Category 04 · service & underground
We buy SER, SEU, URD and USE-2 cable
Service entrance and direct-burial cable, usually in aluminum, usually on a reel with a footage tag. Common after a service change or a cancelled subdivision.
Service entrance above ground, distribution below it
SER is a round, multi-conductor service entrance cable with a PVC jacket, used for feeders and service drops above ground, commonly in 2-2-2-4 or 4/0-4/0-2/0 configurations. SEU is the older style with a concentric neutral wrapped around the conductors, typically three-wire service entrance.
URD is underground residential distribution cable: two or three insulated conductors twisted together for direct burial, usually aluminum, used by utilities and for large property distribution. USE-2 is a single-conductor underground service entrance cable rated for direct burial and, in many constructions, for sunlight exposure.
Mobile home feeder cable — a four-conductor aluminum assembly — belongs in the same family and is bought the same way.
Service changes and stalled subdivisions
This cable is ordered in long lengths for a specific address. When the service is re-engineered, the pedestal moves, or a subdivision phase is postponed, the reel stays in the yard.
- Utility and contractor URD reels after a distribution upgrade.
- SER and SEU partial reels from panel replacements and service upgrades.
- USE-2 coils from meter loops and temporary services.
- Mobile home feeder reels from manufactured housing and RV park work.
Because it is often stored outdoors, condition matters: sun exposure, mud on the jacket and water in an open reel end are all normal, but the jacket should still be intact. Photograph the exposed end and any cracking.
Reading a URD or SER reel
URD tags typically read as a conductor count and size, such as 2-1/0 or 3-4/0, with the insulation type and voltage. SER tags read as 2-2-2-4 or 4/0-4/0-4/0-2/0 aluminum, where the last number is the bare neutral or ground.
USE-2 is usually a single size, for example 2/0 USE-2 aluminum, with a sunlight-resistant marking. If the jacket print is faded, the conductor size can be measured and the construction confirmed from the end.
Tell us whether the conductor is copper or aluminum. In this family, aluminum is far more common, and the difference changes the value substantially.
Send service or underground cable details
Include conductor configuration, metal, footage and whether the reel has been stored indoors or outside.
SER, URD and USE-2 questions
Do you buy aluminum SER cable?
Yes. Aluminum SER in 2-2-2-4, 4/0-4/0-2/0 and similar configurations is common and is bought in full and partial reels.
What does URD footage look like on a reel?
Usually printed on the flange tag with the conductor configuration. If the tag is gone, the reel diameter and wrap count give a reasonable estimate.
Do you buy cable stored outdoors?
Often. Sun-faded jackets and dirty reels are normal for this family. Severe cracking, exposed conductor or water intrusion into the conductor strands is a problem; send photos of the damage.
Is direct-burial USE-2 bought as a single conductor?
Yes. Single-conductor USE-2 in coils and on spools is bought, especially in 2/0 through 500 MCM aluminum.
Reel sitting behind the shop?
URD and SER stock can usually be identified from the tag and the exposed end. Send both.
Keep reading
- Copper and aluminum building wireWire category
- THHN, THWN, THWN-2 and XHHW wireWire category
- MC, AC, tray cable and VFD cableWire category
- Bare copper, insulated copper and grounding wireWire category
- Welding cable and SOOW portable cordWire category
- Control, instrumentation and communication cableWire category
- Fire alarm and low-voltage cableWire category
- Medium and high-voltage cable (5kV to 69kV+)Wire category
- EPR, XLPE and concentric-neutral cableWire category
- Wire sizes we buyReference
- Who we buy fromSeller guide
- BirminghamJefferson County
- HuntsvilleMadison County
- MobileMobile County