Free cable is free cable.. be careful with it - see a few paragraphs down, but none the less if SE and not say SJE, it's fully complaint in all ways on a Class 1A theater
stage. Just don't let it touch any of your lights.
Here (way below) is what I have so far in cable types by way of the
NEC as published over the years (Mostly 1930's, 1950's, 1970's and 1999 as various letters appear or go away.) - You will find various types of
asbestos cable in it also, as with one that seems like but is not, thus the list of old stuff one will see but no longer be mentioned in the
current code.
It's a uniform standard according the the
NEC that the Euro does not follow in knowing what is what about cable the Euro cable in use. The US
system is a really good
system that covers just about every type of cable in use from that used inside the oven to that in an elevator. Each letter means something. As above with SOOW verses SOW, verses SO, verses type S.
Of note and unfortunate recently also is of recently most American manufacturers of cable are heading towards producting a US standards compliant, Euro compliant cable. It's cheaper to make and in theory rated as well. I'm not a fan of Euro cable in the least
bit and can bairly
pallet SE cable.
Recently I bought a 1,000' spool of 8/5 type SOW cable, it was Euro compliant. Euro compliant cable normally is not using fiber, jute or poly filler materials in making the cable round, instead it has the outer
jacket applied on extra thick to act as a filler around the conductors. Color coding of inner conductors can also be the same or Euro standard.
Seemingly for some reason on this spool of
wire, the inner conductors were not twisted or stretched tight enough when the outer
jacket was applied in it's uniform OD. diamater, and as opposed to normally around 1/8" of outer
jacket between inner
conductor and outer
jacket, in this case there were areas where as little as 3/64" of
insulation was all there was of outer
jacket covering the inner conductors. It's less a
jacket of
insulation and more, just an applied coating. This was a problem and I got a full refund on the over $1,000.00 spool of
wire. Unfortunately I find this
thickness of covering problem more common than I like with dual US/Euro compliant cable - it's the way most cable companies are going given it's no doubt cheaper to product and market, (even McMaster is selling it) and it's for sale dirt cheap at times 2/3 the price of non Euro-compliant cable. Just a warning, beware of the outer
jacket on any Euro compliant type S cable you get, Even normal Euro cable as similar to type SJT cable does not have this type of problem in the inner conductors not wrapping correctly and the outer
jacket being too thin.
Believe an explination for this is that the outer
jacket of the normal type S cable has it's outer
jacket slided over that of the inner conductors as opposed to applied over in liquid form with the dual US/Euro cable. Unless those inner conductors are tight enough during the outer
jacket application, the conductors will be too close to the outer
jacket's wall and be un-safe to use. Gonna become a far too common problem. My recommendation is to avoid US/Euro compliant cable at least until it's more refined in quality control. I have seen more than one spool of Euro complaint type S cable that has this problem and in the center of the cable there is no way of knowing.
Beyond this, on Euro cable in general = with the exception of
Martin fixture cable - love that stuff, Euro cable normally does not stand up well to oil - especially the oil that one might expect from a
smoke or
haze machine such as a DF-50. It even if rubberized and similar to type SE, just does not in my noting and in general, hold up well to oil without breaking down. SJT also has problems with oil. DF-50 machines eat thermoplastic
wire!
Also due to the nature of how the outer
jacket loosely bonds to the inner conductors, more so than with a true outer
jacket cable that has a jute core, one cut on the outer
jacket at times is all that is needed for that cut to make it's way all the way down to the copper simply by way of that cable getting stretched.
