“A dependable industrial and commercial choice for heavy feeder systems, 3-phase branch circuits, and main service disconnect installations requiring maximum ampacity capacity. Engineered with a lightweight, interlocking aluminum armor jacket, this pre-protected 3-conductor plus ground assembly eliminates the extensive material and labor expenses of traditional conduit piping. It allows electrical crews to route heavy service lines directly through walls, ceilings, and open cable trays in a fraction of the time.”

Key Features & Benefits: 500-3 Aluminum MC Cable w/ Ground

500 MCM 3-Conductor Aluminum Metal Clad (MC) Cable delivers a completely code-compliant, pre-armored wiring solution designed to minimize field labor hours and maximize jobsite efficiency. Featuring three compact-stranded AA-8000 series aluminum phase conductors insulated with cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE/XHHW-2) and a dedicated bare grounding wire, the assembly is protected by an overall interlocking aluminum armor jacket.

• Labor-Saving Armor: The integrated aluminum interlocked armor serves as its own flexible metallic protective raceway, removing the tedious labor of bending and installing separate EMT or rigid conduit systems.

• AA-8000 Conductor Material: Manufactured with compact-stranded 8000-series aluminum alloy to ensure high electrical conductivity, dramatically reduced weight strain during long structural pulls, and excellent flexibility.

• XHHW-2 Insulation: Individual phase conductors are insulated with cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE), providing elite resistance to heat, moisture, and electrical stress in challenging industrial environments.

• Maximum Versatility: Code-approved for an exceptionally broad range of heavy-duty installations including commercial distribution panels, large equipment feeders, vertical risers, and environmental air-handling spaces (plenums).

• Cut to Length or Bulk Spools: Order custom cut-to-length footage to eliminate jobsite waste, or select full factory spools and reels for major commercial installation pulls.

Technical Specifications: 500-500-500 Aluminum Metal Clad (MC) w/ Ground

• Conductor Configuration: 3 Insulated Conductors + 1 Bare Ground Wire

• Conductor Size: 500 MCM (kcmil)

• Conductor Material: AA-8000 Series Compact Stranded Aluminum Alloy (per ASTM B800 & B801)

• Conductor Colors (240V ): Black, White, Red

• Ground Wire Size: 2 AWG (Bare Stranded Aluminum)

• Insulation: High-Heat & Moisture Resistant Cross-Linked Polyethylene (XLPE / Type XHHW-2). A binder tape is wrapped over the insulated conductors’ assembly.

• Armor: Overall Aluminum Interlocked Armor

• Voltage Rating: 600 Volts

• Temperature Rating: -40C to 90C

• Amp Rating (@ 75C – NEC): 310 Amps

• Amp Rating (@ 90C – NEC): 350 Amps

• Insulation Thickness: 0.065 inches

• Diameter Over Armor: 2.29 inches

• Net Weight: 2,099lbs per 1,000 ft

• Minimum Bending Radius: 16.03inches (Calculated as 7x Diameter Over Armor)

• Compliance Standards: UL 44, UL 1569 for Type MC Cable (CT Use Rated), NEMA WC-70/ICEA S-95-658, IEEE 1202 70,000 BTU/HR Vertical Tray Flame Test, ASTM B800 & B801, NEC 518.4, NEC 520.5, NEC 645.5, and NEC 300.22 for environmental air-handling spaces (plenums).

Common 500 MCM 3-Conductor Alum MC Cable Applications

• 300A350A Sub-Panel Feeds: Primary 3-phase feeder lines running from main service disconnects to 300A or 350A sub-panels in commercial distribution centers, manufacturing plants, and industrial facilities.

• Heavy HVAC & Industrial Machinery: Dedicated power feeds for massive commercial rooftop HVAC units, chillers, heavy air compressors, and industrial motors not requiring a neutral conductor.

• Open Plenum & Drop-Ceiling Routing: Fully certified under NEC 300.22 for routing directly through environmental air-handling plenum spaces, dropped ceiling voids, and raised floors without conduit.

• Commercial EV Charging & Transformers: Reliable power distribution for high-capacity EV charging infrastructure, step-down transformers, and large battery backup systems.

• Multi-Story Vertical Shafts: Approved for vertical riser shafts in commercial structures and high-rise facilities when secured per NEC 300.19 and 330.30 guidelines.

Technical Note:All values are nominal and subject to industry tolerances and manufacturer corrections. Specifications are subject to change without notice. It is the buyers responsibility to verify that all materials meet the specific requirements of the project and comply with local electrical codes. Reference NEC Article 330 for specific Metal-Clad installation guidelines.

Ampacity Note: Values calculated based on National Electrical Code (NEC) standards. Because most standard commercial electrical panels, breakers, and terminal lugs feature 75C termination points, circuits are typically designed based on the conservative 310-Amp standard. The 350-Amp rating at 90C is highly utilized for ampacity adjustment and correction factors