The difference between USE-2 wire and PV wire

Published on:

2022-09-29

USE-2 wire has long been the interconnection wire used in solar modules, while PV wire was first mentioned in the 2008 edition of the National Electrical Code. While both have similar construction and performance requirements, there are always differences due to their unique installation conditions. The following is a comparison of the two in terms of application, construction and testing requirements.

Applications: USE-2 wire, labeled as underground connection wire, is generally used as a connector for power supply equipment, but is only installed in humid or dry environments up to 90 degrees Celsius; PV wire is rated at 90 degrees Celsius (wet) and 150 degrees Celsius (dry) and is designed for connection to solar modules. The voltage rating of the USE-2 wire is 600V; however, the PV wire can be 600V, 1000V, and 2000V, so it can be used with solar modules designed for use in solar systems above 600V. According to the U.S. National Electrical Code, USE-2 wire can only be used in grounded solar photovoltaic arrays; however, PV wire can be used in both ungrounded and grounded solar photovoltaic arrays.

Structure: USE-2 wire is generally protected from physical damage by mechanical protection; PV wire can have thicker insulation or sheathing for additional protection. The minimum conductor size for USE-2 wire is 14 AWG; however, PV wire is available in conductors as small as 18 AWG.

Insulation and jacketing materials are generally XLPE or EPCV thermoset insulation and jacketing for USE-2 and PV wire, but other thermoset materials are occasionally used, such as CP-wrapped EP, CP-wrapped, EPCV, SBR/IIR/NR, and EP. The design of the PV wire can be based on the UF wire type, but must use complete PVC insulation and sheathing that can withstand high temperatures and humidity of 90 degrees Celsius or higher, and the thickness must be increased by an additional 15 mils.

Testing requirements: USE-2 wire is normally installed underground or in a similar environment, so it does not need to have a combustion rating; however, PV wire is installed in an exposed environment, so it needs to pass a combustion test. However, overload tests and mechanical damage tests such as crush resistance and impact tests are only applicable to USE-2 wires. As for sunlight resistance and low-temperature flexibility tests, USE-2 wire is subjected to a 300-hour weatherproof test chamber and a low-temperature chamber at minus 25 degrees Celsius, while PV wire is subjected to a 720-hour weatherproof test chamber and a low-temperature chamber at minus 40 degrees Celsius in order to meet more stringent code requirements.

Overall, PV wire is better than USE-2 wire in terms of resistance to sunlight and low temperature flexibility, and has a thicker insulation or jacket and flame resistance level; it can be expected to become the main interconnection wire for solar modules in the future because it can be used in products such as ungrounded solar photovoltaic arrays and transformers that do not come with transformers.

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图片ALT信息： Yunnan Qianlie Cable Co., Ltd.

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