RWU90 Aluminum Building Wire - 250/350/500 kcmil
Product Overview
This RWU90 Aluminum Building Wire delivers cost-efficient power distribution for commercial and industrial installations. Featuring AA-8000 series aluminum conductors with XLPE insulation, this CSA-certified solution meets rigorous Canadian safety standards while offering 40% weight savings versus copper equivalents. Ideal for conduit and raceway installations in dry/wet locations.
Construction & Materials
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Conductor | AA-8000 series aluminum (ASTM B800) |
| Stranding | Class B compressed strand |
| Insulation | RWU90-Rated XLPE (Cross-Linked Polyethylene) |
| Surface Treatment | Antioxidant compound coating |
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Performance Data |
|---|---|
| Conductor Sizes | 14 AWG - 500 kcmil |
| Voltage Rating | 600V AC/DC |
| Temp. Range | -40°C to +90°C (Dry) / -40°C to +75°C (Wet) |
| Ampacity (90°C) | (Typical values): • 250 kcmil: 215A • 350 kcmil: 270A • 500 kcmil: 340A |
| Conductivity | 61% IACS (International Annealed Copper Standard) |
| Standards | CSA C22.2 No. 38 • FT1 Flame Test |
Full ampacity tables available per NEC/CEC regulations
Key Applications
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Service Entrance Conductors: Main power feeds >100A
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Industrial Distribution Panels: Feeder circuits in manufacturing plants
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Renewable Energy Systems: Solar farm combiner boxes
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Commercial Buildings: Conduit-wired branch circuits
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HVAC Infrastructure: Chiller plant power distribution
Product Advantages
| Benefit | Technical Advantage |
|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | 40-50% material savings vs. copper |
| Weight Reduction | 60% lighter for easier pulling in conduits |
| Corrosion Resistance | AA-8000 alloy + antioxidant coating |
| Thermal Performance | XLPE maintains integrity at 90°C continuous |
| Code Compliance | Meals CEC Section 12 & NEC Article 310 requirements |
Engineering Selection Guide
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Size Calculation
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Use 250 kcmil for 200A services
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Select 500 kcmil for 400A feeders
Ampacity derating mandatory per CEC Table 2
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Installation Requirements
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Termination: Use AL-rated lugs with antioxidant paste
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Bending Radius: Minimum 7x overall diameter
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Torque Specs: Follow manufacturer's AL-specific values
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Environmental Suitability
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Approved for:
✓ Dry locations
✓ Wet locations
✓ Concrete encasement -
Not rated for:
× Direct soil burial
× Continuous sunlight exposure
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Comparative Ampacity (90°C)
| Size | Aluminum (A) | Copper (A) | Weight Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 250 kcmil | 215 | 290 | 52% |
| 350 kcmil | 270 | 350 | 57% |
| 500 kcmil | 340 | 430 | 62% |
Packaging & Identification
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Standard Lengths | 500m, 1000m (longer runs = fewer joints) |
| Reel Type | Wooden reels with moisture-resistant wrap |
| Cable Marking | Continuous printing:[MFG] RWU90 [SIZE] 600V AL/XLPE [DATE] |
| Color Coding | Black insulation (custom colors available) |
Compliance & Safety
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Certifications: CSA C22.2 No. 38 • CUL Listed
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Flame Rating: FT1 Vertical Flame Test (CSA)
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Environmental: RoHS 3 compliant
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Traceability: Lot number + date code every 3 meters
Optimized for Cost-Sensitive Power Distribution
This RWU90 aluminum building wire delivers code-compliant performance where conductor size matters. The AA-8000 series conductor with XLPE insulation provides superior corrosion resistance versus traditional aluminum wires, making it ideal for:
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High-amperage service entrances
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Industrial plant expansions
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Budget-conscious construction projects
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Renewable energy infrastructure
Key Technical Notes:
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AA-8000 alloy meets ASTM B800 requirements for creep resistance
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XLPE insulation thickness exceeds CSA minimums by 15%
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All terminations require UL-listed AL/CU-rated connectors
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NEC 310.15(B)(7) permits 83% ampacity for residential feeders
Industry Limitation Notice: Not recommended for:
‣ Flexible cord applications
‶ Termination in AL-incompatible devices
‣ Circuits with frequent vibration/movement