4 Layers of DLO Cable
1. Copper Strands
DLO stands for Diesel Locomotive cable and the thin copper strands help with the flexibility of the cable. DLO cable uses 24 AWG strands in all sizes from 14 AWG to 1111 MCM. Each AWG increase uses more strands until it reaches the necessary diameter of the gauge in question. DLO cable is much more flexible than typical electrical wire or building wire but slightly less flexible than welding cable and stage lighting cable.
2. Tinned Coating
The most portable cord has bare copper strands which make DLO cable unique in this area. There is a tinned coating over each strand in diesel locomotive cable to help adhere to the adhesive when connecting lugs. The adhesive is placed on the copper strands before applying the lug which helps the connection from the lug to the adhesive to the tinned copper strands.
3. EPR Rubber Insulation
The EPR rubber insulation is the first layer of insulation used on DLO cable. Since it’s used outdoors to connect power to diesel locomotives and telecom supply it needs to have plenty of protection. The jacket needs to be strong and durable because it takes quite a bit of daily abuse in its application.
4. CPE Rubber Insulation
Remember, “portable” power cables are stepped on, run over, dragged along the ground, and constantly caught in tight areas that could puncture the insulation and expose the copper strands. Therefore, the second layer of CPE rubber insulation is applied to DLO cables for a double layer of protection. The voltage rating is also 2000 volts which are higher than one-layer-portable-cables at 600 volts.