I. Introduction
Welding cables and THHN cables are both widely used in countries with American electrical standard. It is necessary for buyers Engineers to consider carefully which situation to use Welding Cable and which situation to use THHN Cable.
In this article, let us talk about the difference between Welding Cable and THHN Cable so that you can purchase a more suitable cable for yourself.
II. What is Welding Cable?
- Welding cable is usually made of rubber sheath and Class 5 or 6 copper conductor.
- Applications: They are used in welding machines, automotive industry, shipbuilding, transportation and conveying systems, tool-making machines, welding robots, etc.
- Features: The cable remains highly flexible even when exposed to ozone, light, oxygen, oil and gasoline. Its durable cable construction makes the cable resistant to low and high temperatures, fire, ozone, radiation, oil, acids, fats and gasoline. Suitable for outdoor mobile installation in dry or wet places.
Common Standards & Models:
| Region | Standard & Model | Temperature Resistance |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | H01N2-D, H01N2-E, NSKFFÖU (Neoprene Rubber) | 80°C |
| UK | 0361Q (HOFR) | 85°C |
| USA | Welding Cable (EPDM) | 105°C |
| China | YH (CPE) | 90°C |
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Bending Radius:
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Fixed installation: 7.5 × Ø
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Flex use: 12 × Ø
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III. What is THHN Cable?
- THHN cables are usually cables with PVC as insulation and Nylon as sheath, with multi-solid conductors, ASTM B8 Category B.
- Applications: These cables are generally used in machines, switchgear/power distribution cabinets, control equipment for indoor fixed installations in conduits and cable ducts. It can be used as machine tool cables, equipment wiring material.
- Features: Withstand higher temperatures in dry and wet conditions, Flame retardant
Standard & Model:
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Cable Type: THHN
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Temperature Resistance: 90°C
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Bending Radius (Fixed Use): 8 × Ø
IV. Welding Cable vs. THHN Cable – Key Differences
| Feature | Welding Cable | THHN Cable |
|---|---|---|
| Flexibility | High flexibility, mobile use | Rigid, fixed use |
| Durability | Outdoor weather, oil-resistant | Indoor flame-retardant |
| Conductor Structure | Class 5 & 6 stranded conductor | Class 1 & 2 solid conductor |
| Insulation | Rubber or synthetic rubber | PVC insulation + Nylon sheath |
| Application Scenario | Welding machines, outdoor mobile use | Connecting wire in machine switch distribution cabinets fixed use |
V. How to Choose the Right Cable?
| Use | Recommended Cable |
|---|---|
| Outdoor | Welding Cable |
| Mobile Applications | Welding Cable |
| Fixed Wiring | THHN Cable |
| Building Electrical Systems | THHN Cable |
| Harsh Environments (Oil, Chemicals, Weather-Resistant) | Welding Cable |
VI. Conclusion
THHN and Welding cable are both excellent performance cables. I hope this article can help buyers and engineers to choose the right cable according to their own use. If there is any demand for Welding cable or THHN cable, please feel free to contact us.