Related to this nicking of the
wire problem, In stripping outer
jacket off cable I teach, demand and only approve of the pinch/pull/cut technique for stripping the outer
jacket off a cable with dikes by way of those I supervise in instruction of approved - this is how we do it wiring. All who come to me for instruction, or to whome I observe stripping the outer
jacket off cable learn my technique or do not work with cable. It's a technique with the dikes I have developed over the years - not sure where I got it from, but with normal cable works well to the extent that there is little to no chance of slitting inner conductors. All it takes is a nick on the inner
conductor, and someone yanking on the
cord to un-plug something and them inner conductors - even if they seem fine, with just a wee
bit of a nick on them will tend to open up and expose copper conductors. Given one cannot pinch and pull the outer
jacket away from the inner conductors by way of Euro cable, it's very difficult to follow this method in only doing the cutting of the outer
jacket well away from that of the inner conductors. I don't allow raser knives or automatic
jacket strippers and once one masters the pinch/pull/cut tecnique, it's faster and safer than that of an automatic stripper. "Nice toy, take it home and don't bring it back." Takes a quality brand of dikes to do this well, as with a quality brand of spring loaded
wire strippers = not some multi-tool, and you have efficiency. None the less, Euro compliant cable as with Euro cable in general wipes out any chance of grabbing and stretching the outer
jacket away from the inner conductors. It's a constant thing now that I using this technique, even with years of honing it, that I nick a
conductor and have to cut and start over. Rule being no matter what
wire or technique, you nick a
wire even if not deep, you start over. Euro cable is really harsh to strip it's outer
jacket off of easily without nicking the
insulation off inner conductors.
Unfortunately also within this Euro class of
wire that does not stand up as well to abuse or oil but does not suffer from the outer
jacket thickness problem, is what's available these days for high temperature
fixture wire such as TempFlex and ProFixture
wire. This is all thermoplastic Euro grade
wire with a silicone thermoplastic
insulation surrounding three insulated conductors. Unfortunately the fairly industructable but very discontinued "Rockbestos" is no longer available. Had one of the above brands last all of one tour before the cable started cracking. Keep asking my various suppliers if they have any Rockbestos hanging about on the shelves or if they have anything similar... nope, it's all Euro Crap or there is a Anixter type of heat
wire with a sort of varnished fiberglass coated silicone, but it's not very flexible. None the less, high temperature multi-conductor heat
wire falls normally into a Euro class of cable these days and normally is not very cut or oil resistant in the same way that the old RockBestos was.
Next class of cable is SE which is sort of like synthetic rubber thermoplastic cable. I try not to use it if at all possible. This is a sort of rubberized plastic
wire. Remember a few years ago when this stuff came out, my electrical supply
house was having a school/sales day on this type of
wire so as to introduce us "contractors" to the benefits of this newer and often cheaper type of
wire. On paper, the SE
wire also classed as ST
wire has all the advantages of grade S (or using the two to three letter code
system above mentioned, SO), it is 90 degree C. cable and supple like a rubber / neopreme (plastic rubber) one. The outer
jacket is decent enough and does stand up to abuse and oil as well as neopreme. There is only one major difference between a SO and SE cable ("J" removed as it is or is not always the case), that's how at 90C the cable reacts to heat. On plastic cable, the plastic melts, than melts and exposes copper conductors to what caused the outer
jacket to just melt away in offering little to no protection against heat. Have had more than one instance that type SJEOW cable in touching a
fixture melted away and allowed a
ground short of a hot
conductor to a hot lighting
instrument's grounded body. Woe be he that touches that cable now with exposed
conductor.
In rubber, while dielectrically also defeated by temperature, and subsiquent to that all oil and water resistance ratings in that area exposed to heat are also defeated, the
insulation is no longer rated for in
voltage, there is a major difference. Rubber don't melt at as low of a temperature. While both cables are rated at the same temperature, if one is melting, the other only sort of smoldering or dry rotting, the one that is melting is melting all the way
thru to inner conductors, the other is exposed to heat only on that surface area of a circle exposed to the heat and at a similar temperature retaining the curve and only that area exposed. It does not melt or persay defeat the
insulation of the rest of the rubber in the area given it did not melt. Rubber/neopreme is on accidential contact with a lighting
fixture going to be much superior to that of SE. By way of
insulation, SE and SO cable (again using the two letter code), is the same except by respect of what heat will do to it. As long as you are careful that your cable will never touch the rear end of a
fixture, it's good cable. Should there be a chance that it's going to be exposed to say a loose hang, it could be dangerous. Thus the difference - no matter what the manufacturers at some
point were trying to push in cheaper and as good cable.
I believe anyway by at least time/history of cable, that since the cheaper SE type cable did not really
take off in the industry, the industry is now pushing SO but Euro So cable as still cheaper than the jute fiber or kraft paper insulated poly core cable normal to SO. SE cable will normally come with some poly strands as filler but as long as your dikes are good quality, that's a minor detail. If not a good brand of dikes, or a dull set of them, this poly filler in SE will be difficult to cut away. That's the basics on observations of SE cable. It's not nomally much cheaper than SO cable these days, the manufacturers are pushing the Euro grade stuff instead. In other words, type SE cable is not much worth the effort in buying for use on
stage unless really cheap or ... free.
