Product Information

Specification

12 XLP USE-2 RHH RHW-2 Copper Building Wire

Allowable Ampacity:

• In Free Air (90°C): 25 Amps
• In Raceway or Direct Burial (90°C): 20 Amps

Also Known As: 

12 XLP USE-2 RHH RHW-2 Copper Building Wire, 12 Copper RHH Wire, 12 Copper RHH Cable, 12 Direct Burial Electrical Cable, 12 Direct Burial Power Cable, 12 Direct Burial Service Entrance Cable, 12 Underground Service Entrance Cable.

Description

This 12 AWG copper building wire is a versatile electrical conductor with multiple ratings—RHH, RHW-2, and USE-2—designed for residential, light commercial, and small-scale industrial applications. It is suitable for both wet and dry locations, with a 90°C maximum operating temperature in either environment. The USE-2 rating makes it ideal for direct burial and underground service entrance applications.

With a 600V rating, this wire is commonly used in lighting, low-power distribution, photovoltaic connections, raceways, and aerial applications. It is also suitable for conduit installations per NEC specifications. The annealed soft copper conductor provides superior conductivity and performance, especially in smaller conduit spaces compared to aluminum alternatives.

Applications:

• Underground service entrance cable for direct burial in residential applications.
• Feeder and branch circuits for small electrical loads such as lighting and outlets.
• Raceway and conduit installations where space and flexibility are key considerations.
• Aerial installations for low-power outdoor applications.
• Photovoltaic (solar panel) connections for small residential solar systems.

This 12 AWG copper wire is commonly used for small electrical systems, low-power feeders, and lighting applications, making it an efficient choice for residential and light commercial use.

Construction:

Conductor:

RHH/RHW-2/USE-2 conductors are made of annealed soft copper. Compared to aluminum, this conductor performs better in smaller conduits.

Insulation:

The cable has an abrasion, heat, and moisture resistant cross-linked polyethylene insulation (XLPE). The insulation is durable in harsh conditions.

Standards:

• ASTM B-3 Soft Annealed Copper
• ASTM B-8 Concentric Lay Stranded Conductors
• ASTM B787 Unilay-Stranded Copper Conductors
• UL Standard 44 Type RHH and RHW
• UL Standard 854 Type USE-Service Entrance
• Federal Specifications J-C-30B, ICEA S-66-524 , NEMA WC-7, A-A-59544
• FAA Spec. L824 Type C Sizes 12-4 AWG as Airport lighting Cable
• VW-1 available where flame retardancy required. 1/0 and larger rated for CT use.
• VW-1 available on special request
• RoHS Compliant

Specifications:

• Size AWG: 12 
• Weight per 1000 ft: 30 lbs
• Outside Diameter: 0.179 inches
• Number of Strands: 7
• Insulation: XLPE
• Insulation Thickness: .045
  
  

*Data provided on this page is subject to change based on different manufacturers' variances

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