As a copper wire supplier, there is a wide range of different types of electrical wire and cable that we sell here - and not all of them are copper (more on that below).

However, most of them are, and we’ve done features on many of them in our blog before. One we have not expressly featured yet is DLO cable.

So what is this type of electrical cable, how is it specialized, and what is it used for? This post will offer up some of the details.

What Is DLO Cable?

DLO cable, otherwise known as “diesel locomotive cable,” from which it takes its name, is a type of heavy-duty cable that is intended to carry a high current. The DLO cable we sell here is rated to 2000 volts, reflecting that requirement of this specialized type of electrical wire.

DLO cable is also moderately to highly flexible, as a result of it being made from a number of relatively fine strands of copper. Though comparatively not as flexible as some other types of electrical wire and cable, like welding cable or marine battery cable, this extra flexibility makes it more practical for use in relatively cramped confines.

The flexibility permits a tight bending radius that is beneficial on board locomotives wherein space comes at a premium. In addition to being relatively flexible, the high voltage rating and current carrying capacity make it uniquely suited for its use on diesel locomotives.

Diesel locomotives burn diesel as a fuel to drive electric generators; these generators produce the power needed for the electric engines that actually drive the wheels of the trains. DLO cable is the cable used to transmit power from the generator to the engines that run the wheels.

As you can imagine, a high current-carrying capacity is needed for such an application, as the power needed to run these locomotives is enormous.  

While the primary use of DLO cable is for power transmission from diesel generators to the electric motors that run the wheels, this flexible, high-voltage electrical cable also has a wide range of other applications.

The NEC should still be consulted for all approved, appropriate uses of DLO cable, but be that as it may, it is potentially useful for motor leads, generator leads, as well as for power transmission in shipyards. It may also prove potentially useful in other applications where a high-voltage cable with a high current-carrying capacity is needed.

Our DLO cable is also made to a high standard of quality and is resistant to a wide range of environmental and chemical stressors. In addition to being sunlight and weather resistant, it is resistant to water, grease, oil, and a variety of chemical factors. It is also physically very durable and abrasion resistant as well.

All in all, this type of electrical cable is uniquely suited to demanding applications wherein a tough, high-voltage, high-ampacity cable is needed. At the same time, it is also considerably heavier and more expensive than many other types of speciality electrical wire and cable that we sell.

Before purchasing any type of electrical wire or cable such as DLO cable, consult both the NEC and an accredited electrical engineer to ensure that you are selecting the right type of wire or cable for the given application.

Why Is DLO Cable So Expensive?

DLO cable is expensive for two primary reasons; one is that it uses a lot of copper, and copper has been steadily rising in price for years now, and the other has to do with its insulation. DLO cable is made with high-quality insulation that protects it from a wide range of adverse conditions, increasing the cost of production which in turn raises the price of the cable.

What Other Types of Specialty Wire and Cable Do We Sell?

In addition to DLO cable, we sell a wide range of other types of specialty electrical wire and cable, including but not limited to:

• Flexible welding cable
• Marine battery cable
• Solar panel cable (AKA photovoltaic cable)
• Building wire
• Bare copper wire
• Submersible pump cable
• Fire alarm cable
• Security, instrumentation and alarm cable
• Shielded copper wire
• Tray cable
• And much more

Is All We Sell Copper?

Even though we are a copper wire supplier, not all of the electrical wire and cable we sell is copper. We also sell a variety of different types of aluminum wire and cable, including but not limited to aluminum triplex wire and quadruplex wire.

Make EWCS Wire Your New Copper Wire Supplier

If you’re looking for a new wholesale copper wire supplier, you’re in the right place. Take a closer look at the different types of electrical wire and cable we sell here, and if you have any questions about our product specifications or service offerings, get in touch with us at 800-262-1598 or at Sales@EWCSWire.com.