductors, while custom multicore configurations can be developed according to system requirements.

Q10. What are the advantages of aluminum multicore construction?

The main advantages include lower weight, reduced material cost, easier transportation, simplified installation, and efficient use of underground installation space.

Q11. Is the cable sunlight and moisture resistant?

Yes. The XLPE insulation is designed to provide good resistance to moisture and environmental exposure, while the specific cable construction can provide sunlight resistance according to its applicable listing.

Q12. Can the cable be customized?

Yes. Conductor size, conductor quantity, conductor configuration, insulation color, cable marking, cable length, overall jacket, drum dimensions, and packaging can be customized according to project requirements.

Q13. What information is required for a quotation?

For an accurate quotation, please provide the conductor size, number of conductors, cable configuration, voltage rating, required standard or certification, total quantity, required cable length, and destination.