logo

Industrial Building Wire

Contractors, electricians, building inspectors, and other professionals use industrial building wire in the installation and maintenance of electrical distribution systems in buildings. DWC carries quality industrial building wire made of solid or standard bare copper or tinned copper. Our wire is perfect for industrial applications where reliability and maximum performance are required.

Common applications for DWC’s industrial building wire include electrical power distribution, lighting systems, HVAC systems, and control systems. The wire is coated with a protective insulation material to prevent short circuits and to increase its durability.

DWC industrial building wire ensures the safety and reliability of electrical systems in industrial buildings as well as the safety of building occupants. Industrial building wire is critical in industrial settings because these buildings often have specialized electrical needs, such as heavy machinery, large lighting systems, and high voltage systems. This requires a combination of proper conductivity, insulation, voltage rating, and size.

Industrial building wire is typically rated for higher voltage (600 volts or more). This wire is available in various gauges and insulation types to meet the needs of different applications. It is crucial to use high-quality, durable wire to minimize the risk of electrical failure and to ensure an electrical system can perform at its best for years to come. 

Factors to consider when choosing building wire for industrial use include:

Type of wire: XLP/USE, THHN/THWN, XHHW, HMWPE, EPR/HYP, AWG, etc.

Voltage rating: The wire for your building must be rated for the voltage it will be carrying. 

Amperage rating: Your wire must be rated for the amount of current it will carry. 

Gauge size: The wire gauge should match the ampacity requirement for your specific application.

Conductor material: Copper or aluminum conductors have different properties to suit different applications.

Number of conductors: Consider if a single or multi-conductor cable is needed.

Length and packaging: Purchase enough wire and in a convenient packaging method.

Compliance with local codes and standards: Ensure your wire complies with National Electrical Code (NEC) and local building codes.

Product details and specifications are subject to manufacturing variations and accepted industry tolerances. Please contact your DWC Account Manager with questions, or to confirm any specific product requirements. 

Benefits of Industrial Building Wire: 

  1. Durability: Designed to be long-lasting and durable, making it ideal for use in demanding industrial environments. 

  2. Safety: Designed with safety in mind, with features such as increased insulation thickness and high voltage ratings to reduce the risk of electrical failure and to ensure the safety of workers. 

  3. Reliability: Made of highly conductive materials (i.e., copper) to ensure electrical current flows smoothly and efficiently, reducing risk of electrical failure and improving electrical systems reliability. 

  4. Versatility: Suitable for a wide range of applications (i.e., electrical power distribution, lighting systems, HVAC systems, and control systems). 

  5. Cost-Effective: Often more cost-effective in the long run than other types of electrical wire over time due to its durability, reliability, and versatility.

FAQs 

What is industrial building wire made of?

Building wire is typically made of copper or aluminum, although some newer types of wire for buildings may use other materials such as tinned copper or aluminum-clad steel. Copper remains a popular choice because of its high electrical conductivity, durability, corrosion resistance, and affordability. These properties make it an ideal material for ensuring the safe and reliable operation of electrical systems in buildings.  

What is the difference between building wire and other types of electrical wire?

Building wire is designed specifically for use in buildings and is subject to specific safety standards and building codes. Other types of electrical wire, such as appliance wire or low-voltage wire, may have different characteristics and applications. 

What factors should be considered when choosing industrial building wire?

When choosing industrial building wire, keep in mind:

  • Amperage: The amount of electrical current the wire will be carrying 

  • Voltage: The electrical potential difference the wire will be operating at 

  • Temperature: The operating temperature range of the wire 

  • Application: The specific electrical needs of the industrial building 

What sizes of industrial building wire are available?

Industrial building wire is available in a range of sizes, from small gauges for low-power applications to larger gauges for high-power applications. The size of wire for buildings depends on the amount of electrical current it will carry. 

Is building wire flexible or stiff?

The flexibility of industrial building wire can vary depending on the specific type of wire and the application it is being used for. Some industrial building wires are designed to be flexible and able to bend easily, while others are designed to be stiffer and less pliable.

Is building wire safe for outdoor use?

Building wire can be used for outdoor applications, but it must be specifically rated for outdoor use and have the appropriate insulation for protection against the elements.

What is the maximum distance industrial building wire can run?

The maximum distance industrial building wire can run depends on the gauge of the wire and the amount of electrical current being carried, among other factors. You should always follow the electrical codes and safety standards when installing building wire to ensure proper performance and safety. 

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.

Looking for something?

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!