Ensuring a reliable and efficient supply of electricity to residential and commercial properties hinges on service entrance cables. This cable is the conduit through which electrical power is transported from the utility pole to the primary electrical panel. It also acts as a protective shield, securing the electrical wiring from external elements, such as extreme temperatures and physical damage.
This article will explore the importance of service entrance cables, their different types, and their installation process.
What Are Service Entrance Cables?
A service entrance cable is the link between the power line provided by the utility company and the main electrical panel. It is typically constructed using aluminum or copper, two highly conductive metals that facilitate efficient electricity transmission.
Since the cable is often exposed to outdoor conditions, it is engineered to withstand the elements. Therefore, it is usually insulated and jacketed to protect against moisture, sunlight, temperature variations, and physical damage. The insulation and jacketing materials used in its construction also provide a protective barrier, ensuring the longevity and durability of the cable.
Types of Service Entrance Cables and Their Installation Processes
Three main types of service entrance cables are commonly used in electrical installations. Here is an overview of each:
Overhead Service Entrance Cable
An overhead service entrance cable is intended for installations where the utility lines are suspended above the ground. This cable is typically used in areas where power lines are mounted on poles or other structures. One of its features is its aerial installation, where the cable is suspended from utility poles or other support structures.
This cable is available in various sizes and configurations to accommodate power requirements and local electrical code regulations. It is typically made of aluminum or copper, both known for their excellent conductivity properties. Nonetheless, the choice of conductor material depends on factors such as electrical load, cost considerations, and local regulations.
Underground Service Entrance Cable
An underground service entrance cable is specifically designed for electrical installations where the utility lines are buried underground. It is commonly used in areas where the power lines are routed beneath the surface to provide electricity to residential or commercial buildings. It is also laid in trenches or conduits, ensuring they remain shielded and secured from external elements and accidental damage.
The use of this cable offers several advantages. First, it eliminates the visual impact of overhead power lines, providing a more aesthetically pleasing environment. Second, it reduces the risk of outages caused by adverse weather conditions, such as high winds, which can affect overhead power lines.
Combination Service Entrance Cable
A combination or duplex service entrance cable combines overhead and underground configurations into one assembly. This versatile and customizable cable is intended for overhead-to-underground power line transition properties. It simplifies the installation process and reduces potential points of failure, ensuring an efficient power supply.
It is important to note that a combination service entrance cable should adhere to local electrical code regulations and specifications. In addition, proper installation techniques should be employed to ensure safe and compliant electrical connections for properties with mixed overhead and underground power lines.
Choose Classic Wire & Cable for Your Wiring Needs
At Classic Wire & Cable, we take pride in providing reliable wires and cables of any length to meet our customers’ specific project requirements! We also offer various value-added services to support every project.
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The cost of cables has increased due to the steady rise in copper prices in recent years. As a result, many customers are searching for alternatives to reduce expenses without compromising the quality of their assemblies. Using aluminum conductors instead of copper is one such option.
Although Copper and Aluminum exhibit some notable contrasts, they also share similarities that make them suitable for comparable uses. Thus, customers can save money on their projects by switching to aluminum conductors.
At Classic Wire & Cable, we offer a range of aluminum conductors suitable for various applications. Our engineering team can work with customers to select the right cable. We carry THHN, XHHW-2, RHW-2, and USE-2, SER, SEU, URD, MC products, all available in aluminum.
Using the Ampacity Conversion Chart
Suppose you are considering switching from copper to aluminum conductors to save money on your electrical project. This can be done using the ampacity conversion chart provided by the National Electric Code (NEC) 310.15(B)(16) 2017.
The chart lists the ampacity ratings for different sizes of aluminum conductors based on an ambient temperature of 30 °C. The dimensions are listed in AWG or square millimeters, and the ampacity ratings are listed in amperes (A). To use the chart, locate the size of the copper conductor you would normally use and find the corresponding ampacity rating. Then, find the size of the aluminum conductor with a similar ampacity rating.
