Welding Cable and Permanent Install

Status
Not open for further replies.
J

jsinclair

Member
Location
Pennsylvania
I have run into a dilemma that I am hoping someone else has encountered before. Currently I am working on a project which requires a flexible cable connection from an AC to DC converter cabinent to both a battery and a customer equipment cabinent via a rack system. The AC to DC cabinent supplies both the battery and the customer cabinent at the same time.

Here's the issue:

I am of the opinion that UL listed welding wire can be used to connect the cabinents as long as it is sized per NEC 400.5 (2002) and rated as a listed type. (The welding cable I have encountered is listed as a type RHH or RHW. Is this common?) I am being told that welding cable cannot be used on a permanant installation and is for intermittant use only.

My question:

Has anybody used a rated welding cable as a permanant connection on a 24v DC system used to power a cabinent and maintain a battery stack.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.


John :confused:

[ January 15, 2004, 10:19 AM: Message edited by: jsinclair ]
 
Re: Welding Cable and Permanent Install

So long as your termination devices (lugs) are approved for the type wire you are using, and the insulation type is approved for the conditions of use, I see no problem with the "welding cable".
 
Re: Welding Cable and Permanent Install

The brand I looked up stated that the welding cable, even if UL listed, 600V, was only for the low side of a wending transformer. Diesel cable application notes said for power, in conduit or tray.
 
Re: Welding Cable and Permanent Install

As long as it has the RHW markings on the cable there is no problem using it. It is a dual listed product. If it is only marked welding cable, then it cannot be used for power based on the UL listing. Same with DLO (diesel locomotive cable). It can be used for building wiring only if it is also listed and marked as one of the permitted wire types in Article 310. The dual listed DLO is marked RHH or RHW in addition to DLO.
Don
 
Re: Welding Cable and Permanent Install

According to the UL White book, welding cable is only rated for 100v- unless the cable itself is marked otherwise.
 
Re: Welding Cable and Permanent Install

Thanks for all the info. It seems your opinions and answers on the subject are inline with mine. The final answer to the problem was simply change the wording in the contract. This particular project was in the 24vdc range.
 
Re: Welding Cable and Permanent Install

I design a lot of 24 and 48 VDC battery plants. You can use welding cable, DLO, Superflex, class I stranding, etc for perminent installation as long as it is dual listed RHH/RHW, and use appropiate listed connectors.
 
Re: Welding Cable and Permanent Install

dereckbc,

Is there a particular manufacturer that you specify? I have looked at American, Essex, and General product lines. I am very interested in the American DLO.


John
 
Re: Welding Cable and Permanent Install

Originally posted by jsinclair:
dereckbc,

Is there a particular manufacturer that you specify? I have looked at American, Essex, and General product lines. I am very interested in the American DLO.


John
Click to expand...
American Insulated Wire, Rome, BIC, and Cobra are ones I have used. I prefer AIW. Personnaly I use the type that has a cotton cloth cover to give added cut-through/cold flow stregth as I require lacing cord rather than plastic cable ties. Go to http://www.aiwc.com/catalogsection/prodsdisplay.htm click on the s-24 catalog and check pages 13, and 32-36 for ideas.

[ January 16, 2004, 05:10 PM: Message edited by: dereckbc ]
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top