2

enter image description here

I need some help identifying wire that feeds a sub-panel. What is known:

  • 2 AWG
  • Aluminum
  • Softer, more flexible insulation

My guess is it's silicone or rubber, definitely not PVC. See the attached photo. The 4 aluminum wires are at the top connected to the 60A breakers. The pair below it connected to the 50A breakers feel like more common PVC insulation.

I'm trying to figure out the insulation rating so I know whether it's safe to increase the breaker to 90A (75C) or 80A (60C). I can't make out any useful markings on the insulation. The markings I've found don't return anything useful online.

Update: Here are the markings on the wire. It's crummy dot matrix printing that's difficult to read. All the areas with "Type" are partly or completely rubbed off. See the attached photo for two places I managed to get a few dots of it. First two letters look like an XH, then maybe K... ?

I first read part of the marking as "AA3176", but there are search hits for "AA8176" not 3176.

(UL) AWG 2 COMPACT AL ALUMAFLEX (TM)
AA8176 TYPE XH..? M HFS
600 VOLTS 6/06/2006 N. GEMBE
The wire with the red stripe also has T. THOMAS enter image description here

enter image description here

Improve this question
8
  • 1
    Try this "more comprehensive than most" listing, or tell us / show us (pictures are good) what markings you have found. The insulation type code is part of the text that repeats every 2-3 feet. Silicone would be unusual (it's relatively fragile.) multicable.com/resources/reference-data/…
    – Ecnerwal
    Commented Mar 15, 2022 at 2:12
  • Are those wires from a cable? The markings would then be on the cable sheath.
    – DoxyLover
    Commented Mar 15, 2022 at 3:30
  • Yes, can you trace those wires to where they exit the box, and get us photos of that exit point please?
    – ThreePhaseEel
    Commented Mar 15, 2022 at 3:38
  • 1
    The top black wire has markings, it is 2 AWG compact stranded. The only 60C wire known is TW, so it is almost certainly 75C or 90C thermal wire, allowing 90A.
    – Harper - Reinstate Monica
    Commented Mar 15, 2022 at 8:02
  • 1
    With a newer home the wiring would be allowed to use the 75c for the ampacity and the 90c for derating.
    – Ed Beal
    Commented Mar 16, 2022 at 15:15

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
2

So, XHH or XHHW, either of which are 90 °C wire, unless wet (only correctly applicable to XHHW) where it's 75 °C (or XHHW-2 is 90 °C wet or dry.)

Cross linked polyethylene.

Enjoy your 90 Amps.

Improve this answer
1
  • woot! thanks @Ecnerwal
    – pmont
    Commented Mar 16, 2022 at 1:56

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.