Copper RW90 600V XLPE Insulation Cable

1. What is RW90 Copper Cable?

RW90 copper refers to a type of power cable featuring a bare copper conductor and XLPE (cross-linked polyethylene) insulation. It is rated for:

R: Use in dry locations

W: Use in wet locations

90: Maximum operating temperature of 90°C

Copper: High-conductivity annealed copper conductor

XLPE 600V: XLPE insulation rated for 600 volts

These cables comply with Canadian and North American electrical codes (e.g., CSA C22.2 No. 38), making them suitable for a wide range of low-voltage power distribution applications.

2. RW90 XLPE 600V Cable Construction and Material Advantages

2.1 Bare Copper Conductor

RW90 copper wire uses annealed, high-purity copper as the conductor, providing:

Low resistance: High electrical efficiency and reduced power loss

Excellent flexibility: Easier to install in conduits or tight spaces

Corrosion resistance: Long-lasting performance, even in humid environments

2.2 XLPE Insulation Layer

Cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) provides insulation with enhanced durability:

High temperature tolerance: Operates continuously at 90°C; can withstand 130°C short-term

Flame retardant: Meets FT1 and FT4 flame test standards

Chemical resistance: Resists water, oil, and corrosive agents

Environmentally friendly: Halogen-free and low-smoke during combustion

2.3 600V Voltage Rating

With a 600V rating, the cable is designed for medium- to low-voltage applications such as:

Lighting and power distribution

Residential and commercial wiring

Industrial control circuits

3. RW90 XLPE Wire Technical Specifications

Below is a sample specification chart for RW90 XLPE 600V copper cables:

Ampacity based on 30°C ambient temperature in conduit with copper conductor.

4. RW90 Copper Cable Adaptability in Diverse Environments

The RW90 XLPE 600V copper cable is engineered for robust performance across a wide range of environmental conditions, making it a versatile solution in modern electrical infrastructure. Its durability and safety features enable it to perform reliably under both typical and harsh circumstances.

4.1 Indoor and Outdoor Use

RW90 copper wire is CSA and NEC approved for use in:

Dry locations, such as interior conduit runs inside walls, ceilings, and electrical rooms.

Wet locations, including damp basements, crawlspaces, utility tunnels, and even washdown areas in industrial environments.

Its XLPE insulation layer provides exceptional resistance to water, oil, and chemicals, making it ideal for both protected and exposed conduit systems.

4.2 Cold Climate Resilience

RW90 XLPE wire is designed to withstand extreme temperatures, remaining flexible and fully operational in climates as cold as -40°C. This makes it especially valuable in northern regions like Canada or Scandinavia, where standard PVC-insulated cables often become brittle and crack.

For example:

In outdoor HVAC applications, RW90 copper can be installed in rooftop conduits, where temperature fluctuations are frequent.

In refrigerated warehouses or food processing facilities, RW90 XLPE 600V cable continues to deliver power reliably without insulation degradation.

4.3 Conduit-Buried and Exposed Installations

Although RW90 XLPE wire is not rated for direct burial, it can be installed underground when placed inside conduits-such as PVC or EMT. This makes it suitable for running underground feeds between buildings, parking lots, or machinery control centers.

It's also UV resistant, meaning that in certain regions and jurisdictions, it may be installed in outdoor conduit that is exposed to sunlight-without fear of premature insulation breakdown.

4.4 High-Safety Requirements

RW90 copper cable meets FT1 and FT4 flame ratings, ensuring safety in locations with elevated fire risk. It emits low smoke and contains no halogens, which makes it a preferred choice in:

Schools and hospitals

High-rise buildings

Public infrastructure (airports, data centers)

Whether you're wiring a pharmaceutical plant or a residential condo tower, RW90 XLPE 600V cable provides both reliability and code compliance.

