RW90 cable and RWU90 cable are two common cable models in North American standards (especially Canadian standards), widely used in residential, commercial, and industrial projects. Despite their similar names, these two types of cables have significant differences in application scenarios, structural characteristics, material composition, and installation conditions.
1, Definition of RW90 and RWU90 cable
1.1 Definition of RW90 Cable
RW90 is a single core cable commonly used in building interiors. Its conductor is usually copper or aluminum, and the insulation material is mostly XLPE (cross-linked polyethylene), which has good high temperature resistance, moisture resistance, and wear resistance. The "RW" in its name represents heat resistance (R) and moisture resistance (W), and the number "90" indicates that its rated operating temperature is 90 ° C.
1.2 Definition of RWU90 Cable
The RWU90 cable is a more weather resistant version than the RW90, with the letter "U" representing "Underground", meaning that the cable can be directly buried underground and has stronger moisture resistance, corrosion resistance, and UV resistance. RWU90 also uses XLPE insulation, suitable for long-term stable operation in outdoor and harsh environments.RWU90 cable is one of the most common wiring options in solar energy systems, with UV resistance and waterproof capabilities.
2, Technical standards and certification for RW90 cable and RWU90 cables
| Cable Type | Standard certification | Applicable specifications |
| RW90 wire | CSA C22.2 No. 38 | Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) |
| RWU90 wire | CSA C22.2 No. 52 | Canadian Electrical Code (CEC), applicable for underground and outdoor use |
3, Structural comparison
| Item | RW90 cable | RWU90 cable |
| conductor | Copper or aluminum | Copper or aluminum |
| Insulation | Cross linked polyethylene (XLPE) | Cross linked polyethylene (XLPE) |
| Sheathing | No sheath (usually used for single core) | No sheath (but suitable for buried) |
| Flame retardancy | good | more better |
| UV resistance | Limited (requires protection) | Strong (can be directly exposed to sunlight) |
| water-resistance | moisture-proof | Waterproof and anti-corrosion |
| Temperature resistance grade | 90°C | 90°C |
4, Application scenario analysis
4.1 RW90 Cable Application Scenarios
RW90 cables are mainly used in indoor dry or humid environments, such as:
Lighting and power system of commercial buildings
Distribution system of industrial plants
Wiring inside the electrical cabinet
Wiring in electrical conduits
It is not recommended to install RW90 cables directly underground or exposed to sunlight.
4.2 RWU90 Cable Application Scenarios
RWU90 cable is suitable for various complex or harsh environments, including:
Direct burial of underground cables
Outdoor exposed installation
Cable tray system
Wiring for wind power generation and solar energy systems
Coastal or humid area engineering
5, Performance parameter comparison table
| performance index | RW90 cable | RWU90 cable |
| rated voltage | 600V 1000V 2000V | 600V 1000V 2000V |
| Insulation material | XLPE | XLPE |
| temperature range | -40 ° C to+90 ° C | -40 ° C to+90 ° C |
| Installation method | Pipeline and trunking | Can be directly buried or exposed |
| UV resistance ability | Restrictions (need to be obscured) | Strong, suitable for outdoor use |
| Moisture resistance/waterproofness | moisture-proof | Moisture proof and waterproof |
| Type of conductor | Single core copper or aluminum | Single core copper or aluminum |
| Is it bendable | Good | Good |
| Combustion extensibility | limited | Low smoke and halogen-free options, with minimal combustion extension |
6, Installation method and precautions
6.1 Precautions for RW90 cable installation
Should be installed in protective conduits or cable trays
Avoid direct exposure to sunlight
Cannot be buried directly underground
Wiring systems suitable for industrial or commercial buildings
6.2 Precautions for RWU90 cable installation
Allow direct burial
Can operate outdoors in direct sunlight
More flexible installation and wide applicability
It is recommended to prioritize the use in high humidity environments
7, Cost and cost-effectiveness comparison
RWU90 cables typically have slightly higher costs than RW90 due to their additional waterproof, UV resistant, and buried functions. However, considering its installation flexibility and lower maintenance costs, RWU90 has a better cost-effectiveness in medium and long-term use.
| Cable Type | material cost | installation cost | Maintenance difficulty | Overall cost-effectiveness |
| RW90 wire | Lower | Intermediate level | Intermediate level | moderate |
| RWU90 wire | slightly higher | Lower (due to more flexible installation) | Low (more weather resistant) | more better |
8, Selection suggestions
Through the above multiple comparisons, it can be clearly seen that:
If your project is limited to indoor installation, using RW90 cables is an economical and compliant choice.
If your cable needs to be exposed outdoors, buried directly, or used in a humid environment, RWU90 cable is more suitable.
In terms of selecting conductor materials, both can use copper or aluminum, which needs to be balanced based on budget and conductivity performance.
For systems that require flexible wiring and long-term weather resistance, such as renewable energy generation systems, RWU90 performs better than RW90.
Although cables are small, they have a significant impact. Proper selection not only ensures the safety and stability of the power system, but also reduces long-term costs in terms of maintenance and energy efficiency
Still unsure which wire fits your project? Greater Wire Manufacturer has more than 30 years of manufacturing experience, and its products have passed UL, CUL, SAA, TUV, and other international certifications. If you have any questions about wires or other questions, please consult us!
