DLO cable is very different than THHN wire because they are both designed and manufactured for different daily struggles. THHN is commonly used indoors, outdoors and in conduit applications and it remains still for its entire life. DLO cable, on the other hand, is used outdoors and commonly handled on a day to day basis giving it a few variations as to the amount of protection and user handle ability.
THHN is dual rated with THWN as a thermoplastic hook up wire with a nylon coating. Thick bare copper strands, or even a single solid strand, of copper create a stiff electrical wire for easier installation in conduit. Pushing a flexible cable through conduit will prove to be very difficult.
Since DLO cable is handled by the user on a day to day basis the flexible copper strands help the user bring the cable from point A to point B. DLO cable is also commonly wound up onto a large spool for the day giving it another reason to be manufactured as a flexible cable.
DLO stands for Diesel Locomotive Cable which is obviously used in locomotive installations and other applications that require higher than normal voltage. It’s a 2000 volt single conductor power cable with rubber EPDM insulation and a second rubber jacket even though it’s only a single conductor. The added insulation approves it for high voltage but gives it a think outer diameter that may need to be considered when installing it in raceway.
THHN 10 AWG electrical wire is used in homes and buildings to run power from the electrical box to the outlets, lights and appliances throughout. Running a single 10 AWG wire is less common than running an NMB cable with multiple 10 AWG wires. Most of the applications throughout homes and buildings requires more than one THHN wire at a time making NMB 10/3 a common household electrical wire.
You’ll find in your search that DLO cable is much more expensive than THHN wire. Remember that there won’t be a difference in price based on the amount of copper because both are 10 AWG. So the price difference lies in the insulation, construction and approval process. DLO, for instance, is UL, CSA, MSHA and RoHS compliant while THHN only has a UL and RoHS approval.
Speak to your electrician or your wire and cable provider about the type of wire you need and the AWG size for the application. Choosing it your self can cause all kinds of problems that will be found during the inspection process so make sure everything is done right the first time.