An Innovation Center of Excellence.
Product Innovation is Key at Southwire.

Since 1950, Southwire’s research and development has brought new innovations for both transmission and distribution applications. From the grid of yesterday to the grid of tomorrow.

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D.B. Cofer Technology Center

Since its opening in 1992, the D.B. Cofer Technology Center, named for D.B. "Pete" Cofer, Southwire's first chief engineer, has been a premier source for answers to difficult application questions and value-add research.

Southwire’s Cofer Center is a dedicated 50,000 square foot on-site research and development center staffed with industry experts including metallurgists, polymer chemists, and process and applications engineers. In this environment, the link between real-world customer needs and truly innovative – and practical – solutions starts with advanced research.

World-Class Testing and Laboratory Operations Ensure Quality

Cofer Center labs are equipped to conduct industry-accepted qualification testing to standards set by the Association of Edison Illuminating Companies (AEIC) and the Insulated Cable Engineers Association (ICEA).

Cofer Center testing helps ensure that new and existing Southwire products reliably meet or exceed the requirements of ANSI/ICEA S-94-649 for concentric neutral cables, ANSI/ICEA S-97-682 for cables that use copper tape shields, longitudinally corrugated tape, or drain wire shields, and the AEIC supplement, CS8. Cofer Center capabilities include flame testing facilities, a complete mechanical testing facility, and a world-class metallurgy lab for chemical and physical analysis of materials. Cofer Center insulation experts blend, analyze, and test existing and new cable insulation compounds.

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HS285® Overhead Conductor- HS285® is the most popular high temperature low sag (HTLS) conductor in use today because of its versatility and strength. The multipurpose conductor is up to 21 percent stronger than standard ACSS, reducing sag while allowing for additional line capacity.
 
C Overhead Conductor - With its unique stranded construction, Southwire’s C Overhead Conductor is the most durable, rugged, and reliable composite core conductor on the market - and the only composite core conductor developed by a conductor manufacturer with full knowledge of utility needs and practices.
Max Storm™ Overhead Conductor - At half the size of the same capacity ACSR conductors, Max Storm™ overhead conductors accumulate less ice buildup, resulting in less sag and less weight on transmission towers. The higher aluminum packing factor reduces the sail area which results in less wind load on transmission lines.

VR2® Vibration Resistant Conductor – Our VR2® conductor provides vibration and galloping resistance without the schedule delays associated with bagging problems during installation. VR2® conductor is the easiest installing dual-conductor cable construction you can find.

Proof Positive® Products - Proof Positive® products, available in both copper & copper-clad steel, are the only traceable copper theft solution on the market. Made from utility-grade copper, the product looks and behaves like any other copper conductor except for a unique feature: each foot of cable is imprinted with TraceID™ codes that provide a unique “fingerprint” for proving ownership.
PowerGlide® 600VUD - Engineered with Glide Wire™ Technology, PowerGlide® 600VUD cables slide through ducts with less force.





SIMpull® Cable-in-Conduit - Southwire is the only full product supplier that manufactures both the cable and conduit, providing trusted and tested quality you can depend on. SIMpull® CIC increases job safety, productivity, and profitability and can be customized to meet your specific needs.
SureSeal® Self-Sealing Cable- The patented SureSeal® cables contain a highly reliable visco-elastic insulating material that flows into insulation breaks and blocks the moisture migration, thus leading to fewer failures.
PowerGlide® MV - An enhanced cable jacket allows the cable to slide through duct with less friction. The result: longer pulls or pushes with less or no lube at all.

HPFF RetroFit Solution With limited components supply and expertise to repair or replace HPFF systems, the electric utility industry has been seeking alternatives to address their specific needs.

Innovative Services

Cable Rejuvenation

Cable Rejuvenation Services

Digital Grid Resiliency Assessments

Digital Grid Resiliency Assessments

Field Assessment

Field Assessment Services

Reel Tracking

Reel Tracking System

Industry Articles and Case Studies

Cable Rejuvenation Traditional vs. Innovative - A Case Study
Underground cables were failing faster than the utility could replace them. Learn more about Southwire's solution.
30+ Years of Cable Rejuvenation and Advancements in the Technology
Reusing vs. Replacing Underground Cables

Powering Progress: Advanced Utility Grid Solutions for Modern Challenges
Utility products must evolve to meet changing demands on the grid.

Innovative Resources

Calculators

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Guides & Manuals

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Software

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