A Technical Guide to CSA-Certified Armoured Cables for Canadian Power Distribution, Wet Locations and Hazardous Industrial Environments

Canadian industrial projects require electrical cables that meet demanding standards for mechanical protection, environmental exposure, electrical performance, and installation safety.

Among Canada's recognized armoured cable families, ACWU90 and ACWU90-HL are particularly relevant to applications involving wet environments, outdoor electrical distribution, and industrial infrastructure.

At first glance, the two cable types may appear nearly identical.

Both can incorporate copper or aluminum conductors, XLPE insulation, interlocked aluminum armour, and an overall PVC jacket.

Both provide 90°C dry- and wet-location ratings within GERITEL WIRE's certified range.

However, ACWU90-HL carries additional hazardous-location certification.

This distinction can be critical for certain oil and gas facilities, chemical processing plants, industrial energy projects, and other electrical installations in classified areas.

GERITEL WIRE, the manufacturing brand of Dongguan Greater Wire & Cable Co.,Ltd., holds CSA certification for both ACWU90 and ACWU90-HL under Certificate No. 80322923.

This comprehensive guide explains their differences and helps customers determine which cable is appropriate for their project.

1. What Is ACWU90 Cable?

ACWU90 is a Canadian jacketed armoured electrical cable designed for suitable dry- and wet-location applications.

GERITEL WIRE's certified construction includes:

Copper or aluminum conductor

Cross-linked polyethylene insulation

Cable assembly materials as required

Interlocked aluminum armour

Overall PVC protective jacket

Unlike AC90, which has exposed metallic armour, ACWU90 incorporates an outer jacket over the armour.

This construction is particularly important where the cable may encounter environmental moisture or outdoor exposure.

ACWU90 is commonly considered for:

Electrical service and distribution feeders

Commercial building electrical infrastructure

Outdoor power distribution

Underground feeders where permitted

Industrial electrical installations

Cable tray systems

Infrastructure and utility-related projects

GERITEL WIRE's ACWU90 listing includes 600V, 1000V and 2000V options, a 90°C dry/wet rating, FT4 flame classification, and a sunlight-resistant designation.

These characteristics make ACWU90 a versatile candidate for many Canadian electrical applications.

2. What Is ACWU90-HL Cable?

ACWU90-HL is a hazardous-location-certified member of the ACWU90 cable family.

It retains the principal jacketed armoured construction characteristics of ACWU90 while adding certification under the applicable hazardous-location standard.

The HL designation is associated with compliance with CSA C22.2 No. 174, together with the underlying armoured cable product requirements.

GERITEL WIRE's ACWU90-HL is listed under CSA Certification Class 5818 01 - Armoured Cables for Hazardous Locations.

This is different from the ordinary ACWU90 certification category.

The additional certification is significant because classified industrial environments may impose more demanding requirements on wiring methods and associated equipment.

An ordinary wet-location rating alone does not establish that a cable is approved for every hazardous-location application.

ACWU90-HL combines the environmental characteristics of the approved ACWU90 construction with additional hazardous-location certification.

However, this does not automatically mean ACWU90-HL is more waterproof, more sunlight-resistant, or rated for higher operating temperatures than ordinary ACWU90.

3. ACWU90 vs. ACWU90-HL: Complete Technical Comparison

The following comparison is based on GERITEL WIRE's current CSA certification.

This table reveals the central difference.

The primary distinction is certification for hazardous locations, rather than a change in the basic listed voltage, insulation, jacket, flame rating, or dry/wet operating temperature.

This point is especially important when comparing product prices.

Customers should not assume that an HL designation automatically means a physically thicker or electrically higher-rated cable.

4. Why Does the Outer PVC Jacket Matter?

ACWU90's outer jacket is a major reason it is considered for wet and outdoor applications.

The jacket covers the interlocked aluminum armour and forms part of the certified cable construction.

Its functions include providing a protective covering around the metallic armour and supporting the environmental characteristics of the completed cable.

Compared with a jacketless AC90 construction, ACWU90 offers advantages where additional protection against moisture and weather exposure is required.

