CU Single Conductor USE-2

600V Copper Underground Service Entrance Cable

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

CU Single Conductor USE-2 is a 600V copper underground service entrance cable designed for underground electrical distribution, service entrance, feeder, utility, and direct-burial applications.

The cable features an annealed copper conductor with cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) thermoset insulation. The USE-2 construction provides a 90°C temperature rating for both wet and dry locations, offering excellent thermal stability, moisture resistance, and long-term electrical reliability.

The single-conductor design provides flexibility for underground feeders, service laterals, transformer connections, renewable energy systems, and other electrical distribution applications where USE-2 construction is permitted.

APPLICATIONS

• Underground service entrance

• Direct-buried electrical distribution

• Residential underground service

• Commercial underground feeders

• Industrial power distribution

• Utility distribution systems

• Underground feeder circuits

• Service lateral applications

• Transformer secondary connections

• Renewable energy systems

• Solar power distribution

• Outdoor electrical infrastructure

• Underground raceway systems

• Wet and dry locations where permitted

STANDARDS & COMPLIANCE

Typical design and manufacturing references include:

• UL 854 — Service-Entrance Cables

• 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 local electrical and utility requirements

Final certification, markings, construction details, and permitted installation methods depend on the actual cable design, conductor size, insulation system, and target market.

CONSTRUCTION

Conductor

• Material: Annealed copper

• Conductor type: Solid or stranded, depending on size

• Stranding: Concentric-lay-stranded copper for applicable sizes

• Excellent electrical conductivity

• Designed for underground power distribution

Insulation

• Designation: USE-2

• Material: Cross-Linked Polyethylene (XLPE)

• Insulation type: Thermoset

• Rated voltage: 600V

• Maximum operating temperature: 90°C wet/dry

• Excellent moisture resistance

• High thermal stability

• Good resistance to environmental stress

Cable Configuration

• Single insulated conductor

• Uniform extruded XLPE insulation

• Durable and smooth outer surface

• Suitable for direct burial where permitted

• Suitable for underground raceways and other approved wiring methods

• Available in multiple conductor sizes and colors

TECHNICAL DATA

TYPICAL AVAILABLE CONDUCTOR SIZES

Other conductor sizes, stranding configurations, and custom constructions are available according to project requirements.

ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Ampacity shall be determined according to the applicable electrical code, conductor size, installation method, ambient temperature, soil conditions where applicable, and other correction or adjustment factors.

THERMAL PERFORMANCE

CU Single Conductor USE-2 is designed for continuous conductor operation at temperatures up to 90°C in both wet and dry locations, subject to applicable requirements.

The XLPE thermoset insulation system provides:

• High thermal stability

• Excellent resistance to thermal aging

• Good moisture resistance

• Reliable electrical performance at elevated temperatures

• Good resistance to thermal deformation

• Stable insulation characteristics over a wide operating range

• Reliable performance in underground environments

MECHANICAL PERFORMANCE

The cable is designed to withstand the mechanical stresses associated with underground installation, cable pulling, and long-term service.

Typical characteristics include:

• Good abrasion resistance

• Good moisture resistance

• Good environmental durability

• Good dimensional stability

• Durable insulation surface

• Suitable flexibility for installation

• Resistance to common installation stresses

The minimum bending radius should be determined according to conductor size, actual cable construction, installation method, and manufacturer recommendations.

INSTALLATION

CU Single Conductor USE-2 may be installed in underground applications permitted by the applicable electrical code and product marking.

Typical installation methods include:

• Direct burial where permitted

• Underground raceways

• Underground conduits

• Service laterals

• Underground feeders

• Utility distribution systems

• Transformer connections

• Renewable energy distribution

• Outdoor electrical systems

The cable should be installed according to applicable electrical codes, utility requirements, burial depth requirements, separation requirements, and project specifications.

Where direct burial is used, appropriate protection against mechanical damage should be provided where required.

For copper conductors, use connectors, lugs, terminals, and other accessories approved for copper conductors and the intended application. Follow recommended conductor preparation and torque procedures.

KEY FEATURES

• 600V rated construction

• Annealed copper conductor

• Single-conductor configuration

• USE-2 underground service entrance construction

• 90°C wet/dry temperature rating

• XLPE thermoset insulation

• Excellent electrical conductivity

• High moisture resistance

• Suitable for direct burial where permitted

• Suitable for underground feeders and service applications

• Wide range of conductor sizes

• Custom constructions available

PRODUCT ADVANTAGES

High Conductivity Copper

Annealed copper provides excellent electrical conductivity and efficient power transmission for underground service and distribution systems.

