UL2587 cable is a UL-listed thermoplastic-insulated and jacketed cable designed for general-purpose power and control wiring in industrial environments. It offers good resistance to oil, moisture, and mechanical abuse. This article explains its key features, applications, and choice criteria for engineers and procurement professionals. Explore the full range at singi-cable.com.
UL2587 cable is a type of power and control cable listed under Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Standard 2587. It features stranded copper conductors, thermoplastic insulation ( PVC or PE), and a tough PVC jacket. The cable is rated for 600V and can operate at temperatures up to 90°C in dry locations and 60°C in wet locations. Its jacket provides oil resistance and flame retardancy, making it suitable for industrial machinery and equipment wiring.
Note: UL2587 cable is used as a replacement for older UL designs that required separate ground conductors. Modern versions include a green/yellow ground wire inside the jacket.
Industrial environments expose cables to oil, moisture, vibration, and physical impact. UL2587 cable is built to withstand these conditions:
For engineers designing machinery control panels or power distribution, UL2587 cable reduces risk of premature failure and downtime.
UL2587 cable is specified for:
It is used as an alternative to TC (tray cable) when a broader temperature range or oil resistance is not critical, but a cost-effective UL-listed solution is needed.
When choosing UL2587 cable, consider:
For example, a 4-conductor 12 AWG UL2587 cable (with ground) is common for motor power leads. Verify ampacity per NEC Table 310.15(B)(16) for 90°C rated conductors.
| Property | UL2587 | UL2518 (TC-ER) | UL2464 (CL2) | UL2570 (ITC/PLTC) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volt-level rating | 600V | 600V | 300V | 300/600V |
| Oil resistance | Yes (PVC jacket) | Yes (XLPE/PVC) | Limited | Yes (PUR/TPE) |
| Temperature (dry) | 90°C | 90°C | 75°C | 80°C |
| Flame test | VW-1 | VW-1 (FT4 for TC) | CL2 | VW-1 |
| Typical application | Machine tools | Tray cable | Intercom/signal | Instrumentation |
UL2587 is a general-purpose cable for industrial power and control, while other types serve professional roles. For most factory wiring, UL2587 provides a good balance of performance and cost.
Yes, provided it is installed in conduit or protected from direct sunlight. The PVC jacket is not UV-stable; for direct burial or sunlight exposure, consider a UV-rated alternative.
Yes, but the temperature rating derates to 60°C. Check the manufacturer's data sheet for specific wet location approvals.
THHN/THWN is a single-conductor building wire, while UL2587 is a multi-conductor cable assembly with an overall jacket. UL2587 is more convenient for multi-conductor runs and provides better mechanical protection.
Most constructions include a green/yellow insulated ground conductor, though bare ground is optional. Verify with the supplier.
8 times the cable outer diameter for installation. For more precise values, refer to UL 1581 or manufacturer specifications.
Choosing the right UL2587 cable for your project ensures reliable performance and code compliance. At singi-cable, we offer a wide range of UL2587 cable configurations with consistent quality and competitive pricing. Our experienced team can help you choose the correct conductor size, number of cores, and jacket color for your application.
Ready to order UL2587 cable? Visit our product page to see specifications and request a quote: UL2587 Cable by singi-cable. Contact our sales team for bulk pricing and custom lengths.
[1] UL 1581. Reference Standard for Electrical Wires, Cables, and Flexible Cords [S]. 2021.
[2] EN 50525-1:2011. Electric cables – Low volt-level energy cables of rated volt-levels up to 450/750 V – Part 1: General requirements [S]. 2011.
[3] IEC 60228:2004. Conductors of insulated cables [S]. 2004.