However, the jacket's performance must be understood correctly.

Wet-Location Rating

GERITEL WIRE's ACWU90 and ACWU90-HL are both rated 90°C in dry or wet locations.

This makes them candidates for installations where moisture exposure is expected.

Sunlight Resistance

Both product listings include a sunlight-resistant designation.

This is relevant for outdoor electrical projects where UV exposure must be considered.

Chemical Resistance

The PVC jacket may provide resistance to certain environmental substances, but the CSA certificate does not establish universal chemical compatibility.

Oil, fuel, solvents, acids, alkalis, and industrial chemicals may interact differently with the jacket material.

If a project involves chemical exposure, customers should identify the substance, concentration, temperature, and exposure duration so that material suitability can be evaluated.

Mechanical Protection

Interlocked aluminum armour provides mechanical protection, while the PVC jacket protects the armour surface.

These features do not eliminate the need for suitable cable routing, support, bending limits, or additional protection where severe mechanical damage is possible.

5. What Additional Requirements Does ACWU90-HL Address?

The designation ACWU90-HL is relevant because hazardous-location cable standards impose supplementary requirements beyond the ordinary cable certification.

CSA C22.2 No. 174 addresses cables used in hazardous locations under the Canadian Electrical Code.

Its requirements supplement the basic electrical and mechanical requirements of the underlying product standard.

Hazardous-location cable evaluation includes additional attention to performance characteristics that may influence the integrity of the cable in a classified environment.

Industry technical references identify supplementary testing considerations such as low-temperature impact, crushing, flame performance, and the mechanical integrity of armoured cable constructions.

These evaluations are relevant because damage to wiring systems in certain hazardous atmospheres can create additional safety concerns.

Nevertheless, HL certification does not make the cable an intrinsically safe circuit or an explosion-proof enclosure.

Electrical safety requires coordination of the complete installation.

6. Where Is Ordinary ACWU90 Commonly Used?

ACWU90 is a strong candidate for many ordinary electrical projects involving wet or outdoor environments.

Commercial Building Feeders

ACWU90 can be considered for suitable electrical service and distribution feeder installations.

Outdoor Electrical Distribution

The sunlight-resistant jacket and wet-location rating are relevant to power distribution routes exposed to rain and weather.

Underground Electrical Infrastructure

Appropriately approved ACWU90 constructions are commonly used for direct-burial electrical feeders in Canada.

Installation depth, mechanical protection, cable identification, and local electrical requirements must still be satisfied.

Warehouse and Industrial Distribution

ACWU90 can serve suitable feeders within industrial facilities, including routes passing through indoor and outdoor sections.

Utility and Infrastructure Projects

Applications may include electrical distribution for infrastructure facilities, pumping installations, and building service connections.

For these ordinary projects, ACWU90 can provide an appropriate combination of electrical performance, mechanical protection, and environmental suitability.

7. When Is ACWU90-HL the More Appropriate Choice?

ACWU90-HL should be considered when the project requires a hazardous-location-certified wiring method and the proposed installation is compatible with the cable's certified construction.

Potential industries include:

Oil and Gas Processing

Electrical feeders and fixed power distribution circuits in appropriately classified areas of processing facilities.

Petrochemical Manufacturing

Industrial electrical systems where hazardous-location-approved wiring methods are specified.

Chemical Processing Plants

Power distribution associated with equipment installed in classified process areas.

Industrial Fuel Handling

Selected electrical installations within fuel-related facilities where the applicable area classification requires a suitable HL-rated cable.

Industrial Energy Infrastructure

Electrical power distribution within industrial facilities containing classified locations.

Specialized Industrial Construction

New construction, plant upgrades, and replacement work where engineering specifications require HL-certified armoured cables.

It is important not to confuse the name of the industry with the electrical classification of the installation.

Not every part of an oil refinery, chemical plant, or energy facility is a hazardous location.

For example, a non-classified office building within a refinery complex may not require the same wiring method as a classified processing area.

The final selection depends on the hazardous-area drawings, installation rules, and engineering specification.