Final class of cable would be type SJT or in following the above two letter ST - not that there is any thick extra hard usage thermoplastic
wire on the market. ST
wire is plastic cable. Fine in most instances and debatably in some circumstances can be resistant against oil - normally not. This type of cable does not react well to heat and often will be rated for 60C or 75C. It's a as with the Euro cable above an applied coating over the inner conductors, as oppsed to a
jacket pulled over as the theory. Most powertools and orange extension cords will be this type of cable. The
NEC does not specify a color of
wire for
stage usage, and in temporary other than class 1A situations, where supported by the
truss/pipe, not on the floor and not as a cable
drop, doesn't care what color the cable is. For Class 1A - believe it's 99 seat or more, (but would have to check), again it does not specify other than it need be extra hard service
cord in longer than 3' lengths which as a type any form of SJ (Hard Service) cable does not comply with. As a theory, if there were a such thing as type STOOW cable, it would be fully compliant with any class 1A application of theatrical use. Plastic or not, it's a question of
jacket thickness as opposed to stuff like scenery rolling over it.
Hope it helps. Below is the working chart I have made that's compiled of various
NEC cable/
wire descriptions. You will note the difference between stuff like TW and
THHN wire - both in use
in one's
house at times and both perfectly acceptable during the say late 1970's. Lots of
conductor/cable notes.
Wire Cord And Cable Types:
-2- High temp. Designation for 194̊F continuous use cable.
Vulcanized Insulators = Rubber
Non Vulcanized Insulators = Synthetic
Neoprene Insulators = Heat, Oil, Gas and weather resistant.
AF-
Asbestos 302̊F.
Fixture wire,18-10
Awg. Heat resistant,With some moisture resistant types.300v. Max.
AL- Impregnated
Asbestos Under 300v. 257̊F., Dry only.
AVA, AVB, &
AVL Asbestos and Varnished Cambric, 194-230̊F., Dry with
AVL wet.
B- Outer
Braid usually of Glass.
Bell-
wire usually low
voltage, usually of 18awg. No rubber used, just 2 layers of cotton twisted in opposite directions.
C-Two or more stranded wires with flexible
insulation for temporary use. Thermoset or Thermoplastic, Dry Use Only. Rough service
wire, but not as nice looking as “PO”. Twice as thick in
insulation but similar to “PO” with silk or Rayon top layer. Usually a yellow / green braided
jacket, “Green and Yellow
Cord”. No outer
jacket to wires, just twisted single strands.
Lamp Cord, 2 or more 18-10Awg. (Now is Thermoset or thermoplastic
insulation with outer cotton
cover.) Pendant and
portable use, not hard usage in dry locations.
DBRC- Old Household, double braided rubber coated
wire with cotton
braid. Weather and fire resistant.
E- Elevator Cable, 2 or more, 20-2
Awg. Conductors, Thermoset, 3 layer cotton braided with flexible Flame retardant and Moisture Resistant Nylon
jacket. For Elevator Lighting and Control in non-hazardous locations. Can incorporate 20
Awg Communications cable and or optical fibers within covering, and be permitted to be supported thru- center of
insulation. “L.S” Designation =Limited
Smoke flame retardant.
EO- Elevator Cable, Same as Above with one type available for Hazardous locations.
ET- Elevator Cable, Same as E, with a Rayon
braid on each
conductor.
ETLB- Same as E with No Braiding on each
conductor.
ETP- Same as E with Rayon Braided Conductors and for Hazardous Classified Locations.
ETT- Same as ETP with No Outer
Cover.
EV-
Electric Vehicle Cord. 18 - 500 KCMil.
Awg. Two or more conductors, plus grounding conductors and optional hybrid data or signal communications and optional fiberoptic cables. Thermoset with optional nylon
insulation and optional braiding. Thermoset outer covering. For
electric vehicle charging in wet locations and for extra hard use.
EVJ- Same as EV
cord but 18 to 12
Awg, and thinner
jacket.
EVE- Same as EV
cord, but with thermoplastic Elastomer
insulation and coverings.