Why Aluminum Can Be a Cost-Effective Alternative to Copper
Weight and Cost Savings
Aluminum’s lighter weight compared to copper results in substantial savings in transportation and installation costs. Due to its lower density, a larger quantity of aluminum can achieve the same electrical conductivity level while decreasing the overall product weight. Consequently, expenses for shipping and labor during installation are also reduced.
Conductivity Considerations
One way to offset aluminum’s lower conductivity is by designing conductors with larger cross-sectional areas. This approach can decrease resistance and enhance conductivity, improving overall performance.
Corrosion Resistance
Copper and aluminum are corrosion-resistant metals, making them suitable for usage in tough environmental conditions. Nonetheless, aluminum is better equipped to handle corrosive surroundings due to its ability to create a protective oxide layer upon exposure to the atmosphere. This layer helps to prevent further corrosion, ultimately extending the lifespan of the aluminum conductor.
Quality Aluminum Building Wire with Classic Wire & Cable
Classic Wire assists you in leveraging the advantages of utilizing aluminum building wires, particularly as copper prices continue to increase. With the aid of our knowledgeable engineering team, we can help you select the appropriate wire solution that suits your project requirements.
We provide various aluminum products tailored to different application needs. Furthermore, our team is dedicated to delivering superior-quality products and expert assistance. Thus, we can guarantee that you can transition to aluminum wires with peace of mind, achieving its cost-saving and performance-boosting benefits.
Contact us today for more information about our products and services, or request a quote to get started!
SO portable cords, or SOOW cords, are a type of power cable designed for use in electrical systems to safely transfer power from one source to another. The “S” in “SO” stands for service. If the “S” is not followed by a “J”, it means that the cord has a voltage rating of 600 volts; however, if there is a “J”, the cord has a voltage rating of 300 volts.
The “OO” means that the jacket and insulation of the cord are oil-resistant, and the “W” illustrates water and weather resistance. All in all, SOOW and SJOOW portable cords resist oil, water, weather, solvents, abrasion, aging, and ozone. They are also durable, flexible, and flame-retardant. At Classic Wire & Cable, we offer both SOOW and SJOOW portable cords to meet your electrical needs.
Benefits of SO Portable Cords
One of the primary benefits of SO cords is their flexibility, making them a popular choice for various electrical power applications. These adaptable cords can be used in both indoor and outdoor environments to suit the needs of applications such as:
Temporary lighting and electrical power at construction sites
Motors
Heavy-duty tools
Large appliances
Wiring for industrial equipment and machinery
SO cords feature contrasting plastic or rubber jackets enclosing the conductors. This gives you the freedom to choose the cord that offers the highest level of safety and cost-effectiveness for your project. While SO cables offer a wide range of advantages, it’s important to note that the rubber outer jacket and flexible nature of these cords make them a poor choice for permanent wiring installations, as they could cause conduit jams during wire pulls.
Classic Wire’s SO Portable Cables
Classic Wire and Cable offers two types of SO portable wires:
SOOW Copper 600V
Our SOOW cables offer resistance to sunlight, water, and weather, making them a great solution for both indoor and outdoor use. These cables can be submerged in shallow water for up to three months at temperatures up to 60°C. Common applications for our SOOW Copper 600V cables include portable tools and equipment, small motors, and associated machinery.
Classic Wire SJOOW
With a voltage rating of 300 volts, our SJOOW portable cables are suited for heavy-duty use in damp or dry environments up to 90°C. They are ideal for supplying power to lawnmowers, portable power tools, barbecues, and other outdoor equipment.
Construction for SOOW and SJOOW Portable Cables
Both our SOOW and SJOOW portable cables feature flexible thermoset rubber cordage capable of withstanding a wide range of temperatures. Designed to hold up in extreme heat and cold, these cables offer exceptional performance and flexibility.
The construction of our SOOW and SJOOW portable cords includes:
Conductors: Manufactured using flexible stranded Class K through 18 to 10 American Wire Gauge (AWG) conductors to meet ASTM B-174 standards.
Insulation: EPDM rubber insulation offers moisture and oil resistance and can withstand temperatures up to 90°C.
Assembly: Insulated conductors are cabled with non-wicking wax paper fillers. The assembly is wrapped with tissue-paper separators to ensure easier jacket removal.
