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XHHW-2 and RHW-2 2

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Anil Thapa

Electrical
Mar 30, 2019
15
What is the difference between XHHW-2 and RHW-2(with XLPE Insulation)?
 
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The “R” means “Rubber” insukation but long ago was allowed to include XLPE (cross linked polyethylene) insulation. The “X” in XHHW means XPLE insulation. So basically all XHHW cables COULD be called RHW, but not all RHW insulation will be the same as XHHW.

The HH means High Heat, so denotes 90C ratings. But so does the -2.


" We are all here on earth to help others; what on earth the others are here for I don't know." -- W. H. Auden
 
The main differences between XHHW-2 and RHW-2 are as follow:
1) The RHW-2 has heavier insulation than XHHW-2. per UL Std 44 (See graph below)
2) Pulling RHW-2 is a little harder particularly in low temperature
3) The insulation RHW-2 has an additive to the XLP insulation to make fire retardant and 2-hrs fire rated.
4) The XHHW-2 is suitable for use in low leakage circuits requiring a dielectric constant of 3.5
or less. (Ex. isolated circuits supplying anesthetizing locations per Article 517-160 of the NEC or low leakage inductive (loop) vehicle detector wire).

Cable_Insulation_RHW-2_XHHW-2_i565ks.jpg
 
As per usual, Cuky supplied a much more thorough response... [2thumbsup]


" We are all here on earth to help others; what on earth the others are here for I don't know." -- W. H. Auden
 
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