2/0 Diesel Locomotive Cable, 2000V

2/0 AWG Diesel Locomotive Cable (DLO) is an industrial-grade, single-conductor portable power cable designed for high-stress electrical equipment and extreme power distribution configurations. Engineered to operate under a maximum continuous rating of 2000 Volts, this heavy-duty power line is built to survive constant vibration, tight bend profiles, and severe environmental abuse.

While originally engineered to transmit raw 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 or dynamic movement.

ELECTRICAL AMPACITY & PERFORMANCE DATA

Due to its high-density stranding and specialized dual-layer insulation profile, DLO cable exhibits excellent heat dissipation and high-current capacity limits:

• Maximum Current Capacity (30 degrees C Ambient Air): 300 AMPS This threshold is calculated using a continuous 90 degrees C conductor temperature operating in open-air trays.

• National Electrical Code Adjustments: When grouping multiple single-conductor DLO lines in closed structural conduits, wire troughs, or tight raceways, installers must apply NEC Article 310 derating factors based on ambient room temperatures and total enclosed conductor counts.

Key Features

• Ultra-Flexible Class I Tinned Copper Conductor: Features approximately 342 individual strands of fully annealed tinned copper. This ultra-fine layout allows the massive 2/0 gauge cable to bend and flex easily around architectural corners without kinking, while the tin coating prevents copper corrosion and eases lug terminations.

• Premium EPR (Ethylene Propylene Rubber) Insulation: Coated with a thick layer of high-dielectric EPR insulation. 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

• Diesel-Electric Locomotive Infrastructure: Supplying core power links between central diesel generator blocks, dynamic braking grids, and high-torque traction wheel motors.

• Oil and Gas Drilling Rigs: Powering high-draw mud pumps, rotary tables, drawworks equipment, and marine drilling platforms.

• Data Centers & Battery Backup Banks: Connecting high-capacity Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) networks, commercial energy storage arrays, and high-voltage backup battery setups.

• Industrial Motor & Generator Leads: Serving as flexible high-current feeder links on large manufacturing motors, automated mining machinery, and mobile generator sets.

• Telecommunications Power Plants: Providing main low-voltage drop, high-amperage DC power distribution lines inside central telephone switching hubs.

Cable Layer Architecture (From Core to Jacket)

1. Central Conductor: 2/0 AWG rope-lay, bunch-stranded tinned copper core (typically a 342/24 configuration).

2. Separator Layer: Clear polyester or paper binding tape to prevent the fine copper strands from sticking to the insulation during high-heat stripping operations.

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

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

Technical Specifications

• Conductor Size: 2/0 AWG

• Conductor Stranding Count: Approx. 342 Strands (24 AWG strand size)

• Conductor Material: Tinned Annealed Copper

• Insulation Material: Ethylene Propylene Rubber (EPR)

• Jacket Material: Chlorinated Polyethylene (CPE)

• Nominal Outer Diameter: Approx. 0.69 to 0.74 inches (Varies slightly by manufacturer)

• Approximate Net Weight: Approx. 580 to 610 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/RW90-TC (1kV), MSHA Approved (Mine Safety), ICEA S-95-658, NEMA WC-70, IEEE 1202/FT4 Flame Test Compliant

Technical Note Regarding Lugs: Because 2/0 DLO cable utilizes extra-fine Class I stranding, standard mechanical compression lugs or standard building wire barrels cannot be used. Attempting to force fine stranding into a standard building wire lug will shred the copper fibers and create a major fire hazard from loose connections. Installers must exclusively use specialty chamfered compression lugs specifically rated for "Flexible Strand, Class I, or DLO Cable" and secure them using calibrated crimping dies.

CABLE TYPE: 2/0 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 2/0 DLO 2000V Use Cases

• Locomotive Traction Motor Jumper Lines: Routes high-voltage electrical current from diesel-electric generators to individual traction motors on commercial railcars, freight trains, and passenger mass transit systems.
• Oil & Gas Rig Power Feeder Networks: Deployed across onshore and offshore drilling platforms to supply 2000V electrical power to top drives, drawworks, high-pressure mud pumps, and heavy-duty distribution panels.
• Data Center UPS & Battery Bank Connections: Serves as high-flexibility, high-ampacity battery jumper and distribution cabling within uninterruptible power supply (UPS) rooms and telecommunications central offices.
• Heavy-Duty Automated Welding Infrastructure: Utilized as flexible power supply links in robotic welding cells and heavy automotive fabrication plants where repetitive machine motion would shear standard-stranded wire.
• Ship-to-Shore Marine Power Systems: Used extensively by maritime facilities and shipyard contractors as rugged shore-power cables to safely supply large vessels with electricity while docked.
• Mining Machinery Operations & Articulations: Routes raw power to electric shovels, draglines, conveyor networks, and continuous miners operating under high vibration and mechanical stress in open-pit or deep-earth mines.

Who Relies on 2/0 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 power 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: Field technicians who choose 2/0 Diesel Locomotive Cable (DLO) for its exceptionally fine Class I tinned copper stranding (342/24 configuration), which allows a thick power cable to maneuver tight layout bends with ease.
• Data Center Facility Infrastructure Engineers: 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.