XHHW-2 WIRE

XHHW-2 Wire is commonly used in commercial and industrial buildings for power distribution, control circuits, and lighting. XHHW stands for (X) Cross Linked (HH) High Heat-resistant  (W) Water-resistant (-2) signifies a temp rating of 90°C in both wet and dry locations .  This electrical building wire contains a tough cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) insulation resistant to chemicals, abrasions, and sunlight.  XHHW-2 is dual rated for 600V or 1000V . XHHW-2 wire comes in copper or aluminum conductors and offered in several different colors.

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XHHW-2 is a heavy-duty, thermoset electrical building wire rated for 600V (and up to 1000V) used in commercial, industrial, and solar applications. Installed in conduit or raceways, it is commonly used for service entrances, main feeders, branch circuits, and healthcare facilities requiring a dielectric constant under 3.5.

The acronym describes the wire's insulation and temperature performance:

  • X: Cross-Linked Polyethylene (XLPE) thermoset insulation.
  • HH: High-Heat resistant.
  • W: Water-resistant for wet locations.
  • -2: Rated for a continuous 90°C operating temperature in both wet and dry environments.

The main difference is the insulation material and durability:

  • Insulation: XHHW-2 uses thick thermoset XLPE, which will not melt under thermal overloads. THHN uses thermoplastic PVC with a nylon jacket, which can soften when exposed to extreme heat.
  • Environmental Resistance: XLPE insulation offers superior resistance to moisture, chemical exposure, ozone, and cold-weather cracking.
  • Conduit Pulling: XHHW-2 lacks the sticky outer nylon jacket found on THHN, making it significantly easier to pull through long conduit runs or complex bends.

No, standard XHHW-2 building wire must be installed within a raceway, conduit, or cable tray. For direct burial applications without conduit, look for URD, USE-2, or direct-burial rated feeders.

At Wire America, most standard copper and aluminum XHHW-2 orders—including custom cut-to-length footages—process and ship within 24 to 48 hours to keep your job site on schedule. We also offer expedited shipping options at checkout if you need a guaranteed delivery date.

Fast! At Wire America, most standard copper and aluminum XHHW-2 orders—including custom cut-to-length footages and full spools—are processed and shipped within 24 to 48 business hours.

Need it sooner for an urgent job-site installation? We offer expedited shipping options at checkout so you can secure guaranteed delivery dates.

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Copper and Aluminum XHHW-2 Building Wire

XHHW-2 (Cross-Linked High Heat-Resistant Water-Resistant) is a high-performance building wire designed for use in power distribution, service feeders, and branch circuits in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Unlike standard THHN wire, XHHW-2 features a rugged, thermoset Cross-Linked Polyethylene (XLPE) insulation that does not require a nylon jacket. This specialized insulation provides superior resistance to heat, moisture, abrasion, and environmental stress cracking, making it the industry standard for demanding environments. Rated for 600V and 90°C in both wet and dry locations, XHHW-2 is available in high-conductivity copper or lightweight 8000-series aluminum, offering exceptional electrical integrity and a long service life in conduit or other recognized raceways.

Key Features
  • Thermoset XLPE Insulation: Features cross-linked polyethylene insulation that remains stable under high heat and won't melt or drip like thermoplastic alternatives.
  • Superior Moisture Resistance: Specifically rated for 90°C in wet environments (the "-2" designation), ensuring performance in areas prone to condensation or water ingress.
  • Enhanced Chemical Durability: Highly resistant to oil, gasoline, and various industrial chemicals, making it ideal for manufacturing and processing facilities.
  • No Nylon Jacket Required: The rugged XLPE exterior provides its own mechanical protection, eliminating the risk of "skinning" the nylon layer during difficult pulls.
  • Material Versatility: Available in soft-annealed copper for maximum conductivity or 8000-series aluminum for lightweight, cost-effective large-gauge feeders.
  • Full Regulatory Compliance: Manufactured to meet UL 44, CSA C22.2 No. 38, and Federal Specification A-A-59544, compliant with NEC Article 310.
Common Applications
  • Industrial Power Feeders: The primary choice for heavy-duty power distribution in factories, refineries, and chemical plants.
  • Commercial Service Entrances: Used for routing power from utility transformers to main electrical panels in high-rise buildings and retail centers.
  • Underground Raceway Systems: Optimized for installation in underground conduits where moisture and high temperatures are frequent concerns.
  • Data Center Infrastructure: Deployed in sensitive networking environments where high-current reliability and heat dissipation are essential.
  • Health Care Facilities: Frequently used in hospitals and clinics for critical power circuits requiring maximum durability.
  • Water Treatment Plants: Ideal for powering pumps and control systems in environments with constant moisture and chemical exposure.
  • Renewable Energy Installations: Utilized as a high-performance feeder in solar and wind energy projects for both DC and AC power runs.