5. Common Applications of RW90 XLPE 600V Copper Wire

Thanks to its high thermal rating, chemical resistance, and mechanical durability, RW90 copper wire is used across industries from residential to heavy-duty industrial. The following are detailed use cases where RW90 XLPE 600V wire is most often deployed:

5.1 Residential and Commercial Power Distribution

RW90 XLPE wire is widely used in:

Service entrance cables from the meter to the breaker panel

Branch circuit wiring for lighting, sockets, and appliances

High-demand circuits like electric ranges, dryers, and HVAC units

Its 90°C temperature rating allows it to carry higher loads safely within modern residential and office wiring systems.

Example Case #1: Office Tower in Toronto

In a recent renovation of a 10-story office building in downtown Toronto, RW90 copper wire (in sizes from 6 AWG to 1/0 AWG) was chosen for all distribution runs between sub-panels on each floor. Installed in EMT conduit and routed through ceiling raceways, the cables needed to support a variety of systems including HVAC, lighting, and emergency backup power.

Why RW90? The project team selected rw90 xlpe 600v cable due to:

Its fire-rated insulation (FT4) required for vertical shaft runs

High current-carrying capacity in compact spaces

Code compliance with Canadian Electrical Code (CEC)

The use of RW90 copper wire reduced voltage drop and improved long-term energy efficiency across the building.

5.2 Industrial Control and Automation Systems

In industrial facilities, RW90 XLPE 600V copper cable is used for:

Motor feeders and starters

Machine control wiring

Variable frequency drive (VFD) outputs

Conveyor system controls

It's often routed through metallic conduits in environments with vibration, oil exposure, or chemical cleaning processes.

Example Case #2: Food Processing Plant in Wisconsin

A food-grade meat processing plant required robust cabling for motors and conveyors that operate in cold and washdown zones. The engineering team selected rw90 copper cable for the following reasons:

Resistance to cleaning chemicals and moisture exposure

Cold-temperature flexibility (rated to -40°C)

Compliance with USDA hygienic standards when used in sealed conduit

The plant now uses RW90 XLPE wire throughout its automation systems, ensuring reliable 600V power delivery to processing lines without cable failures or downtime.

5.3 Renewable Energy and Emerging Technologies

RW90 XLPE 600V copper cable is increasingly popular in:

Battery energy storage systems (BESS)

Solar inverter connections

EV charging station backfeeds

Telecom and fiber optic power infrastructure

These emerging sectors demand reliable power delivery, minimal energy loss, and high flame resistance-exactly where rw90 xlpe wire excels.

6. RW90 Copper vs RW90 Aluminum: Comparative Analysis

While RW90 aluminum offers weight and cost advantages, RW90 copper provides superior reliability, particularly in high-performance and mission-critical systems.

7. RW90 XLPE Wire Compliance and Certifications - Guaranteeing Safety and Quality

In any electrical installation-whether commercial, industrial, or utility-grade-regulatory compliance is a non-negotiable requirement. The RW90 XLPE 600V copper cable is not only designed for superior performance, but also meticulously manufactured to meet stringent North American and international standards.

Understanding the certifications and compliance features of RW90 XLPE wire is essential for:

Passing electrical inspections

Ensuring long-term operational safety

Avoiding code violations or project delays

Meeting insurance and liability requirements

Here's a comprehensive look at the certifications and safety attributes that make RW90 XLPE wire a trusted choice for professionals.

7.1 CSA Certification – Canadian Standards Association

All RW90 copper and aluminum wires sold in Canada must comply with CSA C22.2 No. 38, the national standard for thermoset-insulated wires and cables. RW90 XLPE 600V copper cable is fully CSA-certified, ensuring:

High-temperature performance up to 90°C

Flame test compliance (FT1 for residential, FT4 for commercial risers)

Safe installation in both wet and dry environments

CSA compliance guarantees the wire has been independently tested and approved for installation across all Canadian provinces and territories.

7.2 NEC and CEC Compatibility – U.S. and Canadian Code Alignment

RW90 XLPE wire is acceptable under both the Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) and compatible with the National Electrical Code (NEC) in the United States. This dual compatibility makes it a preferred cable type for:

Cross-border projects

Export-based electrical panel manufacturers

North American energy infrastructure contracts

For example, an industrial panelboard supplier based in Ontario can ship RW90 copper panels across the U.S.–Canada border with full code compliance.

