XHHW-2 & XLP

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iwire

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XLP is not an NEC conductor marking, I believe it stands for CROSS-LINKED POLYETHYLENE INSULATION

So if the cable is only marked XLP you likely cannot use it at all for NEC applications.
 

Alwayslearningelec

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XLP is not an NEC conductor marking, I believe it stands for CROSS-LINKED POLYETHYLENE INSULATION

So if the cable is only marked XLP you likely cannot use it at all for NEC applications.

Your right. So if a spec reads " all lighting branch wiring to be XLP insualted copper conductors, then what? Can that XLP be/mean RHW or XHHW-2??? No right? Thanks.
 

Dennis Alwon

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Your right. So if a spec reads " all lighting branch wiring to be XLP insualted copper conductors, then what? Can that XLP be/mean RHW or XHHW-2??? No right? Thanks.
Surely you have never come across a spec that read all lighting branch wiring to be XLP. If you did then the engineer needs a good spanking.
 

Alwayslearningelec

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Surely you have never come across a spec that read all lighting branch wiring to be XLP. If you did then the engineer needs a good spanking.

lol....but actually it does say that but then in another paragraph references the same application must be rhhw-2..... so can you essentially say rhhw-2 is XLP? Thanks Dennis
 

rbalex

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Technically, any Type that begins with “R” is a synthetic rubber. “X” is cross-linked polyethylene (XLP).

RH-- and XH--may both be cross-linked polyethylene; however there is still a significant difference. See Table 310.13(A) and compare the insulation thicknesses.

Edit Add: This is why I prefer RHHW-2 for industrial use; especially for high-resistance grounded systems.
 
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Smart $

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Location
Ohio
Thanks Augie. So RHW and XHHW are essentially XLP? THanks again.

lol....but actually it does say that but then in another paragraph references the same application must be rhhw-2..... so can you essentially say rhhw-2 is XLP? Thanks Dennis
I'm currently having some doubts on the matter. Polyethylene is thermoplastic, i.e. it can be reshaped when heated. Table 310.13(A) says R- and X- insulation types are thermoset...???
 

rbalex

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I'm currently having some doubts on the matter. Polyethylene is thermoplastic, i.e. it can be reshaped when heated. Table 310.13(A) says R- and X- insulation types are thermoset...???
The "cross-linking" alters the material.
RH-- may also be EPR (Ethylene Propylene Rubber), another cross-linked material.
 

Smart $

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Ohio
I'm currently having some doubts on the matter. Polyethylene is thermoplastic, i.e. it can be reshaped when heated. Table 310.13(A) says R- and X- insulation types are thermoset...???
Nevermind... I discovered there is a formulation of XLP that is thermosetting.
 

rbalex

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I have no problem recognizing XLP as a "rubber equivalent" for RH--; however, it is important to recognize that even though they use the same insulation material, RHH/RHW and XHHW are still not the same. The "RH--" series uses a thicker insullation whether it is XLP or EPR.
 

Hv&Lv

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-
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I have no problem recognizing XLP as a "rubber equivalent" for RH--; however, it is important to recognize that even though they use the same insulation material, RHH/RHW and XHHW are still not the same. The "RH--" series uses a thicker insullation whether it is XLP or EPR.

I agree. The thickness of the insulation will determine the rating as far as RHH, RHW, USE, XHHW, etc. The OP was refering to RHW, XHHW, and RHHW-2 being XLPE. I probably shouldn't have assumed he knew about the thickness and ratings.
 
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