XHHW-2 & XLP

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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.
 
iwire said:
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.
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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.
 
horsegoer said:
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.
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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.
 
Dennis Alwon said:
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.
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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
 
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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horsegoer said:
Thanks Augie. So RHW and XHHW are essentially XLP? THanks again.
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horsegoer said:
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
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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...???
 
Smart $ said:
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...???
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The "cross-linking" alters the material.
RH-- may also be EPR (Ethylene Propylene Rubber), another cross-linked material.
 
Smart $ said:
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...???
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Nevermind... I discovered there is a formulation of XLP that is thermosetting.
 
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.
 
rbalex said:
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.
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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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