Overhead service drop installations almost universally rely on stranded aluminum conductors due to their lightweight properties and cost-effectiveness over long outdoor spans. Specifically, utilities use triplex aluminum cable for standard single-phase residential services and quadplex aluminum cable for three-phase services. The phase conductors feature durable, weather-resistant cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) insulation designed to withstand continuous exposure to ultraviolet sunlight, heavy rain, and sub-zero winter temperatures, while the central support messenger wire consists of bare high-strength aluminum alloy or steel-reinforced aluminum.
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