What does DLO stand for?

DLO stands for Diesel Locomotive Cable. It is a flexible 2kV power cable with tinned copper conductors, EPDM insulation, and a CPE jacket, rated 90°C wet or dry. It is used for locomotives, drill rigs, shipyards, mining, generators, motor leads, and industrial power applications.

Is DLO cable rated for 600V or 2000V?

DLO cable is rated 2000V (2kV). It is also UL listed as RHH/RHW-2 at 600V/1000V and CSA listed RW90, which lets one cable satisfy multiple code requirements.

What affects DLO cable ampacity?

Ampacity depends on conductor size, ambient temperature, whether the cable is in free air or enclosed, and how many current-carrying conductors are bundled together. Always apply NEC correction and adjustment factors for your installation, and consult a licensed electrical engineer for critical applications.

DLO Cable Ampacity Chart

Allowable ampacity for DLO (Diesel Locomotive) cable by conductor size, per NEC Article 400. DLO is a flexible 2kV, 90°C power cable used on drill rigs, locomotives, shipyards, mines, generators, and motor leads.

DLO Ampacity by Size (Single Conductor in Free Air, 30°C Ambient)

Size (AWG / MCM)	Stranding (Class I)	Allowable Ampacity*
8 AWG	41	80 A
6 AWG	63	105 A
4 AWG	105	140 A
2 AWG	161	190 A
1 AWG	210	220 A
1/0 AWG	266	260 A
2/0 AWG	342	300 A
3/0 AWG	418	350 A
4/0 AWG	532	405 A
262.6 MCM	646	467 A
313 MCM	777	522 A
373 MCM	925	591 A
444 MCM	1110	652 A

*Allowable ampacity per NFPA 70 / NEC Article 400 for a single conductor in free air at 30°C (86°F) ambient, 90°C conductor temperature. Apply NEC correction factors for higher ambient temperatures and adjustment factors when multiple current-carrying conductors are bundled or enclosed in raceway. This chart is for reference only — consult a licensed electrical engineer for your specific application.

We also stock DLO in 14 AWG, 12 AWG, 10 AWG, and large sizes from 535 MCM up to 1111 MCM. Contact our team for ampacity guidance on these sizes for your installation.

What Is DLO Cable?

DLO (Diesel Locomotive) cable is a heavy-duty flexible power cable built with fine-strand tinned copper conductors (ASTM Class I), EPDM rubber insulation, and a tough CPE jacket. It carries a 2000V rating and operates from -40°C to +90°C in wet or dry locations. Most DLO is dual-listed UL RHH/RHW-2 and CSA RW90, and many constructions are MSHA approved for mining.

Because of its flexibility and abuse resistance, DLO is the go-to cable for diesel locomotives, drilling rigs, shipyards, mining equipment, generators and gen-set leads, battery banks, motor leads, and general industrial power distribution where a rugged, flexible single-conductor cable is needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ampacity of 2/0 DLO cable?

2/0 AWG DLO is rated 300 amps as a single conductor in free air at 30°C ambient. Derate for bundling, raceway, or higher ambient temperatures.

Is DLO cable rated 600V or 2000V?

DLO carries a 2000V (2kV) rating. Its UL RHH/RHW-2 listing also qualifies it for 600V and 1000V NEC applications, which is why one DLO cable can replace several other cable types.

Can DLO be used in place of welding cable?

Often, yes — DLO is more rugged and carries UL listings that welding cable lacks, so it can be installed in raceway per NEC. Welding cable is typically limited to welder leads. If your application needs a code-recognized cable, DLO is usually the right choice.

What affects DLO ampacity?

Conductor size, ambient temperature, free air vs. enclosed installation, and the number of bundled current-carrying conductors. Always apply NEC 310/400 correction and adjustment factors.