Wire & Cable Answers

Find answers to common questions about wire and cable terminology, materials, usage, and standards. From acronyms to manufacturing methods, we're building a comprehensive guide to get you up to speed quickly.

Helpful Articles

• Ampacity Chart: Wire Size and Amp Ratings
• Belden: What’s in a Name
• Ore to Conductor: The Industrial Evolution of Copper Wire

Glossary of Terms 

• Diesel Locomotive (DLO) Cable
• FT4 Fire Rating
• ICEA S-95-658/NEMA WC70
• IEEE 1202
• LSZH Cable or Low Smoke Zero Halogen
• NEC Article 310
• NEC Article 725
• NEC 725.154
• PLTC (Power-Limited Tray Cable)
• RHH/RHW-2
• SOOW Cable or SO Cord
• Submersible Well Pump Wire
• UL 1685
• Wire Conductor

This vs That: What's the Difference?

• Aluminum vs Copper Conductors: A Technical Comparison
• Bare Copper vs Tinned and Other Wire Plating
• THWN Wire vs THHN Wire
• XHHW-2 vs THHN/THWN-2 Wire