EVT- Same as EV
cord, but with Thermoplastic
insulation.
F-
Fixture Wire, 90̊C.
FCC-
Flat Copper Conductors,
edge to
edge for carpet, and under flooring.
FEP- Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene
Insulation, Rated over 194̊F. Dry only.
FEPB- Same as FeP, but with glass
braid or
Asbestos type outer covering. 392̊F. Dry only.
FFH-2- Heat resistant rubber coated
fixture wire, flexible strands, 167̊F.Rubber coated and latex rubber coated types.
G- 8Awg to 500 KCMil., 2-6 conductors plus Grounding Conductors.
Portable Thermoset, Oil Res., Extra Hard Use.
Stage and Garage Cable.
H- Higher Loaded
Current Temp. May be used 167̊F. Max.
HF- ECTFE Solid or 7 stranded. 18-14
Awg. Ethylene Chloro trifluoroethylene. 302̊F.
Fixture wire.
HFF- ECTFE Stranded
wire, same as HF.
HH- Much Higher Temperature 194̊F. Max.
HPD- Heater
Cord 18-12
Awg., 2 to 4 conductors. Dry Use Only. Thermoset or Thermoset with
Asbestos covered wires instead of cotton, but similar to type C. Covered with cotton or Rayon. Not Hard usage.
HPN- Heater
Cord, 18-12
Awg., 2 to 3 Conductors. Wet use, Light Duty Only. Oil resistant Thermoset. Non twisted.
HS- Heater
Cord, 14-12
Awg., 2 to 4 Conductors. Thermoset
insulation with cotton or Thermoset Outer Covering, Extra Hard Usage.
HSJ- Same as HS. But 18 - 12
Awg., Hard Usage only.
HSO- Same as HS. With Oil Resistance outer covering, Extra Hard Usage.
HSJO- Same as HSO but Only Hard Usage. 18 - 12
Awg Available.
HSOO- Same as HS. But with oil resistant Thermoset insulators, and oil resistant covering, Extra Hard Usage.
HSJOO- Same as HSOO but Hard Usage only and 18-12
Awg. Available.
IGS- Integrated Gas Spacer Cable, Exterior Use.
KF-1- and KF-2, Tape insulated
fixture wire, solid or 7 stranded, 18-10
Awg. Aromatic Polyamide taped, 392̊F.
Fixture wire.
KFF-1- and KFF-2 Stranded KF
wire, note: -1- designates 300v. Max.
L- Lead
Jacket.
MI- Mineral Insulated, Metal Shielded cable. Magnesium Oxide, 194̊F or 482̊F., Dry or wet locations, with copper or Alloy Steel outer covering. Mineral insulated and Metal Shielded.
MTW- Moisture, Heat and Oil Res. Flame Retardant Thermoplastic. Machine tool wiring in wet locations 140̊F. Or 196̊F. In dry locations with Nylon or Equivalent
Jacket.
MV- Medium
Voltage Cable, Solid
Dielectric 2,001 volts plus.
N -Extruded Nylon or Thermoplastic Polyester, Tough and Very Resistant to Gas and Oil.
NM- “
Romex”, Non-Metallic cable with paper wrapping between conductors and plastic sheeting.
NMT- See RFH
wire Below. (Non-Metallic Tubing.)
NMC- “
Romex”, Non-Metallic cable with solid plastic sheeting.
O- Neoprene
Jacket. See SO cable.
P- Rough Service appliance vacuum cleaner type
cord. Flexible but like type “C”, coated in rubber like “POSJ”, encasing both strands with an appearance fabric outside layer.
PAF- Perfluroalkoxy, Solid or 7
strand, 482̊F.
Fixture wire, 18-14
Awg. nickel or nickel coated copper
fixture wire. See PFA
wire.
PAFF- Stranded PAF
wire, 302̊F.
PD- 18-10
Awg. Thermoset or Thermoplastic
Insulation Cotton braiding and Cotton or Rayon outer covering. Pendant or
Portable Wiring, Dry Locations, Not Hard Usage. Twisted
Portable Cord.
PF- Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene,
fixture wire, solid or seven stranded 392̊F. 18-14
Awg.
Fixture wire.
PFA- Perfluorglkoxy, 194̊F. For dry and damp conditions. See PAF
wire.
