In today’s demanding commercial and industrial environments, safety, durability, and performance are top priorities. When it comes to wiring infrastructure, XHHW-2 wire has earned a reputation as one of the most reliable conductors available—especially for North American markets requiring UL and NEC compliance. As a professional 25-year manufacturer based in China, JZD Cable delivers UL44-certified XHHW-2 wire for large-scale projects across the globe, ensuring consistent quality, competitive pricing, and compliance with all key regulations.
1.What Is XHHW-2? The High Heat, Moisture, Flame Resistant Cable
XHHW-2 stands for “Cross-Linked High Heat-Resistant, Water-Resistant Wire – Version 2.” It is a single conductor electrical wire with enhanced insulation designed to withstand extreme conditions:
– High temperatures up to 90°C in wet and dry locations (UL-rated)
– Excellent resistance to moisture due to its cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) insulation
– Flame-resistance, suitable for confined conduit systems
– Approved for 600V building wire applications
This type of wire is used extensively in residential, commercial, and industrial applications. In commercial high-rise buildings, for instance, it is essential for running electrical systems through metal conduits. In factories, it performs well in heat-intensive zones such as near furnaces or heavy machinery.
Compared to standard wire, XHHW-2 offers higher electrical insulation resistance and longer operational lifespan. These advantages are crucial in modern construction where efficiency and safety are non-negotiable. Additionally, its insulation does not degrade easily when exposed to oils, greases, and harsh cleaning chemicals—a factor important in manufacturing plants and chemical facilities.
2.XLPE vs. PVC: Why XHHW-2 Excels in Commercial Use
The insulation material plays a vital role in determining the performance of a wire. XHHW-2 uses XLPE (Cross-Linked Polyethylene), which is a significant upgrade from the PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) used in older wiring systems.
| Feature | XLPE (Used in XHHW-2) | PVC |
|————————–|———————————– |—————————–|
| Temperature Rating | Up to 90°C wet/dry | Up to 75°C |
| Moisture Resistance | Excellent | Moderate |
| Flame Retardance | UL1685 compliant | Lower flame resistance |
| Flexibility | High | Moderate |
| Durability | Resists abrasion & chemicals | Prone to cracking |
| Dielectric Strength | High | Lower |
With better flame and moisture resistance, XLPE-insulated XHHW-2 can be installed in underground ducts, raceways, or even exposed environments (when approved). This makes it highly versatile, suitable for both new construction and retrofit applications. It is also capable of withstanding high mechanical stress during installation, which helps reduce the chances of cracking or splitting.
3.Complying with UL44 & NEC – Certs and Reports Provided
For importers, contractors, and engineers, compliance is non-negotiable. JZD Cable’s XHHW-2 wire is rigorously tested to comply with:
– UL 44 Standard: For thermoset-insulated wires
– National Electrical Code (NEC): For usage across U.S. states
– RoHS and REACH: Environmental compliance for European and North American markets
We provide comprehensive technical documentation for every order:
– UL test and approval reports
– Factory inspection certifications
– Flame test results
– Insulation resistance tests
– Custom labeling and barcoding for warehouse traceability
Our lab reports include detailed tables on conductor resistance, dielectric withstand voltage, and tensile strength to support engineering audits. All these documents are delivered digitally and in print alongside shipments.
4.How JZD Cable Delivers Bulk Projects with 0 Defect Tolerance
As a factory with more than two decades of production experience, JZD Cable maintains international standards in production and quality control. Our XHHW-2 manufacturing lines include:
– Automatic copper drawing machines
– XLPE insulation extrusion lines with infrared control
– 100% spark testing for insulation integrity
– Tensile and elongation testing labs
Every batch is tracked using QR-coded batch labels, and export cartons are sealed with tamper-evident tape. Our internal quality policy demands:
- 100% conformity in conductor resistance
- <2% variance in insulation thickness
- 0-defect rate on sample batch testing for export orders
We also support:
– Full container and LCL shipments
– Flexible packaging (drums, coils, pull boxes)
– Palletized container loading
This makes JZD a dependable partner for EPC projects, distributors, and government tender contractors. Additionally, our production lines are ISO 9001 certified, and our operations team uses ERP software to ensure traceability of all materials from raw copper to final delivery.