7.3 Flame Retardance – FT1 and FT4 Ratings

RW90 XLPE 600V copper cable is rated:

FT1 for limited flame spread (typical of residential/light commercial use)

FT4 for vertical flame test compliance in commercial/industrial riser shafts

Flame ratings are critical in mitigating fire risks in:

High-rise buildings

Factories and power stations

Utility rooms with high ambient temperatures

RW90 aluminum versions must also meet these same flame standards when used in vertical cable trays or enclosed shafts.

7.4 UV Resistance and Outdoor Use Approval

While RW90 XLPE wire is often installed in conduit, its XLPE insulation is inherently UV-resistant, which allows it to be used in:

Outdoor above-ground conduits

Rooftop mechanical systems

Solar inverter combiner box runs

This UV protection ensures that RW90 copper cables don't degrade when exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods-critical in rooftop and open-air installations.

7.5 RoHS and REACH Compliance – Environmentally Friendly

Top manufacturers of RW90 XLPE 600V cables design their products to meet:

RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances)

REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals)

This means rw90 xlpe wire is:

Free from lead, mercury, cadmium, and halogens

Safer in the event of fire (emits low-smoke and non-toxic gases)

Suitable for environmentally sensitive sites such as schools, hospitals, data centers

Using RoHS-compliant cables is also critical for LEED-certified green buildings and projects seeking carbon footprint reduction.

7.6 ICEA and ASTM Material Standards

RW90 copper conductors are manufactured to meet:

ASTM B3 / B8 for stranded and solid annealed copper

ICEA S-95-658 and ICEA T-29-520 for insulation and construction standards

These ensure that every rw90 copper conductor has:

Proper stranding for flexibility

Correct insulation thickness for voltage withstand

Uniform construction for stable electrical performance

7.7 Markings and Traceability

Every RW90 XLPE wire comes with visible, continuous surface markings that include:

Manufacturer name

Conductor size and type (e.g., 6 AWG RW90 CU XLPE 600V)

Flame rating (FT1 or FT4)

Voltage class and date code

These markings allow electricians and inspectors to quickly verify the cable's compliance with project and safety requirements. It also improves traceability during warranty or quality inspections.

7.8 Insurance and Liability Considerations

Only certified RW90 XLPE 600V copper and RW90 aluminum cables are accepted under most commercial and industrial liability insurance plans. Using uncertified cable:

Can void insurance coverage

May fail code inspections

Could lead to costly reinstallation or legal penalties

Installing properly certified rw90 xlpe wire ensures not just electrical safety-but legal and financial security.

8. Frequently Asked Questions about RW90 XLPE 600V Copper Cable

Q1: What is the difference between RW90 and R90 cables?
RW90 is suitable for both dry and wet locations, whereas R90 is limited to dry use.

Q2: Can RW90 XLPE wire be used for direct burial?
No. RW90 must be installed in conduit for underground use. For direct burial, use RWU90 or USE-rated cables.

Q3: Can I mix RW90 copper and RW90 aluminum cables in the same installation?
This is not recommended. If absolutely necessary, proper terminations and anti-oxidant compounds must be used to prevent galvanic corrosion.

Q4: What's the difference between XLPE and PVC insulation?
XLPE offers higher temperature resistance, better chemical durability, and is halogen-free-making it safer and more robust than PVC.

Q5: Is RW90 XLPE 600V copper cable suitable for solar installations?
Yes, especially for use between solar inverters and panelboards where 600V-rated wiring is required.

Dongguan Greater Wire & Cable Co., Ltd. focuses on standardized and serialized cable production. All product parameters are clear and well documented, supporting drawing docking and third-party testing. We save you the trouble of selection and improve decision-making efficiency. Contact us now to request a sample manual or technical white paper, and we will provide you with the best cable selection solution to match your project needs. Choosing professionalism means choosing efficiency and peace of mind.