10 AWG Diesel Locomotive Cable, 2000V

10 AWG Diesel Locomotive Cable (DLO) is an industrial-grade, single-conductor portable power cable designed for specialized electrical equipment and high-durability power distribution configurations. Engineered to operate under a maximum continuous rating of 2000 Volts, this heavy-duty power line is built to withstand constant vibration, tight bend profiles, and severe environmental abuse in a relatively compact gauge.

While originally engineered to transmit energy from traction generators to drive motors in diesel-electric locomotives, its supreme durability has made it a preferred choice for stationary and mobile applications. It functions as a flexible alternative to standard building wire (like THHN or XHHW) in situations requiring a tight bending radius, dynamic movement, or protection against chemicals and abrasion.

ELECTRICAL AMPACITY & PERFORMANCE DATA

Due to its robust stranding and specialized dual-layer insulation profile, 10 AWG DLO cable exhibits excellent heat dissipation and reliable current capacity limits:

• Maximum Current Capacity (30 degrees C Ambient Air): 55 AMPS This threshold is calculated using a continuous 90 degrees C conductor temperature operating as a single conductor in free air per National Electrical Code (NEC) tables.

• National Electrical Code Adjustments: When grouping multiple single-conductor DLO lines in closed structural conduits, wire troughs, or tight raceways, installers must apply standard NEC derating factors based on ambient room temperatures and total enclosed conductor counts.

Key Features

• Flexible Class I Tinned Copper Conductor: Features a 27-strand layout of fully annealed tinned copper (typically a 27/24 configuration). This configuration allows the 10 AWG cable to bend easily around tight structural boundaries without kinking, while the tin coating prevents copper corrosion and ensures long-term integrity at terminations.

• Premium EPR (Ethylene Propylene Rubber) Insulation: Coated with a high-dielectric EPR or EPDM insulation layer. This thermoset compound handles extreme temperature swings without softening, cracking, or experiencing internal voltage tracking breakdowns under 2000V strains.

• Heavy-Duty CPE (Chlorinated Polyethylene) Outer Jacket: Protected by an industrial-grade, abrasion-resistant black CPE jacket. It provides excellent defense against grease, fuel oils, petrochemical solvents, ozone, severe impacts, and continuous open-air sunlight exposure.

• Multi-Certified Safety Standard Ratings: Dual-listed as Type RHH/RHW-2 under UL 44, allowing code-compliant installation at 90 degrees C in both wet and dry applications.

Common Applications

• Small Motor & Generator Leads: Serving as flexible feeder links on smaller manufacturing motors, control systems, and automated machinery.

• Control Panels & Switchgear: Providing high-voltage, high-flexibility interconnectivity inside heavy industrial control enclosures and multi-zone transfer switches.

• Telecom Power Plants: Providing localized low-voltage drop, high-amperage DC power distribution lines inside central telephone switching hubs and equipment racks.

• Diesel-Electric Locomotive Infrastructure: Supplying auxiliary power links, control panel feeds, and lighting grids across transit and locomotive cars.

Cable Layer Architecture (From Core to Jacket)

1. Central Conductor: 10 AWG stranded tinned copper core (27/24 layout).

2. Separator Layer: Clear polyester or paper binding tape applied between the conductor and insulation for smooth, easy stripping during field termination.

3. Primary Insulation: Premium-grade Ethylene Propylene Rubber (EPR or EPDM).

4. Outer Protective Armor: Rugged, thermoset, weather-proof Black Chlorinated Polyethylene (CPE) jacket.

Technical Specifications

• Conductor Size: 10 AWG

• Conductor Stranding Count: 27 Strands (24 AWG individual strand size)

• Conductor Material: Tinned Annealed Copper

• Insulation Material: Ethylene Propylene Rubber (EPR / EPDM)

• Jacket Material: Chlorinated Polyethylene (CPE)

• Nominal Outer Diameter: Approx. 0.250 to 0.265 inches (Varies slightly by manufacturer)

• Approximate Net Weight: Approx. 60 to 68 lbs per 1000 feet

• Voltage Rating: 2000 Volts Maximum

• Maximum Conductor Temperature: 90 degrees C (Continuous wet or dry)

• Compliance Standards: UL Listed Type RHH/RHW-2, CSA Type RW90 (1kV), MSHA Approved (Mine Safety), ICEA S-95-658, NEMA WC-70, IEEE 1202/FT4 Flame Test Compliant, RoHS Compliant

Technical Note Regarding Lugs: Because 10 AWG DLO cable utilizes Class I flexible stranding rather than stiff commercial solid or coarse building wire strands, it is critical to use properly sized compression terminals or control lugs. Ensure that all strands are fully contained within the lug barrel before crimping to prevent loose connections or fraying, which can degrade signal/power transmission and cause localized heating failures.