5.Cost-Effective but Fully Certified: Value for Distributors
Distributors worldwide rely on JZD Cable because we strike a perfect balance between price, performance, and certification. By working directly with our factory, you cut out agents and wholesalers, allowing:
– Higher margin retention
– Faster stock turnover due to UL credibility
– Faster reordering cycles with dedicated account support
We also offer exclusive pricing tiers for:
– First-time importers (with low MOQs)
– Regional agents (with protected pricing)
– Container buyers (with tiered FOB discounts)
OEM/ODM service is also available. Our team can print your logo on the insulation or packaging to build your brand in your local market. Combined with our customizable outer sheath colors, clients have more flexibility in product differentiation.
6.Use Cases: From Hospitals to Data Centers
XHHW-2 is suitable for a wide range of projects. Let’s take a closer look:
– Hospitals: Life-safety systems require wire with high flame resistance and reliable performance.
– Shopping Centers: Large-scale lighting and HVAC systems use feeder and branch circuits with XHHW-2.
– Industrial Plants: Machinery zones use it due to its abrasion resistance and chemical compatibility.
– Schools and Universities: Electrical upgrades and lab installations often specify UL-certified wire.
– Data Centers: Dense cable management requires heat-tolerant wire to reduce fire risk and EMI.
In addition, public infrastructure projects such as transportation hubs, airports, and railway stations increasingly specify XHHW-2 due to its excellent balance of reliability and safety certifications.
7.FAQs About XHHW-2 Wires
Q1: Can I use XHHW-2 wire outdoors?**
Yes, as long as it is installed in a conduit system. It is rated for both wet and dry conditions.
Q2: Is XHHW-2 better than THHN wire?**
They serve different purposes. XHHW-2 has better moisture and flame resistance but is slightly less flexible than THHN.
Q3: What sizes are available from JZD?**
We offer AWG 14 to 1000 MCM. Both stranded and solid types are available.
Q4: Can you provide copper and aluminum conductor options?**
Yes, both are available. Aluminum options help reduce cost for large projects.
Q5: How long is the lead time for export orders?**
Typical production time is 7–12 working days for standard SKUs. Custom specs may take longer.
Q6: Does XHHW-2 support direct burial?**
No, XHHW-2 must be run inside a conduit for outdoor or underground use. For direct burial, consider URD-rated cable.
Q7: What color insulation is available?**
Black, red, white, blue, and green are standard. Custom colors available upon request.
Q8: Can JZD support urgent bulk orders?**
Yes, we maintain semi-finished stock for fast delivery on repeat orders and urgent project demands.
8.How to Choose the Right XHHW-2 Gauge for Your Project
Choosing the right wire gauge (AWG) is critical to ensuring both safety and efficiency in your electrical project. The size of the conductor affects current-carrying capacity, voltage drop, and compliance with local codes.
Key Factors to Consider:
– Current Load Requirements:** Larger systems with higher amperage require thicker wire (lower AWG number). For example, a 100-amp feeder typically uses AWG 3 or 4.
– Voltage Drop Tolerance:** For long cable runs, larger gauge wires help reduce voltage loss. Use online voltage drop calculators to determine proper size.
– Application Type: Lighting circuits may use AWG 14 or 12, while heavy-duty motors require AWG 8 or thicker.
– Conduit Fill Ratios: Ensure that the total wire fill doesn’t exceed NEC guidelines when multiple XHHW-2 wires are installed in the same conduit.
– Material: Copper conducts better than aluminum. If switching materials, cross-reference the ampacity charts.
Common AWG Sizes JZD Offers:
| AWG Size | Typical Use | Ampacity (Copper) |
|————-|——————————————-|————————|
| 14 | Lighting circuits | 15A |
| 12 | General outlets, small motors | 20A |
| 10 | HVAC systems, water heaters | 30A |
| 8 | Air conditioning, large appliances | 40A |
| 6 | Subpanels, electric stoves | 55A |
| 4 | Feeders, heavy industrial loads | 70A |
| 2 | Main service entrance, large panels | 95A |
Choosing the correct wire gauge ensures your installation is safe, energy-efficient, and NEC-compliant.
9.Contact JZD for Specification Sheet and Export Pricing
Looking for a reliable partner for XHHW-2 bulk wire exports?
We provide:
– Full datasheet with technical parameters
– Price quotations for container-level orders (FOB, CIF, DDP terms available)
– Sample delivery within 3-5 working days
– UL markings and packaging options that meet your target market needs
Get in Touch
Email: manager@jzdcable.com
WhatsApp: +86 13501587746
Website: jzdcable.com
JZD Cable is proud to be your trusted XHHW-2 supplier from China—ensuring you receive certified, high-performance cables tailored for your market’s needs.