Jacket: To complete the construction, an oil, moisture, and heat-resistant flexible CPE jacket is extruded over the assembly.
SO Portable Cords from Classic Wire and Cable
SO portable cords offer a flexible option for various indoor and outdoor electrical power applications. At Classic Wire & Cable, we’ve been serving electrical distributors with quality aluminum wire and cable solutions for over 200 years. Depending on your particular needs, we offer both SOOW and SJOOW portable cords designed to hold up under harsh conditions.
For more information about our selection of SO portable cables, contact us today.
Type MC armored cables offer a durable, safe, and efficient solution for electrical infrastructure from basic residential wiring to complex industrial power distribution systems.
At Classic Wire & Cable, we are dedicated to educating our customers about the best UL-Listed aluminum wiring products for their project requirements. This is a comprehensive guide to how metal-clad cables function in various applications.
How Type MC Armored Cables Work
The design of Type Metal-Clad armored cables makes them sturdy and flexible electrical wiring that offers security and durability and reduces the need to install a separate conduit. These cables consist of multiple conductors protected by an aluminum interlocking tape armor. The metallic sheathing acts as significant mechanical protection for the electrical circuits, making the cables suitable for a wide range of indoor and outdoor applications.
Unlike Type AC cables, which are not permitted in outdoor or damp areas due to their internal bonding strip, Type MC cables include an equipment ground conductor, making them suitable for such environments.
Common applications of Type MC cables include:
Service entrance cables
Feeders or branch circuits for power and lighting circuits
Control cables
Flexible, protected whips to HVAC equipment, light fixtures, or other wiring methods and equipment
Compared to traditional cables, armored cables are more economical because you don’t need to install an electrical conduit then pull the conductors into place. Simply install the armored cable as a complete solution.
Our Metal-Clad Cable Products
We manufacture UL Listed metal-clad cables with three or four phase conductors with ground aluminum armor in two designations and a variety of sizes for each. Special order options include:
PVC or CPE outer jacket (black or color) for direct burial, underground conduit, or overhead in wet locations.
Please contact our sales team if you need a size that is not listed.
XHHW-2 600 V
Type MC XHHW-2 600 V armored cables have insulation made from polyethylene plastic that has undergone a chemical cross-linking process. This improves its thermal properties, giving it a high heat tolerance and better stress resistance.
The insulation has water-shedding properties, which makes these cables suitable for wet or damp areas without degradation. In addition, the cable’s insulation meets the requirements for both dry and wet locations at a specified maximum temperature of 90 C in wet locations.
THHN/THWN-2 600V
The thermoplastic insulation in THHN/THWN-2 600 V metal-clad cables is soft when heated and hardens upon cooling, making them easy to handle and install. The cables also feature a nylon jacket providing additional protection against chemicals, oil, and abrasion.
The high heat resistance designation allows THHN/THWN-2 cables to function in extreme environments susceptible to high temperatures. These cables are rated for 90 degrees C in both wet and dry locations, higher than their THHN or THWN predecessors.
Benefits of Type MC Armored Cables
Type MC armored cables provide a comprehensive solution for a wide range of electrical wiring needs with the following benefits:
Durability: The aluminum metal armor protects cables from crush or impact damage as well as pests that might chew through the wire. They can withstand harsh environments common in industrial and heavy commercial uses.
Conductivity: The aluminum cores in our metal-clad cables is the best conductor of electricity after copper. It minimizes energy loss and enables reliable operation over long distances.
Corrosion Resistance: A PVC or CPE jacket over the metallic armor of Type MC cables is corrosion-resistant and prevents rust and degradation in damp or corrosive environments.
Safety: The comprehensive design and manufacturing standards — including UL 44, UL 83, UL 1569, IEEE 1202, and the NEC — ensure these cables meet the highest safety standards for electrical wiring applications.
Metal-clad cables are also versatile. They are appropriate for exposed and concealed installations, dry or wet locations, and places where cables are subject to direct sunlight. Pre-installed conductors and the ability to cut the cable to length on-site allow for on-the-spot modifications.