PFAH- Perfluorglkoxy, 482̊F. Dry only,
Raceway or Apparatus
wire only.
PFF- Same as PF
wire, but stranded. 302̊F.
PGF- Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene, Glass Braided. 392̊F. Solid or seven stranded. 18-14
Awg.
Fixture Wire.
PGFF- Stranded PGF
wire, 302̊ F.
PO-
Lamp cord with outer layer of silk or Rayon. Wires not Twisted but Parallel. Cotton yarn wrapping round twisted strands; Insulators of rubber on top of cotton, which insulates rubber from sticking to strands making it more flexible. Cotton layer atop Rubber, with Rayon or silk
jacket enclosing two wires in parallel.
POSJ- New Replacement for “PO” using a rubber
jacket encasing both wires, and does not fray like fabric wires, can be washed.
PPE-
Portable Power Cable, 8 - 500 KCMil. With 1 - 6 conductors plus
ground conductors. Thermoplastic Elastomer
Insulation, with Oil Resistant Thermoplastic Elastomer Outer Covering.
Portable Extra Hard Use. Rated for
Stage and Garage use.
PTF- Extruded Polytetra Fluoroethylene, solid or seven stranded, 18-14
Awg. 482̊F. Nickel or Nickel coated copper
fixture wire.
PTFF- Stranded PTF
wire, 302̊F. 18-14
Awg.
R- Rubber or Neoprene
insulation. (Best Quality Rubber) Household Wiring.
RFH-1- Heat Resistant, Rubber Coated, 167̊F. 18
Awg. 300v.
Fixture wire, solid or seven stranded. Also type “NMT”
Fixture wire.
RFH-2- Heat Resistant, RFH
wire, 18-16
Awg. 600v. with Latex Rubber or rubber coating. Otherwise the same as RFH-1
RFHH-2- (LS) Limited
Smoke Flame Retardant, Heat Resistant Cross linked synthetic polymer insulated
fixture wire. Solid or stranded 18-16
Awg. and cross linked synthetic polymer with out
jacket. No
cover or NMT 194̊F. Multi
conductor cable, and
fixture wire.
RH- Thermoset, 167̊F. Dry and Damp only, Flame Retardant, and Moisture Resistant. Best Quality, Better than RH and RP
wire. For Factories and like. Moisture Res. & Flame Retardant non-metallic Covering.
RHH- Thermoset, 194̊F. Dry and Damp only, Flame Retardant, and Moisture Resistant.
RP- Best Quality Rubber
Insulation.
RUH- Heat Resistant Latex Rubber 167̊F., Dry only.
RWH- Flame, Ozone and Moisture Resistant, 167̊ F. For dry and wet locations over 2,000 volts.
RWH-2- 194̊F. Continuous Temperature Thermoset. For Dry and Damp locations.
S- Hard Service
Cord with two or more stranded conductors 18 - 2
Awg. with a serving of woven cotton between the copper and the Thermoset
insulation. Jute or other “fillers” are twisted together with the conductors to make a round assembly. Outer
jacket of high quality rubber or modern Thermoset. For
Portable or Pendant, damp locations. Extra Hard Use.
Stage and Garage Use.
SA- Silicone Rubber or Silicone
Asbestos, 194̊F. For dry and Damp Areas. Silicone Rubber
insulation with Glass or other Braided covering. (392̊F. Special Applications)
SBRC- Old Household, Single Braided rubber covered with cotton
braid.
SC- “
NEC” designation for Entertainment Industry and
Stage Lighting Cable; rated 600 volts 8 - 250 KCMil.
Awg., 1 or more Conductors. Extra Hard Usage. Thermoset
insulation and outer covering.
SCE- Same as SC, with
PVC or Thermoplastic Elastomer
Insulation and outer covering.
SCT- Same as SC, with TPE based thermoplastic
Insulation and outer covering.
SE- Flame Retardant and Moisture Resistant, Hard Service
Cord. 18 -2
Awg. 2 or more conductors, Use Underground,
stage and Garage and not Fire Resistant. Thermoplastic Elastomer
Insulation and outer covering.
SEO- Same as SE But with Oil Resistant Outer Covering.
SEOO- Same as SEO, But with oil Resistant
Insulation also.
