Ever heard of triplex wire? If you’re not in construction, contracting, or electrical engineering, probably not. But it’s far more common than you think and there’s probably some of this type of wire just a few feet from where you sit right now – at least, if you’re in a building.
But what is it used for, and why does it matter? We answer this and the other top trending questions here.
What Is Triplex Wire?
Triplex wire is a type of conductor so named because it has three conductors – there are two hot leads (sometimes called legs) that are used for power transmission, and one neutral lead.
These wires are twisted around each other, and the two hot leads are insulated while the neutral lead is usually left bare.
Triplex wire is usually used as a drop cable from a transformer, but it is also commonly used for power distribution from the line to a structure, such as a home or another building. It may also be used for secondary power distribution between poles.
How Is It Different from Quadruplex Wire?
Like triplex wire, quadruplex wire is used for power distribution, commonly from a pole mounted transformer, to the service head for power entry.
However, unlike triplex wire, quadruplex wire delivers three phase power. A part of the electric grid, three phase power is a type of alternating current that uses three hot wires to deliver electricity.
Consequently, there are three insulated hot leads (legs) of quadruplex wire. It is a type of polyphase distribution that is the most common method of power distribution around the world. In quadruplex wire, in addition to the three insulated hot leads, there is one neutral wire that is uninsulated, giving a total of four that is the reason for the name.
What About Duplex Wire?
Duplex wire is a type of wire that consists of two insulated leads. It is commonly used for power distribution (like triplex wire) but it can also be used for the simultaneous signal transmission wherein the signals are going in opposite directions.
Duplex wire is used for single-phase power transmission and is commonly used in local area networks (LANs), as well as in telecommunications systems. In contrast to triplex and quadruplex wire, duplex wire is usually made from copper, and is normally of much thinner gauge.
Why Is It Usually Made from Aluminum?
Triplex (and quadruplex) wires and cables are typically made from aluminum instead of copper. This is due to the fact that aluminum can be installed in ducts or directly buried, as well as for the fact that this metal is strong, versatile, and offers a good strength-to-conductivity ratio.
But, on top of that, it would be impossible to deny the fact that it is commonly used because it offers a significant cost advantage over copper.
What’s the Difference Between Aerial and Underground Triplex Wire?
Aerial triplex wire is designed to provide overhead service – hence the name. It is designed to be suspended or used in the open air.
Underground triplex wire is designed to be used for underground service to residential and commercial structures. It must be rated for burial in some capacity.
Where to Get Triplex Wire (and Quadruplex Wire) Online
Here for triplex or quadruplex wire? Looking for some other sort of aluminum electrical wire or cable? Make sure you check out EWCS Wire and bookmark the page if you’ve never been there before.
EWCS Wire offers a wide range of general purpose and specialty electrical wire and cable, including aluminum wire, quadruplex and triplex wire, as well as instrumentation and alarm cable, among many others. Check out their website and get in touch with them at 800-262-1598 if you have any questions.
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