If you're working with armored electrical cables in Canada or planning to export electrical wires to the North American market, you've probably come across AC90 and ACWU90 cables. These two cables are widely used for commercial, residential, and industrial wiring, yet they serve very different installation environments.
Here we break down the key differences between AC90 and ACWU90 cables, offer a detailed comparison table, and help you choose the right solution for your project.
🔍 What is AC90 Cable?
AC90 cable (Armored Cable 90°C) is a type of interlocked aluminum-armored cable designed for dry, indoor use only. It typically consists of copper conductors insulated with thermoplastic material (e.g., PVC), and it does not include a moisture-resistant jacket.
Applications:
Indoor walls
Ceilings
Cable trays
Dry industrial or residential settings
🌧️ What is ACWU90 Cable?
ACWU90 cable (Armored Cable Wet & Underground 90°C) is an enhanced version of AC90. It features the same interlocked aluminum armor but includes a black PVC outer jacket for wet, outdoor, or direct burial applications.
Applications:
Wet and damp locations
Direct burial installations
Outdoor wiring
Industrial sites and hazardous areas (with HL rating on some models)
🔧 AC90 vs ACWU90 Cable Comparison Table
| Feature | AC90 Cable | ACWU90 Cable |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Armored Cable 90°C | Armored Cable Wet & Underground 90°C |
| CSA Standard | CSA C22.2 No. 51 | CSA C22.2 No. 51 & No. 174 |
| Voltage Rating | 600V | 600V |
| Temperature Rating | 90°C (Dry only) | 90°C (Dry/Wet/Underground) |
| Installation | Dry indoor only | Indoor, outdoor, wet, and underground |
| Jacket | None (bare aluminum armor) | PVC outer jacket (water-resistant) |
| Moisture Resistance | No | Yes |
| Direct Burial | ❌ Not allowed | ✅ Allowed |
| Outdoor Use | ❌ Not rated | ✅ Suitable |
| Hazardous Locations | ❌ No HL rating | ✅ Some models HL rated |
| Certification | CSA certified | CSA certified, some cUL/UL approved |
📦 Common Cable Configurations
| Cable Type | Typical Models | Ground Conductor | Jacket |
|---|---|---|---|
| AC90 | 3C x #12 AWG, 4C x #10 AWG, 2C x #6 AWG | Bare copper or green insulated | None |
| ACWU90 | 3C x #12 AWG, 4C x #10 AWG, 3C x #6 AWG | Bare copper or green insulated | PVC (Black) |
✅ When to Choose AC90 or ACWU90?
⭐Choose AC90 if your installation is completely indoors and dry-such as office spaces, ceilings, or inside walls.
⭐Choose ACWU90 for wet environments, outdoor exposure, underground runs, or areas requiring extra protection.
⭐For export projects targeting the North American market, ACWU90 provides more flexibility and compliance.
🧠Comparison points:
✅ 1. Difference in installation environment AC90 is only suitable for dry indoor places, such as walls, ceilings or metal wire pipes. ACWU90 has a waterproof outer sheath, can be directly buried, laid outdoors, and supports humid environments.
✅ 2. Different structural protection AC90 is a bare armored cable and is easily affected by moisture. ACWU90 has a PVC sheath on the outer layer, which increases corrosion resistance and water resistance, and is suitable for more severe working conditions.
✅ 3. CSA certification difference AC90 follows CSA C22.2 No. 51 standard; ACWU90 complies with both No. 51 and No. 174 (suitable for damp and underground).
✅ 4. Cost AC90 has a lower cost and is suitable for indoor projects with limited budgets; ACWU90 has a slightly higher cost, but has a wider range of applications and better engineering safety.
📋 Tips:
⭐1.In Canadian engineering specifications, ACWU90 is a mandatory requirement if it involves wet or buried applications;
⭐2.When selecting cables, it is necessary to determine according to the CSA requirements of the construction environment and cannot be mixed;
⭐3.When exporting to the North American market, it is recommended to choose models with cUL or UL Mark, which is easier to pass customs and use.
🚀 Why Choose Dongguan Greater Wire & Cable Co., Ltd.?
We are a trusted UL and cUL certified cable manufacturer specializing in North American standards. From AC90 to ACWU90, TECK90, THHN, MTW, and more-we produce a full line of high-performance electrical cables at competitive prices and with fast delivery.
⭐ Our Advantages:
CSA, UL, and cUL certified products
ISO 9001 certified factory
Custom labeling and packaging
Ideal for OEMs, distributors, and project contractors
📞 Contact Us Now
Dongguan Greater Wire & Cable Co., Ltd.
WhatsApp/Tel: +86 135 1078 4550 / +86 136 6257 9592
Email: manager01@greaterwire.com