“Engineered for maximum power capacity and tough underground environments, 500 MCM 3-Conductor Direct Burial Aluminum MC Cable delivers complete feeder protection without the added labor or expense of installing underground conduit.

This heavy-duty cable features three 500 MCM compact-stranded aluminum conductors and one 1 AWG aluminum ground conductor, protected by an interlocked aluminum armor and covered in a rugged, moisture-proof, UV-resistant PVC outer jacket. Fully approved per NEC Article 330 for direct earth burial, wet locations, and cable tray applications, it is the ultimate cost-effective solution for 310A-350A commercial service distribution, industrial subpanels, and utility power runs.”

Key Features & Benefits: 500 MCM-3C Direct Burial Alum MC Cable + #1 Ground

• Direct Burial Approved (No Conduit Required): The extruded PVC outer jacket isolates the interlocked aluminum armor from moisture, soil chemicals, and ground rot, allowing you to lay cable directly into open trenches.

• High-Capacity 500 MCM Layout: Features three 500 MCM phase conductors and one 1 AWG bare groundideal for commercial main service entrances, large industrial subpanels, and heavy-amp machinery feeds.

• Compact Stranded AA-8000 Aluminum: Built with lightweight AA-8000 series aluminum alloy that reduces overall cable diameter, making it easier to pull through tight bends without sacrificing ampacity.

• Superior Mechanical Armor: The flexible interlocked aluminum armor shields internal wires from soil shifts, sharp rocks, crushed backfill, and physical impacts during installation.

• Sunlight & Flame Resistant: Designed to handle direct exposure to sunlight, wet locations, and indoor/outdoor transitions seamlessly.

Technical Specifications: 500 MCM 3 Conductor Direct Burial Alum MC Cable

• Conductor Size: 500 MCM (kcmil)

• Number of Power Conductors: 3

• Conductor Material: AA-8000 Series Compact Stranded Aluminum Alloy

• Ground Wire Size: 1 AWG Bare Aluminum

• Phase Colors: Black, White, Red

• Insulation Type: XLPE / XHHW-2

• Armor Type: AIA (Aluminum Interlocked Armor)

• Protective Outer Jacket: PVC – Black (Sunlight & Moisture Resistant)

• 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

• Jacket Thickness: 0.070 inches

• Approximate Nominal Outer Diameter: 2.45 inches

• Approximate Net Weight: 2,441 lbs per 1,000 ft

• Minimum Bending Radius: 17.64 inches (Calculated as 7x Diameter Over Jacket)

• Compliance Standards: UL 44, UL 1569 (Type MC), NEMA WC70 / ICEA S-95-658, IEEE 1202, ASTM B800 & B801, NEC 518.4, NEC 520.5, NEC 645.5, and NEC 300.22.

Common 500 MCM-3 Alum MC Cable PVC Jacket Applications

• Main Commercial Feeders & Subpanels: Delivering high-capacity power from utility disconnects to 300A350A commercial distribution boards and industrial subpanels.

• Industrial & Utility Facility Power: Routing heavy 3-phase power across manufacturing facilities, chemical plants, wastewater facilities, and industrial job sites.

• Underground Distribution: Running direct-buried main feeders between separate commercial buildings, agricultural complexes, and heavy machinery workshops.

Ordering & Fulfillment

• Cut to Length: Sold by the foot or in master reels to match your exact trench footprint and minimize scrap.

• Fast Processing: Ships directly from closest regional distribution hubs to guarantee minimal transit times and reduced freight costs.

• Submittal Assistance: Need cut sheets or manufacturer technical data sheets for engineering approval? Call our sales team directly at 833-268-8644 for immediate jobsite support.

Technical Note: To prevent structural degradation from galvanic corrosion, installers must utilize dual-rated AL7CU or AL9CU mechanical compression lugs or mechanical split-bolts when joining this aluminum cable to copper busbars or breaker terminals. Penetrox or similar antioxidant joint compound must be thoroughly applied to all bare aluminum conductors before final structural torquing. While the PVC jacket isolates the interior armor against direct soil or chemical contact, minimum trench depth profiles must strictly comply with NEC Article 300.5 tables (typically requiring 24 inches of earth cover for direct-buried cables not under concrete paths, or 18 inches beneath standard structural landscapes).

DISCLAIMER: The technical information provided is for general reference only. Large-scale high-voltage feeder systems and underground distribution paths must strictly adhere to the National Electrical Code (NEC), local electrical building enforcement, and relevant safety parameters. Always cross-reference the official product submittal data sheet from the chosen manufacturer prior to finalizing structural configurations or executing structural cuts.