Applications for Type MC Armored Cables
A variety of applications and conditions across many industries feature Type MC armored cables.
Commercial and Residential Buildings
Both commercial and residential settings use sturdy metal-clad cables to distribute power to lights, outlets, and appliances. They are ideal for running through exposed and concealed spaces, including walls and ceilings.
Industrial Environments
Industrial applications can use MC cables in environments that face exposure to mechanical damage. They are suitable for power distribution and control circuits in manufacturing plants, warehouses, and other industrial facilities.
Outdoor Applications
Our Type MC armored cables are moisture-resistant and suitable for outdoor or wet locations. They are appropriate for powering outdoor lights, air conditioning units, and other outdoor equipment.
Flexible Connections
Metal-clad cables can provide a degree of flexibility, making them useful for connections to equipment that might move or vibrate, such as motors or machinery.
Choose Classic Wire & Cable for All Your Type MC Armored Cables
Classic Wire & Cable’s commitment to excellence does not end after we make the sale. We provide the following value-added services to give you a step up from your competitors:
Same-day shipping and freight allowed shipments
Cut-to-order and paralleling
Cable Basics educational videos and technical resources
Pulling eyes
Our experienced and knowledgeable sales team can provide the expertise you need or refer you to your local NEMRA-affiliated sales representative to help you select the Type MC armored cable solution for your application. Contact us for product and service information or to get a quote today.
Service entrance cables are electrical cables that connect and carry electrical currents from electrical companies to commercial buildings. They come in different types that serve various functions. Read on to learn what service entrance cables are and their primary characteristics.
Service Entrance Cables
There are two main types of service entrance cables: SER and SEU. SER cables are with a Style R reinforcement tape, and they typically deliver power from the service drop-down to the meter base to the distribution panel. SEU cables aremost frequently used as panel feeders in branch circuit applications.
According to the National Electric Code (NEC), service entrance cables are designed to be used for services. All service entrance cables are produced, tested, and marked according to UL 854 standards. Service entrance cables for underground use are UL Type USE or USE-2, and service entrance cables for aboveground use are UL Type SE, Style R or U.
Service Entrance Cable Characteristics
Aboveground service entrance cables are either SER or SEU. They have a moisture-resistant and flame retardant covering that enables them to easily pull through framing members and wooden joists in commercial buildings. Installation and application of all service entrance cables are specified by NEC Article 338.
Conductor Materials
SEU and SER cables are manufactured with an AA-8000 series (ACM) electrical-conductor-grade aluminum alloy. Manufacturing underground UL Type USE and USE-2 cables that are not marked with any other type—such as RHH, RHW, or RHW-2—is done with an AA-8000 series (ACM) electrical-conductor-grade aluminum alloy or an EC-1350 grade aluminum alloy.
SER and SEU cables have different anatomies that make them suitable for various parts of a project. For example, an SEU cable has a neutral conductor but lacks a ground conductor. Because ground conductors and neutral conductors are only joined at the point of service disconnect, SEU cables are only safe to use at the point of disconnect. On the other hand, SER cables have both neutral and ground conductors, which makes them safe to use after the service disconnect.
Another difference between SER and SEU cables is their construction. SER cables are copper or aluminum wires reinforced with special Style R tape. SEU cables are Style U, which means they are unarmored and often used as panel feeders. Regardless of type, the installation of service entrance cables should always be done by a professional for safety reasons.
Service Entrance Cables From Classic Wire and Cable
Now that you have a good understanding of SER and SEU cables, the next step is to select a cable that fits your particular electrical project. With more than 200 years of combined cable and wire experience, Classic Wire and Cable’s experts specialize in serving electrical distributors. With warehouses in California and Pennsylvania and regional distribution centers throughout the U.S., we are always fully stocked with high-quality goods at competitive prices.
Ratings and Markings
See this table to learn more about our service entrance cable specifications.