SIS- Switchboard
wire 194̊F. Thermoplastic Flame Resistant for Switchboards. Synthetic Heat resistant Rubber. Dry only.
SJ- Same as S-Cord, with Lighter
Jacket 18-10
Awg. 2-5 Conductors, Thermoset
Insulation and outer
jacket. Junior Hard service
Cord.
SJE- Same as SJ, with Thermoplastic Elastomer
Insulation and outer covering.
SJEO- Same as SJE But Oil Resistant.
SJO- Same as SJ But with Oil Resistant outer covering. Same as SO
cord, with an even lighter
jacket.
SJOO- Same as
SJO But with Oil resistant
insulation also.
SJT- Same as SJ
cord, except with outer
jacket and
insulation of (thermoplastic) Materials.
SF- Silicone 200̊C.
Fixture wire.
SF-1or 2- Silicone Rubber NMT, 392̊F. “-1" is 18
Awg. 300v. “-2" is 16-18
Awg. 600v. Solid or seven stranded.
Fixture wire.
SFF-1or 2- Stranded SF, NMT
wire. 302̊F.
SO-
Cord, same as S
cord, thermoset
insulation with an oil resistant
jacket of neoprene or similar material thermoset. Rated for
stage and garage use.
SOO- Same as SO with Oil Resistant
Insulation
SN- Synthetic rubber
wire re-named “type T”, in 1947 from original 1940 code designation thermoplastic
insulation, with no cotton required, not cold resistant.
SP- Rubber “
Zip Cord”.
SP-1- All Thermoset Parallel
cord 20 -18
Awg, 2or3
Conductor. Pendant or
portable use, Damp Locations, Not Hard Use. Not twisted.
SP-2- Same as SP-1 but 18-16
Awg.
SP-3- Same as SP-1 But 18-10
Awg. For Refrigerators, Room Air Conditioners.
SPE- All Elastomer, (Thermoplastic) Parallel
Cord. 20-18
Awg. 2 or 3 Conductors. Otherwise same as SP-1 to 3
Cord.
SPT- “
Zip Cord”,
Fixture Cord, 2 or 3
wire Stranded, Designated by
gauge and number of wires. Eg: “18-3" is 18
gauge 3-wire. Thermoplastic
Insulation. Otherwise same as Sp-1 to 3
cord.
SRD- Range or Dryer Cable. 10- 4
Awg. 3 or 4 conductors. Thermoset
insulation and outer covering.
Portable for damp locations. 3-Conductor versions are not twisted.
SRDE- Same as SRD cable but Thermoplastic Elastomer
insulation and outer covering.
SRDT- Same as SRD cable but with Thermoplastic
insulation and outer covering.
ST- Same as S
cord, except with outer
jacket of (thermoplastic) Materials. 18-2
Awg. 2 or more Conductors. Rated for
Stage and Garage Use.
SV- Same as SJ
Cord, with an even Lighter
Jacket. Vacuum cleaner
cord. 18-16
Awg. 2 or 3 conductors. Thermoset
insulation and covering. Not hard use, pendant or
portable, damp locations.
SVE- Same as SV
cord but with Thermoplastic Elastomer
insulation and covering.
SVO- Same as SV
cord but with Thermoset
insulation and oil resistant Thermoset covering.
SVT- Same as SV
cord with outer
jacket of (therm plastic) Materials.
T-
Wire wrapped in thermoplastic
insulation for protection from below 32̊ to 150̊. Tinsel
Cord 140̊F,(TP, TS, TPT, TST)
TA- Thermoplastic and
Asbestos, 194̊F., Switchboard use only.
TC- Signal
Wire,
Power and Control.
TW- T-Wire with water-resistant
insulation. Should not be buried directly in
ground. 140̊ Flame Retardant, Heat and Moisture resistant thermoplastic.
TBS- Thermoplastic with Fibrous outer
braid, 194̊F. Fire Retardant (
Switch Boards).
TBWP- Triple Braided weather proof with no rubber used, 3 layers of water proof cotton used on single
wire outdoors services.
T2- Thermoplastic covered
fixture wire, solid or 7 stranded. 140̊F. 18-16
Awg.
Fixture Wire.
