A Few Differences Between Diesel Locomotive Cable and Welding Cable
What is the difference between DLO cable and welding cables? Both are one conductor cables but that is about where the similarities end. Diesel locomotive cable is available in awg sizes as large as 777.7 MCM down to 10 awg. This cable is approved for use up to 90 degrees Celsius and 2000 volt.
Primary uses include of course diesel locomotives as well as oil and gas rigs, automotive leads, mining and excavation equipment and shipyards. There is usually an inner insulation as well as outer jacket which affords excellent impact and scuff resistance.
Welding cable is for the most part available from 6 awg up to 500 MCM. Although not generally as rugged as dlo cable, welding cable can also used in instances where power generation is needed. Most folks use this cable if needing to run generators or similar type equipment. This cable is generally approved for use to 600 volts and 90 degree Celsius. If you find yourself in a situation where the cable will get beat up, DLO cable will be a better choice.
Knowing all of this it should be a little more simple for you to choose and pick the right cable for your situation. By going with diesel locomotive cable over welding cable you can be assured that even though it is more than the job calls for, you will not have to be concerned about the possibility of the cable failing while under load. It may be a bit more expensive up front for the DLO, but if your cable continues to fail and you have to keep buying new material, what will that ultimately cost between new cable and the labor to get it done.
Delco Wire and Cable inventories both types of cable in all gauge sizes. There is no charge to cut to (your specific length|length for you} and there is no minimum order. You can check out specifications for the DLO cable and for the welding cable at our website. Please also feel free to call us at 800-714-9473 should you have any questions. Our staff members have many, many years of experience and will be able to point you in the proper direction and help you pick the cable that will work best for you.
