1. RW90 vs T90 Cable Overview
1.1 RW90 Cable
RW90 is a single-conductor cable featuring either copper or aluminum conductors insulated with cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE). It is rated for 600V or 1000V applications and is suitable for dry, damp, or wet locations, including outdoor installations. The cable operates effectively within a temperature range of -40°C to 90°C and exhibits excellent resistance to heat, moisture, and ultraviolet (UV) radiation. RW90 complies with CSA C22.2 No. 38 standards, and certain sizes meet the FT4 flame test rating, making it versatile for various installation methods such as conduits, open wiring, and direct burial.
1.2 T90 Cable
T90 is a single-conductor copper cable insulated with polyvinyl chloride (PVC), rated for 600V applications. It is designed for use in dry or damp indoor environments. The maximum operating temperature is 90°C in dry conditions and 75°C in wet conditions. T90 does not possess UV resistance and is not recommended for outdoor exposure. It complies with CSA C22.2 No. 75 standards and offers good flexibility, ease of installation, and cost-effectiveness.
2. Technical Specifications Comparison
| Feature | RW90 | T90 |
|---|---|---|
| Insulation Material | XLPE (Cross-linked Polyethylene) | PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) |
| Temperature Rating | -40°C to 90°C | 90°C (dry), 75°C (wet) |
| Suitable Environments | Dry, damp, wet, and outdoor locations | Dry or damp indoor locations |
| Flame Test Rating | CSA FT4 (sizes 350 KCMIL and larger) | CSA FT1 |
| UV Resistance | Excellent (sizes 6 AWG and larger are sunlight-resistant) | Not UV-resistant |
| Flexibility | Moderate | High |
| Conductor Type | Bare copper or aluminum | Copper |
| Installation Methods | Conduits, open wiring, direct burial | Primarily in conduits |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
3. Standards and Compliance
Understanding the standards and compliance requirements is essential when selecting electrical cables:
RW90: Complies with CSA C22.2 No. 38, suitable for dry, damp, or wet locations, including outdoor installations. Certain sizes meet the FT4 flame test rating and are sunlight-resistant, making them appropriate for various environments.
T90: Complies with CSA C22.2 No. 75, designed for dry or damp indoor environments. It meets the FT1 flame test rating but lacks UV resistance, limiting its use to indoor applications.
4. Typical Application Scenarios
RW90 and T90 cables are suited to different applications based on their properties.
Case Study 1: Commercial Building Indoor Lighting
In a newly constructed commercial office building, the design team selected T90 cable for the indoor lighting system. Given the project's indoor dry environment, T90's flexibility and lower cost made it an ideal choice. During installation, electricians found T90 easy to bend and route through conduits, significantly improving installation efficiency and reducing labor and time costs.
Case Study 2: Outdoor Power Distribution or Direct Burial
For an industrial park expansion project requiring outdoor power distribution to a new warehouse, the project team chose RW90 cable. Considering the cable would be exposed to sunlight and possibly buried underground, RW90's UV resistance and high-temperature tolerance ensured stable operation in harsh conditions, reducing maintenance costs and enhancing system reliability.
5. Advantages and Disadvantages
RW90 Cable
Advantages:
Suitable for various environments, including dry, damp, wet, and outdoor locations
Excellent UV resistance and high-temperature tolerance, ideal for outdoor and direct burial installations
Meets high flame-retardant standards, enhancing safety
Disadvantages:
Less flexible, requiring attention to bending radius during installation
Higher cost, potentially increasing project budgetsnexans.ca
T90 Cable
Advantages:
High flexibility, easy to install, suitable for complex wiring
Lower cost, ideal for budget-conscious projects
Suitable for most indoor applications
Disadvantages:
Not suitable for outdoor exposure or direct burial
Lower high-temperature and UV resistance
6. Selection Recommendations
When choosing between RW90 and T90 cables, consider the specific application environment and project requirements:
Choose RW90: If the project involves outdoor installation, direct burial, or requires high heat and UV resistance, RW90 is the more appropriate choice.
Choose T90: For indoor wiring, especially when budget constraints exist, T90 offers an economical and practical solution.
Additionally, consult relevant electrical codes and standards to ensure the selected cable meets safety and performance requirements.
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1.Do RW90 and T90 cables have the same maximum operating temperature?
RW90 operates from -40°C to 90°C, suitable for various environments. T90's maximum operating temperature is 90°C in dry conditions and 75°C in wet conditions.
2.Can T90 cable be used for outdoor installations?
No. T90 lacks UV resistance, and prolonged outdoor exposure may lead to insulation degradation.
3.Is RW90 cable suitable for direct burial?
Yes. RW90's moisture and UV resistance make it suitable for direct burial and outdoor installations.
4.Is T90 cable less expensive than RW90?
Yes. T90 generally costs less due to differences in materials and construction.
5.Does RW90 cable come in aluminum conductor versions?
Yes. RW90 is available with either copper or aluminum conductors, depending on project needs.
6.Is T90 cable suitable for industrial environments?
Only for indoor dry or damp environments. It is not recommended for high-temperature or outdoor applications.
7.Do RW90 and T90 cables comply with Canadian electrical codes?
Yes. RW90 complies with CSA C22.2 No. 38, and T90 complies with CSA C22.2 No. 75.
8.Is RW90 cable suitable for solar power systems?
Yes. RW90's UV resistance and high-temperature tolerance make it suitable for solar power system wiring.
9.Can RW90 and T90 cables be mixed in the same wiring path?
Not recommended. Mixing different cable types may lead to performance and compliance issues.
10.Do RW90 and T90 cables follow the same color coding?
Generally, yes, but always verify with the manufacturer and applicable standards.
Dongguan Greater Wire & Cable Co., Ltd. has a full range of product lines, supporting customization from small diameter to high current, multi-core composite cables. We can customize the outlet method, sheath color, printing content and other details according to your on-site needs, saving you installation costs and time. Get technical support now and work with us to create a more efficient and smarter power supply system!