Cable
SE Style R
SE Style U
USE–2
Mobile Home
Feeder
Number of
Conductors
2c + Bare Cabled3c + Bare Cabled4c + Bare Cabled
2c + Bare Concentric
1c
3c + InsulatedGround
Aluminum
Conductor Size
8 AWG to
300 kcmil
8 AWG to
4/0 AWG
8 AWG to
1000 kcmil
2 AWG to
4/0 AWG
Conductor
Insulation
Thermoplastic (UL 83)
Thermoset (UL 44)
Thermoset (UL 44)
Conductor Types
UL 83: THHN / THWN-2
UL 44: XHHW
RHH / RHW-2 / USE-2
Covering
Overall Tape-and-Finish
N/A
N/A
Covering Material
75 deg C PVC
N/A
N/A
Covering
Thickness
Minimum Average: 30 mil
Minimum Point: 25 mil
N/A
N/A
Sunlight Resistant
YES
YES
YES
YES
Impact and
Crush Tested
NO
NO
YES
YES
Direct Burial
NO
NO
YES
YES
Joist Pull Tested
YES
YES
NO
NO
Overload Test
YES
YES
Selecting the right service entrance cable depends on the priorities of your electrical project. At Classic Wire and Cable, we offer a range of value-added services and use all available resources to make our customers’ projects a success.Contact us today for more information about our products and services.
Historically, utility companies have used aluminum cables for power transmission and distribution. However, in recent years, aluminum wire has gained popularity in commercial and residential building applications. In the correct application, utility aluminum cables have many advantages over other wire types while providing the same level of reliability.
At Classic Wire & Cable, our collective experience in the cable and wire industry exceeds 200 years, enabling us to exclusively provide electrical distributors with high-performance aluminum cables.
Why Use Utility Aluminum Cables?
Aluminum is a great choice for utility applications because it is an excellent conductor of heat and electricity. Compared to copper cables, aluminum’s light weight makes it nearly twice as good of a conductor. For this reason, utility aluminum cables are a top choice for major power transmission lines.
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Utility Aluminum Cables Properties & Applications
Since aluminum is physically, chemically, and mechanically similar to other metals used as electrical current conductors, aluminum wire is a preferred, low-cost alternative in many situations. Aluminum wire is easy to work with, allowing professionals to quickly and effectively install the wiring in various locations. Utility aluminum cables are often the best choice for applications where weight is a concern since it is much more lightweight than copper wiring.
The construction industry uses aluminum wire because of its cost savings and better conductivity to weight than other wiring types, such as copper. Contractors install aluminum wire in multiple areas, such as service entrance conductors, large conductors, and power distribution conductors. Commercial facilities widely use utility aluminum cable, including high-rise buildings, shopping malls, stadiums, wastewater treatment plants, and manufacturing facilities.
Classic Wire and Cable Aluminum Cable Offerings
With years of experience, the aluminum wire and cable experts at Classic Wire & Cable can find the right cable for almost every application. We have strategically placed regional distribution centers, including Pennsylvania and California warehouse hubs, fully stocked with quality products, leading to reduced lead times and better service. Our distributors trust the Classic Wire & Cable professionals to offer full support for our entire product line and competitive prices.
We offer the following aluminum utility cable types:
Aluminum URD Cables (Underground)
QUADRUPLEX OH Service Drop Cables (Overhead)
ACSR Bare Aluminum Bare Aluminum Cables
Other types of wire and cable we offer include:
Type SE XHHW Aluminum Cable (SER)
Type SE XHHW Aluminum Cable (SEU)
THHN/THWN-2 Aluminum Power Cable Low Friction 600 V
XHHW-2 Aluminum Power Cable Low Friction 600 V / 1000 V
600 V Aluminum USE-2 RHH OR RHW-2
Mobile Home Feeder
Trust Classic Wire & Cable for Utility Aluminum Cables and More
Aluminum cables offer advantages in a wide range of applications. Whether you need help deciding if aluminum wire is best for your project or choosing the right type of aluminum wire for your application, our professionals can help. At Classic Wire & Cable, we boast over 200 years of combined experience in the wire and cable industry. We maintain a large utility aluminum cable selection at competitive prices while providing fast service and a network of trusted distributors.
With Classic Wire & Cable’s customer-first approach, we strive to provide a high level of customer satisfaction with quality cable offerings and a list of value-added services, ensuring our customers get the aluminum cables they need at the right time. Our knowledgeable and experienced team members are ready to assist with your utility aluminum cable needs. Contact us to learn about the types of aluminum wire we offer and how to choose the right cable for your application.
