Aluminum URD Triplex and Quadruplex

Triplex and Quadruplex cable is an product that essentially allows you to kill two (or three) birds with one stone (or cable). The multi-conductor design allows for multiple circuits to be connected at once. In some locations, it is mandatory that a multi-circuit system must be wired with a single cable. Nassau Electrical Supply carries the best selection of Aluminum URD Triplex and Quadruplex cables

Triplex and Quadruplex Aluminum Cable URD is designed for secondary distribution. Secondary distribution occurs after the power has been received by the transformer and reduced to utilization voltage, a safe voltage for residential use. This cable can be installed in ducts or be used in direct burial. Its rugged insulation allows it to be buried directly in earth or for extra protection, it can be pulled through preinstalled conduit or ducts. Aluminum URD Triplex and Quadruplex can function in wet or dry locations.

These multi-conductor cables are often used in commercial and industrial applications. Though the cable is usable in outdoor applications, it is preferred as an indoor cable. Aluminum URD Triplex and Quadruplex cable is used in large buildings to connect multiple circuits from floor to floor, or in elevator shafts to power the multiple outlets required by an elevator. It is most commonly used in office buildings as they tend to be the types of buildings that require multi-conductors to power a large network of electronics and appliances. It is also used in industrial applications such as factories, refineries and manufacturing plants. It should not be used in hazardous locations however, as it is not constructed to repel flame.

Aluminum URD Triplex and Quadruplex cable consists of three or four individual conductors concentrically assembled together. The conductors can be laid parallel to one another if so specified. The cable comes with 2 or 3 phase conductors and one neutral conductor. The conductors are all insulated in a black polyethylene jacket and the neutral messenger is marked with a yellow line for identification. The conductors are made with 1350-H19 aluminum alloy. This alloy is composed of at least 99.5% aluminum with added elements such as zinc, copper, and silicon. The additional elements enhance the strength of the alloy without compromising the corrosion resistant qualities of the aluminum.

The conductive components of Aluminum URD Triplex and Quadruplex cable are 1350-H19, an all aluminum alloy that is at least 99.5% aluminum mixed with other elements to enhance the conductor’s strength and conductivity. Aluminum URD cable is concentrically stranded and is available in compress stranding as well. The benefit of compressed stranded cable is the compression process reduces the diameter of the cable by 9-10%. The conductors are insulated in a black polyethylene coat that is available in standard polyethylene or cross-linked polyethylene. For installation in mild climates, standard polyethylene can tolerate temperatures up to 75°C. For hotter, more arid regions, the cross-linked polyethylene jacket is preferred because it can handle temperatures up to 90°C.

The inclusion of a neutral conductor in this cable ensures that the phase conductors will steadily transmit electricity. A neutral conductor transmits electrical current back to the source. The conductor is grounded (connected to earth) at the main electrical panel. The neutral conductor is mainly a safety device that provides a low-impedance path to ground to prevent hazardous voltages from appearing on equipment which can cause electrical leakage or electrical shock.

Aluminum URD Triplex and Quadruplex aligns with specifications set forth by the American Society for Testing and Materials. The electrical components of this cable meet standard B-230. This standard measures the efficiency of the conductivity of 1350-H19 aluminum alloy. The aluminum alloy core is the most important component of the cable as they are used to conduct electricity. The alloy used in these cables is certified by the American Society for Testing and Materials which ensures that the cable uses premium 1350-H19 alloy. Aluminum URD Triplex and Quadruplex cable also meets standard B-231, a specification that uniforms concentric-lay stranded 1350-H19 conductors. Aluminum URD Triplex and Quadruplex are available in compressed stranding as well. In this construction, the wires are compressed which reduces the cable’s diameter by 10%. Contractors often use compressed stranded cable as a space-saver when there are multiple cables that must. Aluminum URD Triplex and Quadruplex cable also meets standard of B-901, which specifies process of compressing wires to reduce the cable’s diameter. This product meets ASTM standard B-786, a standard that regulates material testing.

There are some distinct advantages for using 1350-H19 aluminum alloy. It offers excellent resistance to corrosion over time as well as tensile strength. Standard aluminum is a great electrical conductor, but with the addition of metals such as copper, zinc and silicon, the metal’s conductive properties, tensile strength and corrosion resistance are significantly improved. One of the main reasons this aluminum cable is preferred over copper cable is due to cost. When wiring a commercial building, it can require several thousand feet of cable which can amount to a hefty bill. Aluminum URD Triplex and Quadruplex is extremely cost-effective when compared to copper cable. You also save on labor costs because the multi-conductor construction reduces pulling installation by 200-300% because instead of pulling two or three individual cables and a neutral ground, these cables are all tethered together so they can all be pulled at once.