DIESEL LOCOMOTIVE CABLE

Diesel Locomotive (DLO) Cable is a highly flexible and durable electrical power cable, originally designed for use in diesel-electric trains. It features finely stranded copper conductors and robust insulation, making it suitable for demanding conditions. DLO cable is typically rated for high voltages, commonly 2kV, and excels in environments requiring resistance to heat, abrasion, oil, and moisture.

Beyond its original use in diesel-electric locomotives, DLO cable is widely utilized in various heavy-duty industrial settings due to its robust construction and resistance properties.

• Industrial Equipment: Drilling rigs, mining machinery, earth-moving equipment, cranes, and motor leads.
• Power Systems: Backup power systems, UPS backup systems, fuel cell systems, battery banks, and generator systems.
• Transportation: Railroad and transit car wiring.
• Marine: Shipyards and offshore applications.
• Renewable Energy: Wind turbine applications.

DLO cable's exceptional flexibility comes from its finely stranded tinned copper conductors, typically using 24 AWG strands in a rope-lay construction. Its durability is attributed to a dual-extruded construction featuring tough Ethylene Propylene Rubber (EPR) or Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) insulation and a rugged Chlorinated Polyethylene (CPE) outer jacket.

DLO cable is generally rated for high voltage applications.

• Voltage Rating: Typically 2000 Volts (2kV).
• Temperature Rating: Maximum continuous operating temperature is usually 90°C in dry conditions and 75°C in wet conditions. Many DLO cables with a UL RHH/RHW-2 rating are approved for 90°C in both wet and dry locations.

DLO cable is manufactured to meet rigorous industry standards, ensuring safety and performance in demanding environments.

• UL Listed: Often listed as Type RHH/RHW-2 per UL 44, UL 2806, and may be UL 1685 (Vertical-Tray Fire Propagation).
• CSA Certified: Frequently certified as Type RW90 per CSA C22.2 No. 38.
• MSHA Approved: Approved by the Mine Safety and Health Administration for use in mining applications.
• Other Standards: May also comply with IEEE 1202/FT4 flame tests and ICEA S-95-658 (NEMA WC70).

While both are flexible power cables, DLO cable and welding cable have key differences that dictate their appropriate use.

• Voltage Rating: DLO cable is rated for 2000V, significantly higher than welding cable's typical 600V rating.
• Code & Tray Approvals: DLO cable is dual-rated as Type RHH/RHW-2 (UL 44) for permanent building wiring and is officially rated for Cable Tray (FOR CT USE) in sizes 1/0 AWG through 1111 MCM. Welding cable is not approved by the NEC® for permanent power distribution or cable tray installations.
• Construction: DLO cable features both high-dielectric EPR insulation and a heavy-duty thermoset CPE jacket, providing two layers of defense, whereas welding cable typically has only a single jacket layer.
• Conductor Material: DLO uses tinned copper for enhanced corrosion and oxidation resistance, especially in harsh marine or chemical environments, while welding cable typically uses bare copper.

Choosing: Select DLO for permanent power distribution, conduit/raceway feeds, cable tray runs (1/0 AWG+), higher voltage applications, and resistance to corrosive elements. Welding cable is suitable for secondary leads of electric welding machines, but it is not an approved substitute for DLO cable in permanent industrial power applications.