Posted by AWG Content Team on November 28, 2022 | Comments Off on Solar Cables & Accessories
American Wire Group provides photovoltaic wire, power cables, control cables, accessories, and hardware for the Solar market. Our cables are sturdy, weather-resistant, and can withstand mechanical stress from bending, stretching, or pressure. As a leader in the solar wire and cable market, we are well-equipped to offer the best solutions for every connectivity project.
American Wire Group’s solar power system solutions include:
Photovoltaic cables
Communication cables
Grounding cables
Medium voltage power cables
Transmission wire & cable
Hardware
Equipment
Read on to learn more about our solar power systems solutions.
Photovoltaic (PV) Wire
PV wire is a single conductor, sunlight-resistant wire rated 90ºC wet or dry for interconnection wiring of grounded and ungrounded photovoltaic power systems
The National Electrical Code (NEC) rates the cables in the United States, while the Canadian Electric Code (CEC) rates them in Canada. PV wire conductors are made of copper or aluminum.
PV Standards
UL 4703 Photovoltaic Wire:
Designed for use and installation in the USA
First Edition: 30 September 2014
Latest Edition: 11 August 2020
CSA C22.2 No. 271 Photovoltaic Cable:
Designed for use and installation in Canada
First Edition: May 2011
Latest Edition: January 2020
Production tests:
In-line spark testing
Periodic testing of insulation resistance in water at 15 °C
Other standards:
ICEA S-95-658 Power Cables Rated 2000 V or Less for the Distribution of Electrical Energy
Field Testing:
NETA MTS Maintenance Testing Specifications for Electrical Power Equipment and Systems
NETA ATS Acceptance Testing Specifications for Electrical Power Equipment and Systems
Applications of PV Wire
Connecting Solar Panels to a Combiner Box
The most common application of PV wire is connecting solar panels. This involves running a 12 AWG to 8 AWG wire from the combiner box to the ground in a short run (less than 100 feet).
Open Air Installation
This involves tying the PV wire directly to a rack. It’s a fast and cost-effective way to install solar panels, as there is no need for a trench or foundation.
Connecting Combiner Boxes to the Inverter
PV wire can also connect combiner boxes to inverters. These wires are usually power-sized aluminum cables (4/0 AWG to 1000 kcmil) that extend for hundreds of feet.
Direct Burial (Trench) Installation
Direct burial or trench installation can accommodate many circuits in a single common trench. This cost-effective method allows for native backfill to support the foundation.
Solar Cables and Accessories
At American Wire Group, we specialize in cables, wires, and accessories for renewable energy applications and other utilities. Learn more about our products below.
Communication Cables
We offer fiber optic cables in single-mode and multimode varieties. These RS485 twisted copper wires are protected by a single jacket, double jacket, single armor/single jacket, double armor/double jacket, or fiber in duct option. It can be used as optical ground wire (OPGW), with OPGW hardware included.
Grounding Wires
Electrical wires ensure circuits run smoothly by safely discharging excess electricity. Our bare copper and copper-clad steel wires are designed to achieve this goal.
Medium Voltage Power Cables
Our medium voltage power cables range from 5 kV to 46 kV and come with an LLDPE or XLPE jacket. We offer copper tape, concentric neutral wires, or flat straps. Insulation options include:
TR-XLPE insulation, MV-90 or MV-105
EPR insulation, MV-90 or MV-105
Transmission & Distribtuion Wire & Cable
We provide overhead bare or covered transmission wires such as ACSR or AAAC.
Wire & Cable System Accessories
We offer the following wire and cable system accessories:
Elbows
Elbow arresters
Sectionalizing cabinets
Splices
Terminations
Working With American Wire Group
American Wire Group’s full product line of cables, wires, and accessories are ideal for utility and renewable energy applications, such as solar, wind, battery storage and EV infrastructure. Our experts provide services like engineering and design, cable management, supply chain (logistics, procurement, transportation), and more. We are ISO 9001:2015 certified and have over 200 years of combined experience in solar power cables and connectors.
Contact us today to learn more about our solar wire connector products and services.
Posted by AWG Content Team on November 7, 2022 | Comments Off on Facts About Low-, Medium- & High-Voltage Cables
American Wire Group is a leading provider of electrical wire and cable systems, including low-, medium-, and high-voltage cables. With more than 200 years of combined experience, we have the knowledge and skill to help you find the ideal cable solution. Through quality sourcing, custom cable design and engineering, and skilled cable management, AWG ensures that you receive the appropriate products quickly and within your budget.
When selecting quality cables for your project, it is important to understand the differences between high-, medium-, and low-voltage cables. Each offers unique benefits for different applications and industries.
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Applications of LV, MV & HV Cables
Cables are manufactured in a variety of designs and configurations to meet the varied needs of many industries. They are typically divided into three categories based on voltage capacity. Low voltage (LV) cables are designed to handle 2,000 V or less, medium voltage cables (MV) can accommodate between 2,000 V and 35,000 V, and high voltage, or extra-high voltage cables (HV or EHV) are rated for voltage above 35,000 V.