CABLE TYPE: 10 AWG Single-Conductor Flexible 2000V Diesel Locomotive Power Cable (Black CPE Jacket)

DISCLAIMER: The technical information provided is for general reference only. Industrial high-voltage power networks and flexible cable trays must strictly comply with the National Electrical Code (NEC), local municipal safety enforcement mandates, and individual equipment installation datasheets. Always verify official product submittal listings and exact core metrics with your electrical component manufacturer prior to configuring terminal arrays or subjecting lines to high pulling forces.

⚠️ The applications listed below are for informational and educational purposes only. Electrical code requirements vary significantly by region. Always consult a licensed electrician and your local building authority to verify compliance with the National Electrical Code (NEC®) for your specific project before purchasing or installing cable.

Common 10 AWG DLO 2000V Use Cases

• Locomotive Control Systems & Cab Signal Wiring: Delivers power to vital dashboard electronics, dynamic braking circuits, diagnostic consoles, and auxiliary equipment inside diesel-electric locomotive cabins.
• Industrial Motor Control Centers (MCC): Functions as high-flexibility internal cabinet wiring and jumper connections within motor control centers, relay panels, and heavy-duty industrial switchgear.
• Oil & Gas Rig Instrumentation: Deployed across onshore and offshore drilling platforms to supply 2000V electricity to telemetry sensors, control skids, and automated valves where standard wire is too rigid.
• Data Center UPS & Battery Bank Connections: Serves as flexible backup battery connections, monitoring links, and control lines within high-density uninterruptible power supply (UPS) rooms and telecommunications grids.
• Shipyard & Marine Vessel Sub-Systems: Used extensively for internal shipboard auxiliary distribution, bilge pump control, and radar towers due to its high salt-spray and moisture resistance.
• Mining Machinery Controls & Articulations: Routes control power and auxiliary signaling to electric shovels, draglines, conveyor systems, and continuous miners operating under continuous mechanical vibration.

Who Relies on 10 AWG DLO 2000V?

Target Industries

• Railroad & Transit Engineering Infrastructure: Selected by regional rail authorities and locomotive maintenance yards for complete rolling stock overhauls and equipment retrofits.
• Industrial Manufacturing & Automated Assembly: Integrated into heavy fabrication facilities, steel mills, and automotive assembly plants requiring resilient, flexible control feeds.
• Petrochemical & Marine Energy Production: Heavily utilized by marine contractors and oilfield service companies operating in aggressive, high-vibration, and corrosive environments.
• Enterprise Cloud & Infrastructure Technology: Implemented across massive data center campuses to link emergency generator backups and high-capacity battery storage banks.

Core Professionals & Buyers

• Industrial & Rig Electricians / Panel Builders: Field technicians who choose 10 AWG Diesel Locomotive Cable (DLO) for its exceptionally fine Class I tinned copper stranding (typically a 105/30 configuration), which allows a thick power cable to maneuver tight layout bends with ease.
• Control Systems Engineers: Infrastructure managers who specify DLO because its premium Ethylene Propylene Rubber (EPR) insulation provides superior 2000V dielectric protection and heat resistance.
• Industrial Project Estimators & Procurement Officers: Buyers who track long-term maintenance cycles and rely on the rugged Chlorinated Polyethylene (CPE) jacket to resist oils, acids, solvents, and ozone without cracking.
• Safety & Mine Inspectors (MSHA/UL): Regulatory field officers who verify Dual-Rated RHH/RHW-2 attributes and MSHA flame-retardant listings for safe deployment in hazardous locations and open cable trays.

General Shipping Information

In-stock orders placed before 3pm EST typically ship within 1-2 business days. Our business days are Monday through Friday; we do not process orders on Saturday, Sunday, or major US Holidays.

You will receive an e-mail with a tracking number within 1-2 business days from the time its shipped. You will also be able to view your order status and tracking numbers in your account order history.

Expedited Shipping

Expedited shipments are delivered Monday-Friday except on US Holidays. The order must be placed before 12pm CST to ship same day ( Mon-Fri Only).

Returns

You have 30 days from the day you receive the item to contact us for a return. Returns are subject to a 30% Restocking Fee.

Please contact us at help@wireamerica.com to request a return authorization. Have your order number or name the order was placed with ready and we will email you an RMA (return) number and instructions for return. Currently, we do not offer exchanges. A new order must be placed if you need a different item. If you provide the new order number at the time of your return request, the restocking fee may be lowered.

Orders on any items with a material value of $50 or less are non-returnable.