Ripley US21 VariStrip Bushing Size & Selection Guide for THHN/XHHW Wire
Ripley US21 THHN/XHHW Cable Stripper
Precision Stripping Tool for THHN, XHHW & Building Wire – Part of the VariStrip Series
The Ripley US21 Cable Stripper is part of the VariStrip Series – a line of precision-engineered tools developed to safely and cleanly strip the insulation from building wire, including THHN and XHHW constructions. Designed with electricians, installers, and utility contractors in mind, the VariStrip Series delivers fast, damage-free stripping of insulation on cables from 10 AWG to 500 MCM (6 sqmm to 240 sqmm).
Ideal for control panels, panel boards, service panels, and industrial applications, this tool replaces manual knives and wire strippers with a safe, repeatable, and professional-grade solution.
VariStrip Series Key Features
The Ripley US21 Cable Stripper enables safe and accurate insulation removal without damaging the conductor or nicking wire strands. Its spring-loaded jaw automatically adjusts to cable size, ensuring a firm grip and consistent strip depth every time. The tool is compatible with PVC, THHN, XHHW, RHH, RHW, SIS, and other standard building wire insulations.
Its compact, ergonomic design fits easily in tight enclosures or panels, while the precision-ground blade ensures clean cuts even on high-volume jobs. As part of the VariStrip Series, the US21 features a robust aluminium frame for durability and field performance.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Tool Model | US21 VariStrip |
| Part Number | US21-THHN-XHHW |
| Cable Compatibility | THHN, XHHW, RHH, RHW, SIS, PVC-insulated wire |
| Conductor Size Range | 10 AWG – 500 MCM (6 mm² – 240 mm²) |
| Operation | Manual operation with drill-powered drive; spring-loaded jaw |
| Blade Type | Precision-ground, replaceable steel blade |
| Tool Body | Durable aluminium frame with ergonomic grip |
| Applications | Panel building, service entrance prep, industrial wiring, control panels |
| Series | Ripley VariStrip |
Ripley us21 VariStrip Series Comparison Table
| Model | Part # | Cable Types | Wire Size Range | Applications | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US21 | US21-THHN-XHHW | THHN, XHHW, RHH, RHW, SIS, PVC | 10 AWG – 500 MCM (6 mm² – 240 mm²) |
Building wire stripping, control panels, service panels, industrial wiring | Spring-loaded jaw, automatic size adjustment, precision-ground blade |
| US02 | US02-7000 | Primary insulation (XLPE, EPR, etc.) | 0.5” – 2.5” OD (12.7 mm – 63.5 mm) |
Medium voltage cable prep, insulation removal on MV power cables | Adjustable depth blade, rotary cutting action, tool-free blade replacement |
| US01 | US01-7000 | MV Cable Jackets (PE, PVC, etc.) | 0.5” – 2.5” OD (12.7 mm – 63.5 mm) |
MV cable jacket removal, utility and industrial cable prep | Longitudinal and circumferential cuts, EPR-specific blades available |
US21 VariStrip Tool & Kit
| Image | Part Ref | Description | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
US21-7200 | US21 THHN / XHHW Kit with 5 bushings, drill-adaptable tool & carrying case.
Size: 10” x 12” x 3” (25 x 30 x 8 cm) |
#2 – 400 MCM THHN / XHHW |
 |
US21-7210 | US21 THHN / XHHW Kit with 8 bushings (covers #2–750 MCM), drill-adaptable tool & case.
Size: 10” x 12” x 3” (25 x 30 x 8 cm) |
#2 – 750 MCM THHN / XHHW |
 |
US21-7215 | Kit of 3 large bushings & pouch.
Size: 10” x 12” x 3” (25 x 30 x 8 cm) |
500 – 750 MCM THHN / XHHW |
 |
US21-7205 | Kit of 5 Bushings Only (no tool or case).
Size: 9” x 3” x 3” (22 x 8 x 8 cm) |
#2 – 400 MCM THHN / XHHW |
 |
US21-7100 | Drill-adaptable tool body only (no bushings).
