Copper SER
Copper SER cable is a service entrance cable of type SE and style R made from copper. Service Entrance Cables are special cables used at the point where power is connected to the end user’s premises so that it can be put to use on different transducers and appliances. There are a wide variety of SERs at Nassau Electricals and we’ll always present you with a wide variety of copper SERs depending on the unique needs of your construction works. In this article, I share with you on the Copper Service Entrance Cable; how it’s made, its properties and appropriate applications.
The service entrance cable is characterized by having resistance to moisture and being flame retardant. Its ratings are 600v for the voltage rating and a temperature rating of 90 degrees Celsius. The SE cable is used for above ground applications where it is exposed to sunlight and water thus the need for the above mentioned properties. Copper SE cables are found in much larger sizes around 14 AWG than Aluminum SE cables at 12 AWG. The main use of the copper SER is to supply power between the service drop, meter base and distribution panel board.
Construction
The make of the copper SER cable is twofold but in both makes a minimum of two or a maximum of four conductors are used. In the first design, XHHW-2 conductors are used whereas in the second, THHN/THWN conductors are used. The major difference between the two selected conductors is the type of insulation used on each. Insulation on the XHHW-2 conductor is a jacket made of cross-linked polyethylene. THHN/THWN on the other hand has polyvinyl chloride jacket which is covered on top with nylon. The importance of the insulation is to keep the conductor from the degrading effects of water, sunlight, high temperature and abrasion.
The cable construction allows for customization to suit intended purposes which gives it flexibility in its application. However, there are mainly three configurations of its construction.
1.Single phase conductor in pairs with one ground. The ground conductor is concentric
2.Two phase conductor that comes with one round or concentric ground option
3.Three phase conductor accompanied with a ground wire alternative. In this alternative, the ground wire is bare while the other conductors are insulated and color coded appropriately
Application
These cables are applied in service entrance drops which distribute power to buildings. Two feeds - a primary and neutral one- are tapped from the utility line, through the transformer and to the overhead service drop. The service drop feeds are passed through a conduit to the electrical meter and finally to the electrical panel. In addition to that the cable can be applied to branch circuits in interior wiring supplying home appliances like ovens and generally in any application in which service entrance cables are used. Installation of the copper SER cables is guided by the NEC law in conjunction with wiring and protection laws for each respective state.
Conclusion
Try out the copper SER cable. It is well suited for your overhead service drops. Being fitted with strong insulation, it can withstand exposure to water and heat. In addition to that, it offers flexibility because it allows modification to suit the task at hand. For heavy applications, the three phase conductor with 2 insulated wires and a bare neutral is recommended.
NEC regulations provide for safety during installation and use and thus should be adhered to the letter. It is good practice to obtain cable from reputable distributors to avoid faulty conductors that could cause electrocution and injury.
We hope that you found this article helpful. At Nassau Electricals, we have a wide range of SERs and we’d love to help you made good choice of cables that will serve you for many years to come. For more information, get in touch with us via the live chat and we’ll be glad to help you out.