Can I Use URD Cable in the Attic? and other questions about URD Cables
At Nassau National Cable, Underground Direct Burial 600V URD is by far the most popular cable we sell. We are not surprised by that in the slightest: this is a budget-friendly, versatile aluminum cable that offers the perfect balance between price and quality. This is especially true for the cables that carry RHH/ RHW-2/ USE-2 rating, just like the cable that we sell. However, the usefulness and accessibility of URD cables create a false sense that these cables can be used literally everywhere, which is, of course, not true. This blog is a collection of frequently asked questions about URD cables, as asked by our customers.
Сan I Use URD Cable in the Attic?
The answer is simple: URD cable is not suitable for your attic or garage because URD cables cannot be used inside a structure, be it a building or anything else. Therefore, it is not a cable for your attic, garage, or house. In particular, we get this question a lot regarding 2-2-2-4 Dyke Quadruplex Aluminum Conductor Underground Direct Burial 600V URD, one of the most popular sizes of the URD Cable. To power your attic or garage, consider AC wire or good old NM-B.
Сan I Put URD Cable in Conduit?
A URD cable sold as a direct burial cable has a double rating USE-2 and does not have to be buried in a conduit outside because it is acceptable for direct burial. While you can try and run URD cables in conduit, it is not necessary. Since the cable is not approved for indoor applications, it is not placed in conduit inside the building either.
Which Size Of a URD Cable Do I Need?
Choose the gauge of URD cables based on the ampacity of the circuit and the perceived voltage drop. All URD cables are rated 600 volts. The most common sizes of quadruplex URD cables that we sell are 2-2-2-4 Dyke Quadruplex, 1/0-1/0-1/0-2 Notre Dame Quadruplex, and 4-4-4-4 Tulsa Quadruplex. These sizes work best for the majority of applications. As for triplex cables, the most popular sizes are 4-4-4 Vassar Triplex, 2-2-4 Stephens Triplex, and 6-6-6 Erskine Triplex. You can find the ampacity for each size of URD cable on the corresponding product page.
If you wish to know more about how URD cables differ from MHF, or mobile home feeder aluminum cable, read this blog. It contains additional information that helps you understand URD cables.
