8 AWG Diesel Locomotive Cable, 2000V

8 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): 80 AMPS This threshold is calculated using a continuous 90 degrees C conductor temperature operating as a single conductor 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 37 to 41 individual strands of fully annealed tinned copper (typically a 37/24 or 41/24 configuration). This fine layout allows the 8 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 or EPDM 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

• Industrial Motor & Generator Leads: Serving as flexible high-current feeder links on smaller manufacturing motors, control systems, and mobile generator sets.

• Oil and Gas Drilling Rigs: Powering auxiliary pumps, localized control enclosures, and marine drilling platform systems.

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

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

• Diesel-Electric Locomotive Infrastructure: Supplying auxiliary power links, traction system controls, and transit car grids.

Cable Layer Architecture (From Core to Jacket)

1. Central Conductor: 8 AWG rope-lay, bunch-stranded tinned copper core (typically 37 or 41 strands).

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/EPDM).

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

Technical Specifications

• Conductor Size: 8 AWG

• Conductor Stranding Count: 37 to 41 Strands (24 AWG strand size)

• Conductor Material: Tinned Annealed Copper

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

• Jacket Material: Chlorinated Polyethylene (CPE)

• Nominal Outer Diameter: Approx. 0.33 to 0.35 inches (Varies slightly by manufacturer)

• Approximate Net Weight: Approx. 85 to 97 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 8 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: 8 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 8 AWG DLO 2000V Use Cases

• Locomotive Controls & Dashboard Electronics: Routes power to cabin lighting, diagnostic consoles, monitoring arrays, and low-draw electrical sub-systems from the auxiliary generator plant.
• Industrial Motor Control Centers (MCC): Used as high-flexibility panel wire and cross-connect jumper lines within crowded industrial switchgear cabinets where standard wire is too rigid to route.
• Oil & Gas Rig Low-Amperage Distribution: Deployed across onshore and offshore drilling platforms to safely supply 2000V electricity to localized telemetry sensors, control skids, and automated valves.
• Data Center UPS & Battery Bank Jumpers: Serves as high-flexibility battery connections and control links within high-density uninterruptible power supply (UPS) rooms and telecommunications networks.
• Marine Vessel & Shipboard Sub-Systems: Utilized for internal shipboard distribution, bilge pump control, and radar tower wiring due to its exceptional resistance to salt spray and moisture.
• Mining Machinery Controls & Articulations: Routes control power and auxiliary signaling to electric shovels, draglines, and continuous miners operating under severe mechanical vibration.

Who Relies on 8 AWG DLO 2000V?

Target Industries

• Railroad & Mass Transit Systems: Relied upon by transit authorities, locomotive assembly plants, and rail maintenance yards for auxiliary signaling and dashboard wiring.
• Petrochemical & Drilling Infrastructure: Extensively utilized by oilfield technology companies and offshore marine contractors operating in harsh, hazardous environments.
• Industrial Automation & Panel Building: Integrated into custom electrical control panels, manufacturing machinery, and power distribution systems.
• Marine Vessel Construction: Selected by shipyard electrical teams requiring flexible, rugged, corrosion-resistant wiring for narrow hull pathways.

Core Professionals & Buyers

• Panel Builders & Industrial Electricians: Technicians who choose 8 AWG Diesel Locomotive Cable (DLO) for its exceptionally fine Class I tinned copper stranding (37/24 configuration), allowing it to bend sharply around terminal blocks without kinking.
• Control Systems Engineers: Procurement professionals who specify DLO because its premium Ethylene Propylene Rubber (EPR) insulation delivers massive 2000V dielectric strength even in small conductor diameters.
• Industrial Estimators & Buyers: Supply chain managers tracking long-term asset life who count on the Chlorinated Polyethylene (CPE) thermoset jacket to resist oils, cutting fluids, heat, and ozone without cracking.
• Safety & Code Compliance Inspectors: Field regulatory officers who look for Dual-Rated RHH/RHW-2 attributes and MSHA flame-retardant listings to approve hazardous location or open cable tray wire configurations.

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.