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Commercial Building Wire

DWC’s commercial building wire is specifically designed to transmit electrical power and signals in commercial buildings such as offices, schools, hospitals, and shopping centers. Subject to stringent safety standards and performance requirements, it must meet National Electric Code (NEC) requirements. NEC specifies the type of wire that can be used in different parts of a building and the minimum wire size required for each application. Our selection of building wire provides reliable and safe electrical power for businesses and commercial buildings.

It is important that you use building wire specifically designed for use in buildings to ensure a safe and reliable electrical distribution system. Commercial building wire is designed specifically for use in commercial buildings, while other types of electrical wire may be used in residential, industrial, or other types of structures.

Our wire is designed to handle more electrical power and heavier loads. Commercial buildings typically have higher electrical loads than other types of buildings. Commercial building wire is typically rated for higher voltage (600 volts or more). These wires are available in various gauges and insulation types to meet the needs of different commercial applications.

DWC’s commercial building wire is designed to be more durable and long-lasting than other types of electrical wire to withstand greater wear and tear. You’ll find it meets the specific performance needs of commercial electrical systems, including resistance to heat, moisture, and other environmental factors. 

Benefits of Commercial Building Wire: 

  1. Flexibility - Often more flexible than industrial building wire, making it easier to install and route through tight spaces and complex electrical systems. 

  2. Cost-Effective - Often more cost-effective than industrial building wire, making it a popular choice for commercial building construction projects. 

  3. Safety - Designed with safety in mind, with features like flame-retardant insulation to reduce the risk of electrical fire. 

  4. Ease of Installation - Easier to install than industrial building wire, with lighter and more flexible designs that make it easier to handle and route through electrical systems. 

  5. Energy Efficiency - Commercial building owners and contractors can help to reduce energy costs, minimize their carbon footprint, and improve the sustainability of their building.

In addition to these benefits, when selecting commercial building wire always make sure it will meet the necessary safety standards, is suitable for the intended application (i.e., amperage and voltage), and will perform reliably over time. 

FAQs

What types of commercial building wire are available?

There are several types of commercial building wire available, including THHN (Thermoplastic High Heat-resistant Nylon-coated), XHHW (Cross-linked High Heat-resistant Water-resistant), and UF (Underground Feeder) wire.

What are the differences between THHN and XHHW wire? 

Thermoplastic High Heat-resistant Nylon-coated (THHN) wire is used in dry and damp locations with a nylon coating. Cross-linked High Heat-resistant Water-resistant (XHHW) wire is used in wet locations and has a cross-linked polyethylene coating.

What size wire do I need for a commercial building?

The size of wire needed for a commercial building depends on several factors, including the amount of current the wire will carry, distance the wire will run, and voltage drop allowed by the electrical code.

Can commercial building wire be used for outdoor applications?

Yes, there are types of commercial building wire, such as UF wire, specifically designed for outdoor use.

What is the life span of commercial building wire?

The life span of commercial building wire varies depending on the type of wire, the environment it is installed in, and the amount of current it is carrying. Most commercial building wire has a life span of 30-40 years.

Are there any safety concerns with commercial building wire?

As with any electrical installation, there are safety concerns with commercial building wire. It is important to follow the electrical code and hire a licensed electrician to install the wire to ensure that it is installed safely and properly. 

XLP/USE

XLP/USE is similar to XHHW building wire except this product is rated for direct burial applications. This product is also referred to as RHH/RHW meaning it meets the UL standard 854 for service entrance cable. XLP/USE wire is used in service entrance, and branch circuit applications for residential, commercial, industrial and transportation environments for permanent installations utilizing 600 volts or less. The temperature rating for XLP/USE is -40C to 90C in wet or dry environments.

Conductor: Stranded bare copper

Insulation: XLP (Cross-Linked Polyethylene)

Flame Test: IEEE 383 70,000 BTU/hour flame test

XHHW

XHHW is a general purpose building wire. Approved to use in circuits not exceeding 600 volts. Highly resistant to chemicals, ozone and abrasion. VW-1 rated cables are suitable when the vertical wire flame test is required. This item is sunlight resistant. 1/0 and larger are CT(cable tray) rated.

Conductor: Bare Copper

Insulation: Cross-linked polyethylene (XLP)

Flame Test:  UL and IEEE 383 70,000 BTU/hr flame test. UL VW-1.

Note:  Available in multiple colors

THHN

THHN / THWN building wire is used in general purpose wiring for machine tools, appliances and control circuits not exceeding 600 volts. 90C rated in dry locations and 75C in wet locations. Helical wire stripes can be added to this product. VW-1 Rated.1/0 and larger are CT (cable tray) rated.

Conductor: Solid or stranded bare copper

Insulation: PVC

Jacket: Nylon

Notes: Available in various jacket colors

DWC Special Services: Custom wire striping services available for circuit sized THHN

HMWPE – Cathodic Protection

High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (HMWPE) cable is suitable for direct burial in cathodic protection applications for storage tanks, pipelines and other buried or submerged units.  Rated for 600V with a temperature rating of 90C. Sometimes it is called out as cathodic protection.

Conductor: Stranded bare copper

Insulation: High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (HMWPE)

Notes: VW-1 Rated

EPR/HYP

EPR/HYP is used in commercial and industrial arenas and can be placed in tray when CT rated, direct buried and used in conduit in both wet and dry environments. It is 600 volt rated, VW-1 and 1/0 and larger CT rated. The temperature rating is 90C.

Conductor: Stranded tinned copper

Insulation: EPR

Jacket: Hypalon (CSPE)

Flame Test: IEEE 383 70,000 BTU/hour flame test

AWG (Bare Cu) EPR/USE

AWG (Bare Cu), EPR/USE, Direct Burial, 600V are recommended for use in harsh environments in a broad range of commercial, industrial and utility applications where reliability and maximum performance is required. Approved for installation in conduits, ducts, cable tray when CT rated, direct burial or other approved raceways with maximum conductor temperature of 90°C in wet or dry locations.

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DWC specializes in tracking down hard to find specialty wire & cable. If we don’t have what you’re looking for in-stock, we’ll get it for you!