RHW-2 Or RWU90 1kV/2kV Copper Cable

1. RHW-2 1kV/2kV Copper Cable Overview

1.1 Structure and Materials

RHW-2 cables consist of soft-annealed bare or tinned copper conductors with a layer of XLPE (cross-linked polyethylene) insulation. They are manufactured in compliance with UL 44 and ASTM B3/B8 standards.

1.2 Voltage and Temperature Ratings

Rated Voltage: 1kV or 2kV

Operating Temperature:

Dry Locations: up to 105°C

Wet Locations: up to 90°C

Short Circuit Rating: up to 150°C

1.3 Flame Resistance and UV Protection

Flame Rating: Meets UL FT4 flame tests

UV Resistant: Suitable for outdoor, direct sunlight exposure

Resistant to chemicals, oil, moisture, and corrosion

1.4 Typical Applications

Ideal for use in commercial buildings, utility conduits, risers, and feeders, especially in environments that require flame-retardant cable solutions.

2. RWU90 1kV/2kV Copper Cable Overview

2.1 Cable Definition

RWU90 cables are built to CSA C22.2 No. 38 standards, mainly for the Canadian market. They feature a bare copper conductor and XLPE insulation without an outer jacket, making them well-suited for direct burial or raceway installations.

2.2 Technical Characteristics

Voltage Rating: 1kV or 2kV

Temperature Rating: 90°C continuous

Cold-weather performance: operational down to -40°C

Approved for direct burial and wet locations

2.3 Installation Flexibility

Suitable for underground, overhead, or conduit use

Excellent for cold climates, high-moisture, or corrosion-prone sites

Low dielectric loss and long service life

2.4 Certifications

Meets CSA standards and often holds dual UL/CSA ratings for use across North America and globally.

3. RHW-2 vs RWU90: Detailed Performance Comparison

Summary: Choose RHW-2 for conduit-based installations with high flame resistance. Choose RWU90 for underground or cold-climate applications that require installation flexibility.

4. Common Applications for RHW-2 and RWU90 Cables

4.1 Commercial Power Distribution

Feeder lines and main power supplies in office towers, malls, and airports.

RHW-2 is preferred for conduit-based indoor/outdoor installations.

4.2 Industrial Electrical Systems

Manufacturing plants, oil refineries, chemical processing plants.

RWU90 performs well in buried or exposed environments.

4.3 Underground Utility Networks

City power grids, parking lots, and distribution substations.

RWU90 excels in trenching and direct burial.

4.4 Solar & Renewable Energy Systems

Output cables for solar arrays or inverters.

RHW-2 offers resistance to UV and moisture, ideal for rooftop solar.

4.5 Residential and Multi-unit Housing

Copper feeder cable for risers and meter banks.

RHW-2 and RWU90 both support NEC/CEC compliance.

5. Technical Specifications Table

Values are approximate and may vary by manufacturer. Always verify using technical datasheets.

6. Key Considerations When Choosing RHW-2 or RWU90 Copper Cables

Selecting the right copper cable type is crucial for system efficiency, safety, and compliance. Here are the key factors you should evaluate:

6.1 Environmental Adaptability

Temperature Range: RHW-2 can withstand dry environments up to 105°C, while RWU90 remains flexible and operational down to -40°C.

Wet Locations: Both cables are rated for wet environments. RWU90 is specifically designed for direct burial in high-moisture soil or flooded conditions.

Sunlight Exposure: RHW-2 and RWU90 are UV-resistant, making them suitable for outdoor installations without additional protection.

6.2 Installation Method

RHW-2 is ideal for indoor or outdoor conduit systems, where flame resistance is required.

RWU90 is best for underground installations or exposed environments such as open trays or overhead poles.

6.3 Flame Rating and Safety

RHW-2 complies with UL FT4 flame standards.

RWU90 complies with CSA FT1 or FT4, providing enhanced fire performance under Canadian codes.

6.4 Lifecycle and Maintenance

Copper conductors offer superior corrosion resistance and conductivity.

XLPE insulation resists cracking, abrasion, and aging, reducing maintenance needs and extending cable service life.

6.5 Regulatory Compliance

RHW-2 meets UL/NEC standards; RWU90 complies with CSA/CEC regulations.

For cross-border projects or global procurement, seek cables with dual UL and CSA certification for wider acceptance.

7. Supplier Selection and Procurement Tips

Choosing a reliable supplier ensures product authenticity, performance, and on-time delivery. Here are essential procurement tips:

7.1 Verify Certifications

Look for UL, CSA, ISO9001, ETL certifications.

Ask for third-party lab test reports, especially for flame performance, insulation integrity, and conductor resistance.

7.2 Customization Capabilities

Projects often require custom cable lengths, color-coded insulation, or special print markings.

Select vendors that support custom manufacturing to streamline on-site identification and minimize waste.

7.3 Delivery and Inventory

Timely delivery is critical for large-scale construction projects.

Choose suppliers with regional warehouses or short lead times.

Confirm minimum order quantities (MOQ) and availability of small batch purchases if needed.

7.4 Technical Support and Warranty

Reputable suppliers provide technical consultation, load calculation support, and installation guidance.

Confirm warranty policies and availability of post-sale assistance or field inspection services.

7.5 Balance Between Cost and Quality

While copper cables are more expensive than aluminum, they offer better performance and lower lifecycle costs.

Always compare not only price, but also insulation quality, flame rating, and durability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the main difference between RHW-2 and RWU90 cables?
RHW-2 is best suited for conduit installations requiring flame resistance, while RWU90 excels in direct burial and cold weather applications.

2. Are RHW-2 and RWU90 cables sunlight resistant?
Yes, both are rated for UV resistance and can be used in outdoor, exposed environments.

3. Can these cables be used in renewable energy systems?
Absolutely. They are ideal for solar and wind energy applications requiring durability and long-term performance.

4. Are RHW-2 and RWU90 cables corrosion-resistant?
Yes. XLPE insulation provides excellent chemical and moisture resistance for marine or industrial settings.

5. What are the installation precautions for these cables?
Respect minimum bend radius, ensure proper sealing of terminations, and use compliant connectors for secure installation.

Dongguan Greater Wire & Cable Co., Ltd. has a complete industrial chain and stable production capacity, and can provide you with mass production, fast delivery and exclusive customization services. We understand the time and cost pressures behind every project, and promise to deliver on time and with quality for every order. Contact us now to open an exclusive cooperation channel to make cable procurement more efficient and more secure!