Flexible # 2 wire for control cabinet

[tganz96]

I need some # 2 wire for a section in my control cabinet and don't want to use THHN as it is difficult to work with inside a panel.



I have seen some wire call RHW used for large installs before and it has more of a rubber insulation and is very flexible. But I understand that the RHW or locomotive cable can not be used in mechanical lugs which is what I have.



I don't know if they make MTW that size? What are some other choices? Going from disconnect to power distribution block and in another cabinet from Distribution block to 100 HP motor starter terminals.

 

[zbang]

But I understand that the RHW or locomotive cable can not be used in mechanical lugs which is what I have.

Those lugs will probably have trouble with any fine-stranded cable. Look at crimping a ferrule onto the wire and putting that into the lug.

BTW, I have seen sales listings for 2g MTW.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I thought most thhn-2 was also rated mtw.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

I thought most thhn-2 was also rated mtw.

There are multiple number of strands used in MTW. The standard THHN-2 that is also marked MTW will very likely had 19 or at most 37 strands. That does not make it a real flexible conductor.

 

[Jraef]

Looks as though the more flexible versions like MTW (Hookup Wire, Lead Wire) are called TEW once you get above #10.

 

[petersonra]

there are now mechanical lugs for finer stranded wire.

https://lugsdirect.com/

I have seen them from other sources as well.

 

[Jraef]

there are now mechanical lugs for finer stranded wire.

https://lugsdirect.com/

I have seen them from other sources as well.

I saw that earlier today too. Interesting.

 

[ActionDave]

I have seen some wire call RHW used for large installs before and it has more of a rubber insulation and is very flexible. But I understand that the RHW or locomotive cable...

RHW is a type of insulation. Some DLO is dual listed RHW/DLO but you will need special crimp on connectors to use it.

 

[ActionDave]

I thought most thhn-2 was also rated mtw.

Yes, but straight MTW is more flexible than dual THHN/MTW in my experience.