8. Hazardous Locations: Why Area Classification Is Essential

Canadian hazardous-location installations may be classified using Class/Division or Zone systems, depending on the applicable regulatory and engineering framework.

A project may distinguish between areas involving explosive gas atmospheres, combustible dust, or other hazardous conditions.

Different classifications impose different requirements on equipment and wiring methods.

Some classifications require specially approved cables or particular installation arrangements.

Others may permit a broader selection of wiring methods under specified conditions.

ACWU90-HL provides an additional certification option when an HL-rated cable is needed.

However, the certificate alone does not establish unlimited permission to install the cable in every Class, Division, Zone, or hazardous-material group.

The engineer must verify the actual application against the applicable Canadian Electrical Code and approval requirements.

9. Outdoor Hazardous Locations: Does HL Mean Better Weather Resistance?

No.

This is one of the most important distinctions between ACWU90 and ACWU90-HL.

Both GERITEL WIRE product listings share the same fundamental dry/wet temperature rating and sunlight-resistant designation.

Therefore, the additional HL certification should not be marketed as proof of greater weather resistance.

The distinction is that ACWU90-HL has been certified under the additional requirements for hazardous-location cables.

For an ordinary outdoor feeder in a non-classified area, standard ACWU90 may be sufficient.

For an outdoor feeder in a classified area requiring HL certification, ACWU90-HL may be the appropriate product.

Environmental suitability and hazardous-location suitability are two separate questions. Both must be answered.

10. Can ACWU90-HL Be Directly Buried?

Jacketed ACWU90 is commonly specified for direct-burial applications in Canada.

An ACWU90-HL product may also be considered for underground installation where its exact certified construction and the applicable installation rules permit that use.

However, HL certification does not independently establish direct-burial suitability.

Engineers must also consider:

Cable construction and markings

Burial depth

Soil conditions

Mechanical protection

Groundwater exposure

Corrosive or contaminated soils

Cable entry and transition arrangements

Sealing against possible gas or liquid migration

Local electrical inspection requirements

This is especially important for underground cables passing between classified and non-classified areas.

Potential migration of flammable gases or liquids through wiring systems must be addressed where required.

An HL-certified cable alone does not eliminate the need for appropriate sealing and installation design.

11. Cable Glands and Sealing Requirements

For industrial hazardous-location installations, selecting the appropriate cable gland is as important as selecting the cable itself.

The gland must be compatible with the cable's actual construction, including:

Overall outside diameter

PVC jacket thickness and material

Interlocked aluminium armour

Applicable temperature conditions

Equipment enclosure requirements

Required hazardous-location protection method

Depending on the project, suitable glands or sealing arrangements may be required to maintain the protection properties of the connected equipment.

The approved fitting must also satisfy applicable grounding and bonding requirements.

A gland certified for an ordinary wet-location installation should not automatically be assumed acceptable for a classified industrial area.

The applicable electrical code and equipment protection method determine the required fitting.

12. Conductor Materials and Certified Size Range

GERITEL WIRE's ACWU90 and ACWU90-HL certifications cover extensive copper and aluminum conductor ranges.

Single-conductor and multiconductor round constructions are included.

For single-conductor cables, the minimum circuit conductor size is 6 AWG copper and 4 AWG aluminum.

This gives customers substantial flexibility for engineering and procurement.

Copper may be preferred where compact conductor size, conductivity, and termination considerations are priorities.

Aluminum may offer advantages in weight and material cost for larger feeder applications.

The final conductor size must be determined through ampacity, voltage-drop, short-circuit, and installation calculations.

Copper and aluminum conductors of the same AWG or kcmil size should not be treated as having identical electrical performance.

13. ACWU90 vs. ACWU90-HL: Project Selection Examples

Selection principle: Choose ACWU90 for suitable ordinary dry/wet applications. Choose ACWU90-HL where the installation additionally requires certified hazardous-location performance.

14. Is ACWU90-HL More Expensive?

Pricing depends on the selected construction, conductor material, conductor size, production quantity, certification requirements, and commercial terms.

An HL-certified cable may involve additional qualification and manufacturing-control costs.