TFE- Extended Polytetrafluoroethylene. 482̊F. Dry Locations only, Apparatus or
Raceway lead wiring or open wiring,
Avl. With Nickel or nickel coated copper
wire only.
TFF- Same as T2
wire but stranded, 140̊F.
TFN- Heat Resistant Thermoplastic covered
fixture wire of solid or seven strands. 18-16
Awg. And a nylon
jacket or equivalent covering 194̊F.
TFNN- Same as TFN but stranded.
THW- TW-Wire 167̊F. With heavier heat resistant
insulation. Dry and Wet Locations, Flame Retardant. (194̊F. Special Applications within
electric discharge lighting equipment, 1,000w. open circuits or less.)
THHN- Thermoplastic 194̊F.
Insulation with outer nylon (or equivalent)
jacket Heat Resistant, Flame Retardant with nylon or equivalent
jacket. Dry and Damp Locations.
THHW- Thermoplastic 167̊F. Wet Locations. Flame Retardant, Heat Resistant. (194̊F. Dry Locations.)
TFE- Extruded Polytetra Fluoroethylene. 482̊F. Dry areas only for Apparatus and
raceway wiring or open wiring.
THWN- Thermoplastic
insulation, 167̊F. with outer nylon (or equivalent)
jacket; Flame Retardant, Heat and Water Resistant.
TPE - ‘Flexalloy is a
PVC based
UHMW therrmoplastic elastomer from Teknor Apex, Vinyl Division, that is billed as being “lighter, more flexible, and more resistant to extreme cold” than cable producted with
conventional compounds. Coast
Wire and Plastics Technology is using it to
jacket a new
line of cable that they manufacture, called FlexOLite Touring Cable. The Flexalloy compound is used for the inner
insulation and for the outer
jacket. “One bigh advantage of Flexalloy vinyl TPE for
insulation and jacketing is that it weighs only half as much as rubber,” - Jim Crisman, VP of the Entertainment Div. Of Coast
Wire (PLSN p77 Cable Construction, Nov. 2003.
TPT- Parallel Tinsel
cord. 27
Awg. 2
conductor. Thermoplastic
insulation and covering. Attached to an appliance rated at not more than 50 watts and not more than 8 feet away with a special
connector, for damp locations and not hard, but extremely flexible use. Not Twisted conductors.
TS- Jacketed Tinsel
cord. 27
Awg. 2
conductor. Thermoset
insulation and covering, same as TPT otherwise.
TST- Same as TS
cord but with thermoplastic
insulation and covering.
UF- Underground
Feeder and Branch
Circuit Cable, 140̊F. a water proof version of NMC, rated for burial in the
ground.
USE- Underground Service Entrance Cable not fire resistant but high temp.
Wire 167̊F. Replaces Lead shielded cable. Heavily rubber coated, with outer covering extra water resistant, can also be type “T” with thermoplastic protection.
V- Varnished Cambric, #6 to MCM2000, 185̊F., Dry use only.
W-
Cord Rated 2,000 volts Extra Hard Usage; 8-500 KCMil. 1-6 conductors. Replaced welding cable as in acceptable
stage cable until type SC was developed. Thermoset
insulation with Oil Resistant Thermoset
cover. Rated for
Stage and garage use.
X- Crossed linked Synthetic polymer, Very Tough, Moisture and Heat Resistant.
Fixture wire.
XF- Same as X
wire but solid or seven stranded, 302̊F. 300v. 18-10Awg. Cross-Linked Polyolefin.
XFF- Same as XF, but stranded.
XHH- Thermoset, 194̊F. Dry and damp locations. Flame Retardant.
XHHW- Moisture Resistant Thermoset, 194̊F. For dry and Damp locations and 167̊F. For wet locations. Flame Retardant, and moisture resistant.
Z-Dry and Damp Locations, 194̊F.(302̊F.Dry locations in special applications) Modified Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene.
ZF- Modified ethylene tetrafluoroethylene, solid or seven stranded, 18-14
Awg. same as Z above, 302̊F.
Fixture Wire.
ZFF- Same as ZF above but stranded.
ZHF- High temperature modified ETFE solid or seven stranded. 392̊F. 18-14
Awg.
Fixture wire.
ZW- Modified Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene Wet Locations, 167̊F.; (194̊F. Dry and Damp; 302̊F. Dry, special Applications).
