DLO vs Welding Wire | Product Knockout

Our Product Knock-out series is a match-up between two similar products. In boxing terms, think same weight class, same caliber, and same level of experience and amount of exposure. The purpose of these posts are for you to see a side-by-side view of two similar products, and to be able to understand which one will be crowned champ for your specific purposes. Take your seats and prepare for battle, because the gloves are coming out.

DLO cable and welding wire are typically placed in the same category and are both used in power supply applications. But what exactly are these two cables and why are they frequently compared? To uncover their similarities and differences, let’s take a look at the construction and electrical specs for both DLO cable and welding wire, as well as the applications they’re used in.

What is DLO cable?

DLO cable stands for Diesel Locomotive Operations cable, and as the name implies, its primary uses are related to the operation of diesel-powered train locomotives. Overall, it’s a very rugged power cable, which is why DLO cable can also be found in oil and gas rigs, power supply systems, shipyards, and motor leads.

Because DLO is used in many power supply applications, it has a high voltage rating of up to 2000V. The cable is also rated to 90°C in both wet and dry applications and is available from 14 AWG to 1111.0 MCM. In terms of the cable’s construction, DLO cable features a stranded tinned copper conductor and a double jacket. The power cable offers either EPR or EPDM insulation, and features a CPE outer jacket.

What is welding wire?

Welding wire, which is also referred to as grounding wire, is a portable cord typically used for welding and power supply applications, and is also suitable for use in battery and marine applications. Weld wire is rated for up to 600V and for use from -50°C to 105°C depending on jacket material, the most common of which are EPDM, EPR, and Neoprene. Welding wire features a single annealed bare copper conductor that’s finely stranded for daily industrial use, and is typically known for its flexibility and versatility. The cable also resists tears, cuts, and abrasion.

DLO vs Welding Wire

Although both DLO cable and weld wire are suited for use in similar applications, there are a few characteristics that set them apart and can make a big difference when trying to decide which  type of cable will best meet your needs. Both feature stranded conductors, but welding wire offers a bare copper conductor with a higher strand count, making it more flexible, but also harder to terminate. DLO uses a tinned copper conductor, which increases resistance to corrosion and fares better in outside environments over a longer period. DLO cable also features a double jacket which protects against weather and impact.

When discussing jacket colors, welding wire most often comes in red and black, although it’s available in blue, green, and yellow too. However these colors are not as common. It’s also available in orange, which indicates an even more durable welding cable construction. DLO cable is only available in black, but can also carry multiple-ratings including UL RHH/RHW-2 as well as CSA R90, making it available for use in a wider variety of applications. Keep in mind that when DLO cable is used as RHH/RHW-2 or R90, the voltage ratings change to 600V and 1000V, respectively.

Winner by unanimous vote? Instead, it seems as if the match has ended in a technical decision. In this case it looks like our crowned champ depends on your specific application use.

When deciding between the two cables, it’s important to remember that DLO cable has more capabilities and higher ratings that make it better suited for heavier duty power supply applications. For a more detailed look at DLO cable and weld wire, view our full listings or give your sales rep a call at 800-472-4655.

Allied Encyclopedia: The Scoop on Welding Wire

Welding Wire can be put to various uses, and it may be the perfect fit for your application. But what exactly is welding wire?  Weld wire is a single conductor portable cord typically used in welding and power supply applications. Welding wire offers many features that could benefit you, but you should know its ratings and proper uses so you can avoid irreparable cable damage and downtime.

Construction

Welding wire, also known as grounding cable, is offered in sizes ranging from 6 AWG to 500 MCM. It features a single bare annealed copper conductor that is stranded to provide the flexibility weld wire is known for. In fact, standard welding cable is generally more flexible than electrical wire or power cables.

Welding cable is typically designed with a Neoprene or EPDM rubber jacket, and has a standard temperature rating of 90°C – 105°C, depending on the manufacturer. When put to the test, many of these cables will withstand exposure to flame, grease, abrasion, tar and oil.

Daily industrial use necessitates a more rugged design, and welding wire is carried in varying degrees of durability and strength. While these cables are usually offered in black or red (but can be found in additional colors), a more durable construction of weld wire is identifiable by its orange jacket.

Standard welding cable is Class K with 30 AWG strands, and Class M, the more durable version, has 34 AWG strands. The additional copper and tougher jacket used in Class M constructions makes them more expensive than Class K, but Class M cable offers greater flexibility.

Applications

Welding wire is often used in demanding applications as a secondary cable for welding tools or as a power cable attached to generators and industrial machinery. Most electric arc-welding tools rely on two separate cables for operation. One cable acts as the primary power source for the device while the other supplies a secondary power source. Welding wire may not power the generator, but it is required for the electrode.

Weld wire is approved for use in power supply applications up to 600 volts. If you require a cable with a higher voltage rating, DLO Cable or Type W power cable are acceptable replacements.

Known for its versatility, welding wire is also suited to battery cable applications. Because battery cable lacks the flexibility and toughness of welding wire, weld wire is often used instead. It can also be used in marine applications, but the insulation needs to be oil and water-resistant or it may become saturated.

Protecting Your Cable

When using welding cable, safety measures should be taken to prevent future damage. You should regularly check your cables for imperfections, and make sure to clean off any grease and oil. If cable damage reaches to within three feet of the electrode, the weld wire should be replaced.

Now that you’ve learned more about welding wire and its characteristics, you’ll be better prepared for future use. Check out Allied Wire’s Welding Wire FAQ’s for more information or browse our selection of Welding Wire now.