The 373 DLO is a cable often used to supply power in traction motors of diesel-electric locomotives. Diesel locomotives are basically any machine with a diesel-run engine. When manufacturing vehicles especially meant for harsh environments we require special cables that can withstand these environments. This is where the DLO cable comes in handy. This cable is designed to withstand any abuse it is subjected to. They come in different sizes which are designed to meet your specific needs.

They can transmit power of up to 2000 Volts and can operate in a wide range of temperatures. The normal operating temperatures is 90⁰C in both wet and dry locations. On this post I will shed some light on the 373 MCM DLO Cable.

Construction
373 DLO Cable has a tough structure and high voltage rating which makes it the ideal cable for heavy duty applications. It has a conductor, insulation and a jacket.

Conductor
The conductor is the electrode in the cable and transmits power from one point to another. The conductor is made of copper wire tightly stranded in to compact bundles. The copper wire is coated with tin and fully annealed in accordance with ASTM B33 (American Society for Testing Materials). Annealing and stranding is done to enhance the flexibility of the cable, which makes it easy to transport and install. It also enhances the cables flex life and ability to carry more current.

Insulation
Insulation is very vital since it prevents direct contact with the live wire. It also protects the conductor from external damage hence it increases the lifespan of the conductor and it cannot be overlooked. The insulation in the DLO Cable is made from a thermoset compound and it is tailored to harden in case of a fire outbreak. This thermoset compound is ethylene-propylene-propylene-diene (EPDM). This material is resistant to oils, acids, flames, alkalies, abrasion and impact.

Cable jacket
The cable jacket mainly protects the cable from external damages. It is also used to identify the cable. A robust material is essentially required to make up the cable jacket. The 373 DLO Cable jacket is made from a thermoset compound which is chlorinated polyethylene (CPE). This material is highly resistant to oils, acids, alkalies, industrial solvents, chemicals, weather, abrasion and mechanical impact.

Cable lugs
When using the 373 DLO Cable it is essential to use cable lugs as connectors. They are made of copper with tin plating since copper has a high conductivity rate. The cable lugs have flared end and an entrance chamber. The flares enable easy insertion of the cable.

Features
It stands out from other cables because of its ability to work properly in both wet and dry environments, can withstand -40⁰C in wet environments and 90⁰C in dry areas. As hinted earlier in the article the cable has robust design that can withstand even the most punishing environments. It can transmit large amounts of power of up to 2000 volts which makes it ideal for heavy duty applications. The cable has immunity to abrasion, flames, oil resistance, rough handling and cuts which makes the most sort after cable in harsh environments.

Industrial ratings and approvals
Cables are normally tested by international standards to ensure they are genuine and safe to use. These certifications also prove that the attributes stated by the manufacturer about the cable are true. The 373 DLO cable has the following industrial ratings and approvals;

1.Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS)
2.Insulated Cable Engineers Association (ICEA) -75-381 for multi-stranded cables
3.Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH)
4.Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)
5.Canadian Standards Association (CSA)
6.Underwriters Laboratories (UL) type RHH/RHW-2
7.VW-1 Vertical Wire Flame and the FT4 Vertical Flame Tests
8.National Electric Code (NEC)

Applications
The 373 DLO cable can be used in numerous applications, basically any transmission systems not exceeding 2000 volts as in traction motors of diesel locomotives. It is also recommended as a portable cable for drilling rigs, both on-shore and off-shore even though it is not considered as a marine cable. It can also be used in rail road, transit car wiring, and electric earth-moving equipment, in shipyard, arc welder supply leads, and power and control jumper cable. In addition it can also be used as a flexible power lead.

Manufacturers Part Numbers:
• Coleman Cable: 167029, General Cable: 5310.01373, Southwire: 559268, Omni Cable: B83737, Houston Wire: HW254 37301, Priority Wire: 373-01DLO