Size: 6” x 2” x 2” (15 x 5 x 5 cm) |
Works with all US21 bushings |
 |
US21-7001 | Individual bushing for #2 – #1 AWG | #2 – #1 THHN / XHHW |
| US21-7002 | Individual bushing for 1/0 – 2/0 AWG | 1/0 – 2/0 THHN / XHHW | |
| US21-7003 | Individual bushing for 3/0 – 4/0 AWG | 3/0 – 4/0 THHN / XHHW | |
| US21-7004 | Individual bushing for 250 – 300 MCM | 250 – 300 MCM THHN / XHHW | |
| US21-7005 | Individual bushing for 350 – 400 MCM | 350 – 400 MCM THHN / XHHW | |
| US21-7006 | Individual bushing for 500 MCM | 500 MCM THHN / XHHW | |
| US21-7007 | Individual bushing for 600 MCM | 600 MCM THHN / XHHW | |
| US21-7008 | Individual bushing for 750 MCM | 750 MCM THHN / XHHW |
How to Use This VariStrip™ Bushing Selection Guide
-
Identify your conductor size (AWG/MCM)
-
Match it to the correct bushing colour from the US21 VariStrip kit
-
Refer to the corresponding connector colour (e.g. Burndy) where applicable
-
Always refer to the case insert for exact compatibility by manufacturer
Bushing Compatibility Table
| Conductor Size (AWG/MCM) | Bushing Colour | Compatible Cable Types | Approx. Connector Colour |
|---|---|---|---|
| #2 AWG | Blue | THHN, XHHW, SIS | Blue* |
| 1 AWG | Tan | THHN, XHHW | Tan |
| 1/0 AWG | Pink | THHN, XHHW | Pink |
| 2/0 AWG | Black | THHN, XHHW | Black |
| 3/0 AWG | Orange | THHN, XHHW | Orange |
| 4/0 AWG | Purple | THHN, XHHW | Purple |
| 250 MCM | Yellow | THHN, XHHW | Yellow |
| 350 MCM | Red | THHN, XHHW | Red |
| 500 MCM | Green | THHN, XHHW | Green |
| 600 MCM | White | THHN, XHHW | White |
| 750 MCM | Grey | THHN, XHHW | Grey |
*Note: Bushing colour does not always match connector colour exactly. Refer to the case insert or manufacturer-specific guide for confirmation.
Ripley US21 VariStrip – Frequently Asked Questions
How do I select the correct VariStrip bushing for my wire?
Refer to the instruction sheet provided or included in the US21 kit. Each bushing is marked, and the case insert clearly shows which bushing corresponds to common wire sizes and connector types.
What does “avoid freewheeling” mean during use?
Freewheeling occurs when the bushing continues to spin after the stripping operation is complete. To avoid damaging the conductor or tool, always release the drill trigger immediately once the conductor hits the strip stop. Let the bushing come to a complete stop before removing the wire.
Do VariStrip bushing colours match Burndy lug colour codes?
Not directly. While the bushing colours do not match Burndy lugs 1:1, the US21-7200 case insert indicates which Burndy (and similar) connectors fall within each bushing’s supported wire range. The VariStrip system supports a broader range per bushing.
How many cuts can each bushing make?
Under normal use, each VariStrip bushing can perform over 1,000 clean cuts before dulling. Replacement blades are included in the US21-7200 kit to extend bushing life.
Can I use VariStrip bushings on other Ripley tools like the WS-68 or 4×4?
- WS-68: Not recommended due to different bushing lengths, which cause misaligned strip stop lengths
- 4×4 (manual): Yes, VariStrip bushings are compatible as precise strip length is less critical with manual operation
Are VariStrip bushings compatible with WS-22, WS-5, or WS-6 tools?
No. These tools use different bushing sizes and are not compatible with VariStrip bushings due to size and fitment differences.
Is there a kit available for large wire sizes like 500–750 MCM?
Yes. Ripley offers the US21-7215 Expansion Kit, which includes bushings for 500 MCM, 600 MCM, and 750 MCM conductors.
Cable Preparation Jointing Termination | MV HV Cable Tools | 600V 11kV 33kV 66kV 132kV
Why Choose the Ripley US21?
Part of Ripley’s innovative VariStrip™ Series, the US21 is a safer and more accurate alternative to knives or manual stripping tools. It speeds up installation while protecting conductors, reducing the risk of rework or insulation damage. Built for repetitive use in high-demand environments, it’s the go-to solution for professional cable prep on building wire.
THORNE & DERRICK are Specialist Distributors of LV HV Cable Jointing, Earthing, Substation & Electrical Eqpt up to 66kV – this covers the most extensive range of Ex Stock Innovation Tooling to facilitate safe and reliable preparation, termination and installation of cables from market-leading brands including Klauke, Hivotec, Alroc, Nexans and Cembre.
Our Cable Tools enable the Jointing, Termination, Spiking & Preparation of LV MV HV Power, Fibre Optic, Umbilicals and Electric Cables – the most extensive ranges of Hydraulic & Battery-Operated tools for cutting and crimping all types of armoured and unarmoured cables with XLPE, EPR & PILC insulation.
Ripley VariStrip Series – Data SheetDownload
