2 AWG Diesel Locomotive Cable (DLO) is an industrial-grade, single-conductor portable power cable designed for high-stress electrical equipment and rugged 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): 190 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 163 individual strands of fully annealed tinned copper. This ultra-fine layout allows the 2 AWG 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 auxiliary power links between central diesel generator blocks, dynamic braking grids, and auxiliary equipment.
Oil and Gas Drilling Rigs: Powering mud pumps, localized control enclosures, rotary tables, 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 manufacturing motors, automated mining machinery, and mobile generator sets.
Telecommunications Power Plants: Providing localized low-voltage drop, high-amperage DC power distribution lines inside central switching hubs.
Cable Layer Architecture (From Core to Jacket)
Central Conductor: 2 AWG rope-lay, bunch-stranded tinned copper core (typically a 163/24 configuration).
Separator Layer: Clear polyester or paper binding tape to prevent the fine copper strands from sticking to the insulation during high-heat stripping operations.
Primary Insulation: Premium-grade Ethylene Propylene Rubber (EPR).
Outer Protective Armor: Rugged, thermoset, weather-proof Black Chlorinated Polyethylene (CPE) jacket.
Technical Specifications
Conductor Size: 2 AWG
Conductor Stranding Count: Approx. 163 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. 0.57 to 0.61 inches (Varies slightly by manufacturer)
Approximate Net Weight: Approx. 295 to 325 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 AWG 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 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.