535 MCM Diesel Locomotive Cable, 2000V

535 MCM Diesel Locomotive Cable (DLO) is an ultra-heavy-duty, single-conductor portable power cable designed for massive industrial power distribution networks and severe high-stress electrical setups. Engineered to safely manage a maximum continuous electrical pressure of 2000 Volts, this high-capacity power line is built to survive heavy vibration, aggressive mechanical handling, and unforgiving field conditions.

While originally developed to feed high-voltage electrical energy from traction generators to the drive motors of heavy diesel-electric locomotives, its raw strength and exceptional flexibility make it a top choice for stationary and mobile applications. It serves as an ultra-flexible alternative to standard, stiff commercial building wire (such as THHN or XHHW-2) in complex commercial installations requiring tight bends or continuous dynamic motion.

ELECTRICAL AMPACITY & PERFORMANCE DATA

Thanks to its dense network of fine-drawn strands and a thick dual-layer insulation assembly, 535 MCM DLO exhibits outstanding thermal dissipation properties and ultra-high-current handling limits:

• Maximum Current Capacity (30 degrees C Ambient Air): 765 AMPS This premium capacity rating is evaluated based on a continuous 90 degrees C conductor temperature operating in an open-air cable tray environment.

• National Electrical Code Adjustments: When packing multiple single-conductor 535 MCM DLO lines inside a closed structural conduit, wire trough, or enclosed raceway, electricians must apply NEC Article 310 derating adjustments based on ambient room temperatures and total enclosed conductor counts.

Key Features

• Extreme-Flexibility Class I Tinned Copper Conductor: Composed of 1330 individual strands of fully annealed tinned copper. This ultra-fine layout allows a massive 535,000 circular mil (MCM) conductor to bend smoothly around architectural structures without kinking, while the outer tin layer neutralizes copper oxidation and simplifies lug terminations.

• Premium EPR (Ethylene Propylene Rubber) Insulation: Shielded by a thick layer of high-dielectric EPR insulation. This thermoset material resists softening, melting, or cracking under extreme temperature fluctuations and protects the core against internal voltage tracking failures under 2000V loads.

• Heavy-Duty CPE (Chlorinated Polyethylene) Outer Jacket: Wrapped in an industrial-grade, abrasion-resistant black CPE jacket. It stands up to grease, fuel oils, petrochemical solvents, ozone, severe structural impacts, and nonstop open-air sunlight exposure.

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

Common Applications

• Diesel-Electric Locomotive Networks: Distributing high-amp energy paths between central engine generator blocks, dynamic braking grids, and heavy-duty wheel traction motors.

• Oil and Gas Drilling Rigs: Powering massive mud pumps, top drives, drawworks equipment, and offshore marine drilling platforms.

• Data Centers & Bulk Battery Storage Hubs: Interconnecting massive Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems, utility-scale battery storage arrays, and high-voltage emergency backup setups.

• Industrial Motor & Generator Leads: Acting as a flexible, high-current feeder line on mining shovels, heavy manufacturing motors, and large mobile generator sets.

• Shipboard & Marine Power Distribution: Supplying heavy-duty flexible power trunks across shipyards, commercial transport vessels, and marine docks.

Cable Layer Architecture (From Core to Jacket)

1. Central Conductor: 535 MCM rope-lay, bunch-stranded tinned copper core (1330/24 layout configuration).

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

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: 535 MCM (535,000 Circular Mils)

• Conductor Stranding Count: 1330 Strands (24 AWG individual strand size)

• Conductor Material: Tinned Annealed Copper

• Insulation Material: Ethylene Propylene Rubber (EPR)

• Jacket Material: Chlorinated Polyethylene (CPE)

• Nominal Outer Diameter: Approx. 1.29 to 1.34 inches (Varies slightly by manufacturer)

• Approximate Net Weight: Approx. 2095 to 2150 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 535 MCM DLO cable is engineered with extra-fine Class I stranding, standard mechanical compression lugs or standard commercial building wire barrels must never be used. Trying to crush fine stranding into a standard building wire lug will tear the individual copper fibers and create a serious fire hazard due to loose electrical connections. Installers must exclusively use specialty chamfered compression lugs explicitly stamped and rated for "Flexible Strand, Class I, or DLO Cable" and secure them using calibrated crimping dies.

CABLE TYPE: 535 MCM 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 535 MCM DLO 2000V Use Cases

• Diesel-Electric Locomotive Traction Motors: Functions as the primary high-flexibility power lead supplying high-voltage current from the main diesel generator to the traction motors on railroad locomotives and rolling stock.
• Massive Industrial Motor Leads: Connects massive high-horsepower industrial electric motors, pumps, and compressors to power sources where extreme mechanical vibration would shear solid or standard-stranded cabling.
• Oil & Gas Drilling Rig Power Infrastructure: Deployed extensively on onshore and offshore drilling platforms to supply 2000V electricity to top drives, mud pumps, and heavy-duty drawworks systems.
• Telecom & Data Center Backup Power: Serves as the central, high-ampacity distribution trunk cable connecting massive backup battery banks and backup power systems to telecommunications grids and server frames.
• Heavy Mining & Earth-Moving Machinery: Routes raw power through articulation points and moving joints on continuous miners, draglines, and large electric shovels operating in aggressive environments.
• Shipyard & Marine Vessel Power Links: Deployed as heavy-duty shore-power lines, marine shipboard distribution cables, and shipyard fabrication grid feeders due to its high salt-spray and moisture resistance.

Who Relies on 535 MCM DLO 2000V?

Target Industries

• Railroad & Transit Engineering: Heavily utilized in locomotive assembly plants, maintenance yards, and regional transit authorities for heavy rolling stock overhauls.
• Heavy Industrial Infrastructure & Mining: Integrated into deep-earth mining networks, aggregate processing mills, and heavy earth-moving equipment fleets.
• Marine & Off-Shore Construction: Selected by shipyard contractors and offshore energy firms requiring rugged, corrosion-resistant, high-amperage electrical lines.
• Critical Facility Data Centers: Implemented in the construction of large-scale cloud computing facilities and telecom central hubs for high-density power delivery.

Core Professionals & Buyers

• Heavy Industrial & Marine Electricians: Field technicians who choose Diesel Locomotive Cable (DLO) for its fine Class I tinned copper stranding (1325/24 layout), allowing a massive 1-inch thick cable to bend smoothly around tight structural radii.
• Rig Electrical Engineers & SUE Contractors: Procurement managers who specify DLO because its premium-grade Ethylene Propylene Rubber (EPR) insulation handles up to 2000V with extreme dielectric strength.
• Project Estimators & Industrial Procurement Officers: System designers tracking mechanical wear budgets who rely on the rugged Chlorinated Polyethylene (CPE) thermoset jacket to resist oil, acids, heat, and flame without degrading.
• Electrical & Mine Inspectors (MSHA/UL): Safety code compliance officers who verify Dual-Rated RHH/RHW-2 classifications and MSHA flame-resistance approvals for high-amperage cable installations in hazardous tray systems.

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.