Service drop cable typically is used to run from the local utility main, the pole or box at the street, to the customer dmarc or demarcation point, or service entrance; on or in the home or business. It usually has a stronger, thicker, UV resistant and watertight jacket. Low voltage, such as cable, telephone, data, fiber cables often have a messenger line integrated as well. This is a steel wire, used at both ends as a strain relief, to bear the weight of the cable, rather than the cable itself bearing the weight.
service drop cable classification
Duplex Service Drop Cable
Overhead duplex service drop cable consists of one aluminum conductor insulated with extruded lead-free Cross-linked Polyethylene (XLPE), twisted around a bare conductor which serves as a supporting neutral. Service drop cable meets the requirements of ANSI/ICEA S-76-474. Conductors meet ASTM B231, B232 and B399 as applicable.
To supply 120 volts aerial service for temporary service at construction sites, outdoor or street lighting. For service at 600 volts or lower at conductor temperatures not to exceed 75°C for polyethylene insulated conductors or 90°C for crosslinked polyethylene (XLP) insulated conductors.
Triplex Service Drop Cable
To supply power from the utility’s lines to the consumer’s weatherhead. For service at 600 volts or less (phase to phase) at a conductor temperature of 75°C maximum for polyethylene insulation or 90°C maximum for crosslinked polyethylene (XLP) insulated conductors.
Overhead triplex service drop cable consists of two aluminum conductors insulated with extruded lead-free Cross-linked Polyethylene (XLPE), twisted around a bare conductor which serves as a supporting neutral. Service drop cable meets the requirements of ANSI/ICEA S-76-474. Conductors meet ASTM B231, B232 and B399 as applicable.
Quadruplex Service Drop Cable
Used to supply 3 phase power, usually from a pole mounted transformer to the user’s service head where connection to the service entrance cable is made. To be used at voltages of 600 volts or less phase to phase and at conductor temperatures not to exceed 75°C for polyethylene insulated conductors or 90°C for crosslinked polyethylene (XLP) insulated conductors.
Overhead quadruplex service drop cable consists of three aluminum conductors insulated with extruded lead-free Cross-linked Polyethylene (XLPE), twisted around a bare conductor which serves as a supporting neutral. Service drop cable meets the requirements of ANSI/ICEA S-76-474. Conductors meet ASTM B231, B232 and B399 as applicable.