UNDERGROUND SERVICE ENTRANCE (USE‑2) — Product Overview & Procurement Guide
What Underground Service Entrance (USE‑2) is known for
Underground Service Entrance — commonly abbreviated USE‑2 — is a cable designation for conductors intended for underground service‑entrance and direct‑burial installations. USE‑2 products are built to withstand wet and outdoor conditions, are typically rated for 600 V, and are designed to be sunlight resistant and suitable for direct burial or installation in ducts. Many modern USE‑2 conductors use cross‑linked polyethylene (XLPE/XLP) insulation and are offered in both aluminum and copper constructions.
Main product families and technologies
- Single‑conductor and multi‑conductor USE‑2: Available as single insulated conductors or as bundled multi‑conductor cables (triplex, quadruplex, or more) for three‑phase and multi‑wire service lateral assemblies.
- Insulation systems: XLPE/XLP is common for USE‑2 because it delivers high dielectric strength, moisture resistance, and 90 °C wet/dry thermal ratings. Some products are also listed or triple‑rated as RHH and RHW‑2 for interior and raceway use.
- Conductor materials and constructions: Aluminum (stranded concentric or compressed) is widely used for larger service sizes; copper is available for smaller sizes or where copper is specified.
- Voltage and thermal ratings: Most USE‑2 conductors are listed at 600 V and rated at 90 °C wet/dry when marked accordingly.
Common applications
- Underground service laterals and service entrance from padmount transformers or utility handholes to a building’s meter or service equipment.
- Direct burial feeders to outbuildings, mobile homes, or site power distribution where conduit is not used.
- Feeder runs in ducts, conduits, or trays when the cable is listed for those uses.
- Photovoltaic site feeders and other outdoor power distribution where sunlight resistance and wet‑location ratings are required.
Key markings and model‑identification language (what buyers should check)
- Look for "USE‑2" and/or a triple‑rating such as "USE‑2 / RHH / RHW‑2."
- Confirm printed ratings (for example "600 V, 90°C wet/dry").
- Verify insulation type (XLPE/XLP) and conductor size/material markings (AWG/kcmil, Al or Cu).
- If you see short or ambiguous codes on jackets or reels, request the manufacturer cut sheet for clarification.
Procurement, replacement, and sourcing language for buyers
- Specify "Type USE‑2" and whether triple‑rating (USE‑2/RHH/RHW‑2) is required.
- State conductor material, AWG/kcmil, strand class and assembly type (triplex, 4‑conductor, etc.).
- Request datasheets, UL listing references, and confirmation of direct‑burial and sunlight‑resistant properties.
- Confirm termination compatibility, reel weights, and shipping methods for large kcmil reels.
How Safsale helps buyers identify the right models
Safsale listings include descriptive product titles, high‑resolution photos of jackets and reel labels, downloadable PDF datasheets where available, and buyer Q&A and reviews. Use these resources together to confirm jacket markings, rating statements, and conductor details before purchase.
Practical procurement checklist
- Confirm Type USE‑2 marking and any triple‑rating.
- Verify conductor material and size.
- Confirm 600 V and temperature rating.
- Request datasheet and UL listing.
- Check packaging and shipping considerations.
Final note
USE‑2 is a purpose‑built cable family for underground and outdoor service applications. Correct selection requires attention to jacket markings, conductor size and material, and listing/temperature ratings. Use supplier datasheets, photos, and Q&A to verify part identity and include explicit procurement language in purchase orders to ensure code compliance.
