An underground service conductor may need to do a different job when it enters a building. USE-2 is a useful starting point for buried service supply, but a buyer should resolve any indoor transition before ordering. The additional markings can matter as much as conductor size.
Inside the cable
The representative copper USE-2 wire is a single stranded conductor with substantial thermoset XLPE insulation. It has no multicore overall jacket, metallic armour or concentric neutral in this reference. Aluminium versions and different combinations of ratings also exist. A cross-sectional drawing should identify the metal, strand construction and insulation wall for the exact size, rather than borrow dimensions from a superficially similar building wire.
Where it is used
USE-2 enquiries concern underground service-entrance routes and permitted direct-burial power supply. A distributor may be buying bulk reels for contractors, while a project buyer may need defined continuous lengths to avoid joints. Route information should distinguish direct burial, underground duct and any section that continues above ground or into a building.
Ratings and selection points
The USE-2 designation by itself does not establish the indoor flame-rated use associated with other building-wire types. A product also marked RHH/RHW-2 may support additional applications under those ratings. Keep the voltage associated with each marking separate: a reference can carry a USE-2 voltage different from its RHH/RHW-2 voltage. Confirm the actual print and listing rather than assuming every XLPE cable has the same permissions.
A clearer factory RFQ
For an underground service order, state copper or aluminium, AWG/kcmil size, required USE-2 voltage and any RHH/RHW-2 dual or triple rating. Add installation conditions, sunlight exposure where relevant and continuous reel lengths. Ask the factory to return one construction drawing and one consistent marking proposal for approval.
Compare the TGS USE-2 configurations for the available reference size tables. State the required conductor resistance, nominal dimensions, test documents and marking for the exact order. Reference tables and illustrations guide the enquiry; the agreed drawing and approved specification define production.
Manufacturing in Vietnam with TGS
TGS Cable Industrial is a large manufacturing group producing wire and cable in Vietnam. The group has served Costco, Walmart, Target and many other customers for more than five years. That company-wide experience informs our work with importers, distributors and retail supply programmes. For your USE-2 enquiry, our factory team reviews the construction, destination requirements, quantities and packing before confirming the order.
Explore our Vietnam factory production capability, or send your cable specification to discuss a factory quotation. Product approvals and customer-specific requirements are reviewed for the selected construction and programme.
Frequently asked questions
Can USE-2 run inside a building?
USE-2 alone does not establish that use. The selected cable needs an additional applicable rating and must meet the requirements of the intended indoor wiring method.
Is USE-2 the same as PV Wire?
No. A USE-2 marking does not establish a photovoltaic-wire listing. PV system requirements and the actual cable markings must be reviewed separately.
Technical references
Manufacturer references explain the representative cable family and construction. They do not certify a TGS product. The agreed order drawing, product marking and applicable approval documents define the supplied cable.