Wire types in industrial control panels

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dbuschor

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Can type W wire/cable be used in an industrial control panel?

For example, can I use a 3/0 Type W wire to run from the load side of a 300Amp CB to a Power distribution block. (distance from CB to PDB is less than 24 inch and it would not be ran inside of panduit wireway).

If not, is there a flexible wire type (for large ampages) which can be used?
 
By type W, do you mean welding cable? (SIS, maybe?)

Sure, as long as the lugs are listed for the type of cable and you're within the ampacity of the cable.

Eric Stromberg, P.E.
Lake Jackson, Texas
 
Welding cable is not the same product as Type W. Type W is a listed flexible power cable and can be used for this application. Welding cable is not suitable for use in power circuits per its listing. It can only be used as secondary conductors from welding equipment.
Don
 
Tom,
Why not just use some THHN?
Click to expand...
Often times the space is so tight that it is very difficult to fit standard building wire into the spaces available in control panels. The fine stranded conductors like Type W are much easier to install. The only thing that you have to do is to make sure that the terminations are suitable for use with the fine stranding.
Don
 
dbaird,
I see in the information you provided that UL says that welding cable is suitable for this application, but the UL Guide Information (ZMAY) says otherwise.
This category covers welding cable, which is a single-conductor cable intended for use in the secondary circuit of electric welders in accordance with Article 630, Part IV of ANSI/NFPA 70, "National Electrical Code."
Click to expand...
Don
 
Don,

Yes you are correct. I don't know how to explain the discrepancy. The image I posted is right out of "Industrial Control Panels" UL 508A 29.2 page 50.
 
Because the panel is being labeled as an assembly its internal wiring is not evaluated using the same requirements as general use material applied per the NEC.
 
Don has the following memorized
"Welding cable is not the same product as Type W. Type W is a listed flexible power cable and can be used for this application. Welding cable is not suitable for use in power circuits per its listing. It can only be used as secondary conductors from welding equipment.
Don"
I suspect that there is lot of misuse of welding cable, everyone has seen a welder and welding cable, Type W is not as well known
 
# 3/0 Flexible wire lugs

# 3/0 Flexible wire lugs

Is there a way to transisiton from flexible wire to a set screw box lug that meets code? Like a sleeve or butt splice?

Is there an adapter to convert a set screw box lug to a post lug?
 
don_resqcapt19 said:
dbaird,
I see in the information you provided that UL says that welding cable is suitable for this application, but the UL Guide Information (ZMAY) says otherwise.
This category covers welding cable, which is a single-conductor cable intended for use in the secondary circuit of electric welders in accordance with Article 630, Part IV of ANSI/NFPA 70, "National Electrical Code."
Click to expand...
Don
Click to expand...

The key word is intended. That does not restrict it to that use only.
 
Re: # 3/0 Flexible wire lugs

Re: # 3/0 Flexible wire lugs

dbuschor said:
Is there a way to transisiton from flexible wire to a set screw box lug that meets code? Like a sleeve or butt splice?

Is there an adapter to convert a set screw box lug to a post lug?
Click to expand...
dbuschor:
They make a thin sleeve for this type of wire so you can put it in a lug and tight down properly. Different sizes for this wire.
Jim
 
do you know of a manufacturer &/or part number. All I've been able to find is compression lugs with rings and flared butt splices. Can't seem to find a sleeve for 3/0 or 4/0
 
FCI Burndy calls their family HYPLUG

YEV27P41X82FX for 3/0 STR. (450/24)
YEV28P46X92FX for 4/0 STR. (550/24)
 
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