Low Voltage Cables (LV)
Low-voltage cables are used for up to 2,000 volts, depending on the type of current. LV cables can be found in household electronics, consumer products, and electrical devices in residential, commercial, solar farms, and other industrial settings. Typical applications include automation equipment wiring, security systems, lighting, sound systems, and interior building wiring.
The conducting wire in LV cables is typically a tin-copper blend, pure copper, or aluminum. Depending on the intended application, insulation and jacketing materials can be either flexible or rigid. Most LV cables are jacketed in thermoplastic material such as PVC, or thermoset material such as XLPE.
Medium Voltage Cables (MV)
Medium-voltage cables are used for voltages from 2,000 V up to 35,000 V. Since they are incorporated into a broad range of applications, MV cables come in standard voltage ratings, including 5,000 V, 8,000 V, 15,000 V, 25,000 V, and 35,000 V. They are used to distribute power to equipment in mining and industrial applications, and in mobile workstations for repair and maintenance of power lines, transformers, and substations.
MV cables come with both copper and aluminum wires, and insulation is critical. Common materials used in MV cable insulation include ethylene-propylene rubber (EPR), neoprene, cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE), or tree-retardant cross-linked polyethylene (TR-XLPE). The insulation and jacket material used in MV cables differs based on voltage, application, and operating environment.
High Voltage Cables (HV)
High-voltage cables are specifically designed to handle voltage that exceeds 35,000 V. HV cables are used in high-energy applications, including power plants, power transmission, and municipal electrical grids.
When it comes to extruded power transmission cables, materials with higher temperature resistance and high ampacities are desired, such as copper, Milliken copper, enameled copper, and Milliken enameled copper. The high power of HV cables requires highly durable insulation for a variety of underground, underwater, and surface applications. HV cables and joints are structurally reinforced to ensure that voltage is tightly controlled and insulation remains intact.
Complete Cable Solutions From American Wire Group
Whether you need low-, medium- or high-voltage cables for utility power transmission or renewable energy applications, American Wire Group has the knowledge and experience to help you find the perfect cable solutions for your needs. For your convenience, we offer a full range of services, from cable design and engineering to supply chain management and distribution.
To learn more about our outstanding cable solutions and other services,contact AWG today!
Posted by American Wire Group on August 1, 2022 | Comments Off on What to Consider for Wind Turbine & Solar Power Cables
American Wire Group delivers comprehensive wire and cable solutions at competitive prices. No matter how complex your cable-related projects are, experts at our regional distribution centers are prepared to help in both small and large-scale capacities. As a trusted partner in the energy industry, we routinely reduce outages, source difficult-to-find products, customize cables for clients, and more.
This blog will discuss how to select the correct cable for renewable energy applications, as well as the optimal solutions we offer for the wind and solar power industries.
Choose the Proper Cable for Renewable Energy Sources
The renewable energy sector involves many cable applications that face unique challenges. Wind turbines and solar power components are subject to extreme weather conditions and can be located in remote, inaccessible areas that make transmitting power difficult. Thus, it is essential to select the ideal cable type for applications in these industries.
Here are some specific considerations for wind turbine cables:
Enhanced mechanical properties: Wind turbine towers can be up to a few hundred feet tall. These heights affect cable length, so selecting cables with higher tensile strength is important. Cables should also have good torsional attributes and resist oil and flame.
Insulation: Harsh environmental conditions around wind farms often call for specific insulation. Insulated wires offer protection against voltage stresses, can operate over a wide temperature range, and better withstand mechanical abuse to the wire such as abrasion and bending.
Conductor: Both size and material of the conductor are integral considerations for wind turbine cables. Aluminum cables are increasingly replacing copper cables as tower and base components because aluminum is cheaper and 60% lighter.
The solar power industry also requires high-performance cables. When selecting the best type of solar power cables, consider these factors:
Type: There are several types of solar wires, and each is best suited to a specific function. For example, single-wire cables are best for domestic electrical applications. Other types include triple-wire or five-wire cables, which work better for large-scale operations.
Rating: A rating chart shows how many amps a cable can safely handle. Higher ratings ensure fewer voltage drops and a reduced chance of overheating.
Conductor size: The size of a conductor is defined by conductor cross-sectional area, not diameter. Thicker cables can transmit higher currents and voltages.
Length: Proper cable length also reduces voltage drop and maintains safe transmission.
The Best Cables for Energy Systems by American Wire Group
The renewable energy industry relies heavily on cables for wind turbines and solar-powered components, which are frequently located in remote areas and exposed to extreme weather. These applications present many challenges and demand dependable, high-performing cables.
American Wire Group provides expert solutions for these industries. We’re devoted to our customers throughout every step of their project, from the development phase to construction to future on-site servicing. To see our complete product offerings, check out ouronline catalog. If you have any questions or would like to get started on a solution,contact us today.