Wires and cables are integral components for a wide range of commercial and industrial applications. At Classic Wire and Cable, we offer a full product line of industrial wire and cables, competitively priced to meet the demands of our customers. Each product has a particular use and provides various benefits.
Industrial Wire Types
One of the most common industrial wires used in construction is aluminum building wire. When aluminum electrical conductors are used in commercial construction or industrial projects, aluminum building wiring is the preferred type of electrical wiring. Compared to other materials like copper, aluminum offers an improved conductivity to weight ratio, making it ideal for applications such as:
Wiring power grids
Overhead power transmission lines
Local power distribution lines
Power wiring of airplanes
From the late 1800s to the early 1900s, utility companies used aluminum wire in power grids for electrical transmission. The cost and weight advantages of the lightweight metal outweighed that of copper wiring.
Today, aluminum wire is still the preferred material in power transmission and distribution applications. Since copper is a better conductor than aluminum, most home wiring projects and small applications use copper wires. However, in the 1960s, when the price of copper skyrocketed, aluminum wiring became the preferred choice for home wiring.
Industrial Cable Types
There are several industrial cable types to choose from, each having its own unique uses and advantages:
Type MC Armored Cables
Metal-clad (MC) armored cable constructions offer a cost-efficient alternative to traditional wire and pipe. This industrial cable type eliminates the need for an electrical conduit, thereby reducing the labor costs typically involved with installation.
Contractors that use MC armored cable require:
Limited pulling equipment
Fewer reels
Less time setting up pulls
No specialty bending or cutting tools
Key advantages of armored cable include:
Protection and durability. These cables provide the necessary protection and durability without needing an electrical conduit, costly offsets, elbows, and conduit couplings.
Corrosion resistance. Armored cable resists corrosion, making them suitable for locations exposed to excessive moisture.
Flexibility. The interlocked armor material is flexible, unlike continuously welded armor or other conduits, offering protection to the inner conductors. MC armored cable is also easy to install in complex, close-spaced bends.
No specialty tools. Installation does not require specialty cutting or bending tools.
A variety of industries utilize aluminum cables due to their many benefits. Even though aluminum is much lighter than copper, it maintains the same conductivity properties, giving it a distinct advantage compared to other metals. When weight is a primary concern, as in load-bearing jobs, aluminum cables are preferred because of their lightweight yet durable design.
When comparing copper cables to aluminum cables on a loading basis, aluminum offers several different advantages, including:
More cost-effective
Lighter in weight
Has the same conductivity
SO Portable Cord Cables (Copper)
It is common practice to identify the properties of industrial wire and cable with a letter. With SO portable cord cables, the “S” stands for “Extra Hard Service,” and the “O” stands for “Oil Resistant.” This means that this type of industrial cable is ideal for applications requiring 600 volts or less, and its outer jacket is resistant to oil.
Experienced Wire and Cable Manufacturers
Many industries, such as construction, rely on industrial electric wire and cable components for various projects. Classic Wire and Cable has exclusively provided quality products to electrical distributors since 2016. We have two fully stocked warehouse hubs in California and Pennsylvania, with several strategically located regional distribution centers.
Our knowledgeable sales team and local NEMRA-affiliated representatives offer invaluable resources in selecting the proper industrial cable types to help our clients succeed. As a preferred supplier, Classic Wire and Cable offers Value Added Services and a wide variety of quality industrial wire and cable products, including those listed above.
If you can’t find the product you are looking for, contact us today, and one of our sales representatives can assist you. We’d be happy to provide you with more information about our catalog of products.
SOOW Copper 600V [**]
SJOOW Copper 300V [**]
One of the most common industrial wires used in construction is aluminum building wire. When aluminum electrical conductors are used in commercial construction or industrial projects, aluminum building wiring is the preferred type of electrical wiring. Compared to other materials like copper, aluminum offers an improved conductivity to weight ratio, making it ideal for applications such as:
SO Portable Cord Cables (Copper)