CU RHW-2

600V Copper XLPE Building Wire

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

CU RHW-2 is a 600V copper building wire designed for commercial, residential, industrial, utility, and infrastructure electrical distribution applications. It features an annealed copper conductor insulated with cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) thermoset insulation.

The RHW-2 construction is rated for a maximum conductor operating temperature of 90°C in both wet and dry locations, providing excellent thermal performance and installation flexibility for demanding electrical systems.

The high-conductivity copper conductor provides low electrical resistance, excellent current-carrying capability, and reliable termination characteristics. The XLPE thermoset insulation provides excellent thermal stability, moisture resistance, electrical insulation performance, and long-term durability.

APPLICATIONS

CU RHW-2 is suitable for:

• Commercial electrical distribution

• Residential electrical systems

• Industrial power distribution

• Feeder circuits

• Branch circuits

• Motor circuits

• Equipment power connections

• Switchboards and panelboards

• Electrical cabinets

• Conduit and raceway installations

• Cable trays where permitted

• Indoor and outdoor installations

• Wet and dry locations

• Utility and infrastructure projects

• Power generation facilities

• Industrial plants and processing facilities

• Building power distribution systems

• Underground installations 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

Final certification, markings, construction, and allowable installation methods depend on the specific product construction and target market requirements.

CONSTRUCTION

Conductor

• Material: Annealed copper

• Conductor type: Solid or stranded, depending on size

• Stranding: Concentric-lay stranded construction for applicable sizes

• Electrical conductivity: High

• Surface: Smooth and clean for reliable electrical termination

Insulation

• Material: Cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE)

• Insulation type: Thermoset

• Color: Black or other colors upon request

• Voltage rating: 600V

• Maximum operating temperature: 90°C wet/dry

TECHNICAL DATA

TYPICAL AVAILABLE CONDUCTOR SIZES

Other conductor sizes, insulation colors, constructions, and packaging configurations are available upon request.

ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS

CU RHW-2 provides excellent electrical performance through its high-conductivity annealed copper conductor.

Key electrical characteristics include:

• High electrical conductivity

• Low conductor resistance

• Reliable current transmission

• Stable electrical performance

• Low voltage drop

• Excellent insulation resistance

• Consistent long-term power transmission

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

THERMAL PERFORMANCE

The 90°C wet/dry rating provides greater thermal and installation flexibility than standard RHW construction.

MECHANICAL PERFORMANCE

The XLPE thermoset insulation provides:

• Good installation flexibility

• Excellent resistance to cracking

• Good abrasion resistance

• Excellent moisture resistance

• Good resistance to heat aging

• Stable dimensional performance

• Reliable insulation integrity

• Good resistance to normal installation stresses

Stranded copper construction provides enhanced flexibility for larger conductor sizes and facilitates routing through conduits and raceways.

INSTALLATION

CU RHW-2 may be installed in:

• Conduit systems

• Raceways

• Electrical cabinets

• Switchboards

• Panelboards

• Cable trays where permitted

• Indoor electrical systems

• Outdoor electrical systems

• Wet locations

• Dry locations

• Underground installations where permitted

Installation shall comply with the applicable electrical code and the permitted use of the specific product construction.

Copper-rated connectors, lugs, terminals, and accessories should be selected according to the applicable installation requirements.

KEY FEATURES

• 600V voltage rating

• 90°C wet and dry temperature rating

• XLPE thermoset insulation

• High-conductivity copper conductor

• Excellent electrical conductivity

• Excellent moisture resistance

• High thermal stability

• Reliable insulation performance

• Good mechanical flexibility

• Wide range of conductor sizes

• Suitable for commercial, industrial, and utility applications

PRODUCT ADVANTAGES

90°C Wet/Dry Rating

The RHW-2 designation provides a 90°C maximum conductor operating temperature in both wet and dry locations, offering greater installation flexibility than RHW.

High Electrical Conductivity

Copper provides excellent electrical conductivity and low resistance, supporting efficient power transmission.

XLPE Thermoset Insulation

Cross-linked polyethylene provides excellent thermal stability, moisture resistance, electrical insulation performance, and long-term durability.

Reliable Installation

Stranded copper conductors provide good flexibility for routing through conduits, raceways, switchboards, and electrical equipment.

Broad Application Range

CU RHW-2 can be used across commercial, residential, industrial, utility, and infrastructure electrical distribution systems where permitted.

QUALITY CONTROL

Typical production quality controls include:

• Conductor dimensional inspection

• Conductor resistance testing

• Insulation thickness measurement

• Insulation diameter inspection

• High-voltage electrical testing

• Spark testing

• Insulation physical property testing

• Conductor tensile and elongation testing

• Thermal aging evaluation

• Finished wire visual inspection

• Marking verification

• Packaging inspection

Specific testing requirements may vary according to the applicable standard and customer specification.

PACKAGING

Available packaging options may include:

• Wooden reels

• Plywood reels

• Non-returnable reels

• Returnable reels

• Coils for smaller sizes

• Custom-length reels

• Export seaworthy packaging

Reel dimensions, cable lengths, and packaging configurations can be customized according to project requirements.

CUSTOMIZATION

Available options may include:

• Conductor size

• Solid or stranded construction

• Insulation color

• Surface marking

• Printing requirements

• Reel length

• Packaging configuration

• Customer-specific labeling

• Project-specific construction requirements

TECHNICAL SUPPORT

Technical documentation can be provided for project evaluation and procurement, including:

• Technical datasheets

• Product specifications

• Construction drawings

• Dimensional data

• Electrical performance data

• Test reports

• Packing specifications

• Custom technical documentation

FAQ

What is CU RHW-2?

CU RHW-2 is a 600V copper building wire featuring XLPE thermoset insulation and a maximum conductor operating temperature of 90°C in both wet and dry locations.

What is the temperature rating of RHW-2?

RHW-2 is typically rated 90°C in both wet and dry locations.

Is CU RHW-2 suitable for wet locations?

Yes. RHW-2 is designed for wet and dry locations when the specific construction is properly manufactured, marked, and installed according to applicable requirements.

What is the difference between RHW and RHW-2?

RHW is generally rated 75°C wet/dry, while RHW-2 is rated 90°C wet/dry.

What is the difference between RHH and RHW-2?

RHH is typically rated 90°C in dry locations, while RHW-2 provides a 90°C rating in both wet and dry locations.

Why use copper conductors?

Copper provides high electrical conductivity, low resistance, good flexibility, and reliable compatibility with copper-rated electrical termination systems.

Can CU RHW-2 be installed outdoors?

Yes, where the specific construction and installation method are permitted by the applicable electrical code.

What sizes are available?

CU RHW-2 can be supplied in a broad range of AWG and kcmil sizes, from smaller building-wire conductors to large power-distribution conductors.

SEO INFORMATION

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

Short Description:
CU RHW-2 is a 600V copper building wire with XLPE thermoset insulation, rated 90°C in both wet and dry locations for commercial, industrial, utility, and power distribution applications.

Meta Description:
CU RHW-2 600V copper XLPE building wire features a 90°C wet/dry rating, high-conductivity copper, and durable thermoset insulation for reliable power distribution.

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CU RHW-2 600V Copper XLPE Building Wire

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600V CU RHW-2 copper XLPE building wire rated 90°C for wet and dry electrical installations