However, there is no universal percentage premium applicable to every product size or order.

For project procurement, the correct comparison is between technically equivalent products, except for the required certification differences.

For a classified installation requiring an HL-rated cable, the product must meet the specified approval requirements regardless of the apparent cost advantage of an ordinary alternative.

Where the installation does not require HL certification, ordinary ACWU90 may provide a more economical solution.

The objective should be to meet the project's actual requirements without unnecessary overspecification.

15. Why GERITEL WIRE Is a Strong Partner for Canadian Projects

GERITEL WIRE offers more than a single ACWU90 product.

Our CSA Certificate No. 80322923 includes six armoured cable families:

AC90 | ACWU90 | TECK90 | AC90-HL | ACWU90-HL | TECK90-HL

This portfolio enables us to address different cable constructions and installation environments through one manufacturing organization.

Our capabilities include:

Extensive CSA Certification Coverage

Certified standard and hazardous-location armoured cable families.

600V, 1000V and 2000V ACWU90 Options

A broad voltage range for suitable electrical distribution applications.

Copper and Aluminum Manufacturing

Options for diverse project requirements and electrical designs.

Dedicated Production Resources

Approximately 30,000 square metres of manufacturing space and around 30 production lines.

Engineering and Quality-Control Support

Technical personnel and testing resources supporting consistent cable production.

Project-Based Manufacturing and Export Services

Support for cable distributors, EPC contractors, infrastructure developers, and industrial procurement organizations.

Whether the requirement involves a smaller industrial order or a large construction project, our team can evaluate the technical specification, production quantity, and delivery requirements.

16. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are ACWU90 and ACWU90-HL the same construction?

Their primary listed materials and construction features are similar. The significant certification distinction is the additional hazardous-location approval for ACWU90-HL. The exact certified construction must still be verified.

Q: Is ACWU90-HL more waterproof?

The CSA certificate lists both as 90°C dry/wet cables. The HL designation does not independently establish a higher water-resistance rating.

Q: Does ACWU90-HL have a higher voltage rating?

No. GERITEL WIRE's certification covers 600V, 1000V and 2000V for both families.

Q: Does ACWU90-HL have FT4 flame performance?

Yes. FT4 is listed for the ACWU90-HL family.

Q: Can ACWU90-HL be used in hazardous locations?

It is certified as a hazardous-location armoured cable. The specific application must be permitted under the applicable electrical code and installation requirements.

Q: Can ordinary ACWU90 replace ACWU90-HL?

Not automatically. The classification, project specification, and relevant installation rules must be reviewed.

Q: Can GERITEL WIRE manufacture aluminum ACWU90-HL?

Yes. Aluminum options are included in the certified range, subject to the actual conductor size and construction limitations.

17. Partner with GERITEL WIRE for Your Next Canadian Project

For Canadian industrial customers, selecting an armoured cable requires the right combination of electrical performance, environmental suitability, certification, and manufacturing reliability.

GERITEL WIRE is committed to helping customers make informed selections.

From ordinary outdoor power distribution to specialized hazardous-location electrical projects, our certified product portfolio provides multiple options.

Contact our team with your cable schedule, technical specifications, project drawings, quantity, and delivery requirements.

For classified industrial installations, include the hazardous-area classification and required wiring method.

We will review the relevant certified construction and provide a quotation according to your project requirements.

GERITEL WIRE - Your CSA-Certified ACWU90 and ACWU90-HL Cable Manufacturing Partner.

Manufacturer: Dongguan Greater Wire & Cable Co.,Ltd.

TEL/WHATSAPP/WECHAT:+86 135 1078 4550

TEL/WHATSAPP/WECHAT:+86 136 6257 9592

Brand: GERITEL WIRE

CSA Certificate: 80322923

Product Families: ACWU90 / ACWU90-HL

Standards: CSA C22.2 No. 51 / CSA C22.2 No. 174

This guide is intended for product selection and procurement reference. Final installation suitability depends on the certified cable configuration, local electrical code, hazardous-area classification, project requirements, and approval by the relevant authority.