Building wire
XHHW and XHHW-2 wire
Cross-linked polyethylene insulation with a smaller diameter than THHN at the same ampacity, which is why it shows up on feeders, panels and industrial runs that had to fit in a crowded conduit.
Where XHHW comes from
XHHW is building wire with cross-linked polyethylene insulation. XHHW-2 adds a 90°C wet rating. It is moisture and heat resistant, it is smaller in diameter than thermoplastic wire of the same gauge, and it is common in feeders, panel and switchboard connections, and 1kV industrial and solar work.
Because it is specified on larger projects, it tends to leave behind heavier reels than THHN — 4/0, 250 MCM, 500 MCM — often with most of the reel still wound.
What we buy
Copper and aluminum XHHW and XHHW-2 in 600V and 1kV, including the larger feeder sizes that are expensive to buy new and slow to move out of a warehouse.
- Full factory reels and partial reels with legible tags
- Aluminum XHHW-2 in service and feeder sizes
- 1kV industrial and renewable-energy project surplus
- Mixed lots from a single distribution warehouse
XHHW or THHN? Check the legend
Sellers often call every building wire "THHN". Look at the print on the jacket: if it says XHHW or XHHW-2, the insulation is XLPE and the material is quoted differently from thermoplastic wire, especially in wet locations and at 1kV. A clear photo of that print saves a round of questions.
Sizes
Common sizes we see on Idaho reels
- #14
- #12
- #10
- #8
- #6
- #4
- #2
- #1
- 1/0
- 2/0
- 3/0
- 4/0
- 250
- 350
- 500
- 750
- 1000
Sizes shown as AWG and MCM. Anything between the listed sizes is still worth quoting.
What to send
Details that let us quote it properly
- The jacket legend showing XHHW or XHHW-2
- Voltage rating: 600V or 1kV
- Copper or aluminum
- Size and stranding
- Footage on the tag, plus what is left on the reel
- A photo of the full reel and the cut end
Email photos to saleselectricalbuyers@gmail.com or add them to the form below. Either way, keep the tag and the jacket legend readable.
Is XHHW worth more than THHN?
Not automatically. The two are priced on conductor metal, size and weight like any other cable. What matters is that the type is identified correctly, because it changes how the material can be used.
Do you buy 1kV XHHW?
Yes, 1kV material is quoted the same way as 600V, with the voltage class noted on the tag.
Quote XHHW or XHHW-2 wire
Choose the category that matches your material, then fill in the size, footage and condition as closely as you can.
Keep reading
Related categories and areas
Other wire and cable
Reels in the way? Send the tag photos.
Tell us the type, size, footage and voltage, and send a few photos of the reels, tags and jacket legend. We will review the material and talk through pricing and logistics.