90°C Wet/Dry Rating

The USE-2 construction provides a 90°C maximum conductor operating temperature for both wet and dry locations, offering greater thermal flexibility than lower-temperature underground cable constructions.

XLPE Thermoset Insulation

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

Underground Durability

The robust insulation system is designed to withstand the moisture and environmental stresses commonly associated with underground installations.

Single-Conductor Flexibility

The single-conductor format allows multiple conductors to be configured into feeders, service laterals, distribution circuits, and other electrical systems according to project requirements.

QUALITY CONTROL

Typical manufacturing quality controls include:

• Copper conductor dimensional inspection

• Conductor resistance testing

• Stranding inspection

• XLPE insulation dimensional inspection

• Insulation extrusion monitoring

• Spark testing

• High-voltage testing

• Insulation resistance testing

• Finished cable visual inspection

• Overall diameter inspection

• Marking verification

• Final packaging inspection

Testing procedures can be adapted to applicable standards and customer requirements.

PACKAGING

Typical packaging options include:

• Wooden drums

• Plywood drums

• Steel-wooden drums

• Reels

• Coils for selected conductor sizes

• Custom-length packaging

Packaging can be customized according to conductor size, production length, transportation method, container loading requirements, and customer specifications.

CUSTOMIZATION

Available customization options may include:

• Conductor size

• Solid or stranded conductor

• Insulation thickness

• Insulation color

• Conductor marking

• Sequential meter or footage marking

• Production length

• Drum size

• Packaging configuration

• Customer-specific identification

Custom constructions are subject to technical review and applicable certification requirements.

TECHNICAL SUPPORT

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

• Product datasheets

• Technical specifications

• Conductor resistance data

• Dimensional information

• Cable construction details

• Packing specifications

• Test reports

• Certificate documentation where applicable

• Sample availability

• Customized technical submittals

FAQ

What is CU Single Conductor USE-2?

CU Single Conductor USE-2 is a 600V copper underground service entrance cable featuring XLPE thermoset insulation and a 90°C wet/dry temperature rating.

What does USE-2 mean?

USE-2 stands for Underground Service Entrance and identifies a cable construction designed for approved underground service entrance applications with enhanced temperature performance.

What type of conductor is used?

The product uses annealed copper conductors, available in solid or stranded configurations depending on conductor size and construction.

What is the temperature rating?

CU Single Conductor USE-2 is typically rated for 90°C in both wet and dry locations, subject to the final product construction and applicable requirements.

Can CU USE-2 be directly buried?

Yes, USE-2 cable may be suitable for direct burial where the complete cable construction is approved for that application and installation complies with applicable electrical code requirements.

Can it be used in wet locations?

Yes. USE-2 construction is designed for wet and dry locations when manufactured and marked for the applicable rating.

What is the difference between USE and USE-2?

The major distinction is the temperature performance. USE-2 is typically rated for 90°C in both wet and dry locations, while the applicable temperature rating of USE depends on the specific construction and governing standard.

Can CU USE-2 be used above ground?

USE-2 has specific application limitations. Above-ground use should only be made where the complete cable construction is specifically permitted and marked for the intended application. For general building wiring, an appropriate building-wire designation may be required.

What is the voltage rating?

CU Single Conductor USE-2 is designed for 600V applications.

What conductor sizes are available?

Typical conductor sizes range from 14 AWG through 1000 kcmil. Other sizes can be manufactured according to project requirements.

Can custom constructions be supplied?

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

SEO INFORMATION

SEO Product Title:
CU Single Conductor USE-2 600V Copper Underground Service Entrance Cable

Short Description:
CU Single Conductor USE-2 is a 600V copper underground service entrance cable with XLPE thermoset insulation and a 90°C wet/dry rating for direct burial, underground feeders, service laterals, and utility applications.

Meta Description:
CU Single Conductor USE-2 is a 600V copper underground service entrance cable with XLPE insulation, 90°C wet/dry rating, excellent conductivity, and reliable performance for direct burial and underground power distribution.

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CU Single Conductor USE-2 600V Copper Underground Service Entrance Cable

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CU Single Conductor USE-2 600V copper underground service entrance cable with XLPE insulation