What is the Price of #2 Aluminum Wire? (100-Amp Buyer's Guide)

What is the Price of #2 Aluminum Wire?

If you are upgrading to a 100-amp sub-panel for a home addition, detached garage, or a large workshop, #2 Aluminum wire is the industry standard choice. It provides the power you need at a fraction of the cost of copper, but the price depends entirely on which "type" of #2 cable you buy.

Here is the breakdown of the most common #2 Aluminum options and how to choose the right one for your 100-amp project.

#2 XHHW-2 Aluminum (Single Conductor)

Estimated Price: $ (Lowest) Best For: Pulling through conduit for 100-amp feeders. This is a single strand of high-performance insulated wire. For a standard 100-amp sub-panel, you will typically need to purchase four separate strands (two hots, one neutral, and one ground).

Installer’s Insight: XHHW-2 is incredibly popular for 100-amp runs because its "cross-linked" insulation is slicker than standard THHN, making it much easier to pull through long bends in PVC or EMT conduit.

👉 View #2 XHHW-2 Aluminum Pricing

#2-2-2-4 SER Aluminum (The Sub-Panel Specialist)

Estimated Price: $$$ (Higher) Best For: Indoor sub-panels and HVAC equipment. SER cable bundles three #2 conductors and a #4 ground wire into one round, gray jacket. It is designed for easy installation inside homes and buildings without the need for a pipe or conduit.

Installer’s Insight: If you are running power through a basement or attic to reach a new sub-panel, SER is your best friend. It saves you hours of labor because you can staple it directly to joists or run it through studs just like oversized Romex.

👉 View #2-2-2-4 SER Aluminum Pricing

#2 Aluminum Direct Burial URD (The Underground King)

Estimated Price: $$ (Moderate) Best For: Direct burial from a meter to a detached building. #2 URD is built for the elements. It is typically "triplexed" (three wires twisted together) and features a rugged jacket that can be buried directly in a trench without conduit.

Installer’s Insight: Remember that standard URD is strictly for outdoors. It lacks the fire-rated jacket required for indoor use, so you must transition to a different wire type within 5 feet of entering a building.

👉 View 2-2-2 Ramapo Aluminum Triplex URD Cable

👉 View 2-2-4 Stephens Aluminum Triplex URD Cable

👉 View 2-2-2-4 Dyke Aluminum URD Quadruplex Cable

#2 XLP-USE/RHH-RHW-2 (The Triple Rated Solution)

Estimated Price: $$ (Moderate) Best For: Solar installations and direct-burial runs that enter a building. This is the "do-it-all" #2 wire. Because it is triple-rated (USE-2/RHH/RHW-2), it is sunlight resistant for outdoor use and fire-rated for indoor use.

Installer’s Insight: This wire is perfect for solar projects where the cable is exposed on a rack and then buried before entering the house. Since it's fire-rated, you don't need a junction box to switch wires at the wall—you can run it straight to the panel.

👉 View #2 XLP-USE RHH-RHW-2 Pricing

#2-3 Aluminum MC Cable (The Conduit Alternative)

Estimated Price: $$$ (Higher) Best For: Commercial interiors, multi-family housing, and avoiding conduit. MC (Metal Clad) cable features three #2 aluminum conductors and a bare ground, all wrapped in a flexible, interlocked aluminum armor. Think of it as "wire with the conduit already on it." While the price per foot is higher, your labor costs and installation time will drop significantly.

Installer’s Insight:: MC cable is the favorite of commercial contractors because it can be "fished" through walls and open ceilings much faster than bending and installing EMT pipe.

👉 View #2/3 Aluminum MC Cable w/ Ground Pricing

Which #2 Aluminum Wire is Right for You?

1. #2 XHHW-2 (Single Conductor)

• Cost: Lowest

• Best Use: Pulling through conduit for feeders

• Key Detail: Must buy 4 separate strands for a 100-amp circuit

2. #2-2-2-4 SER (Service Entrance Round)

• Cost: Higher

• Best Use: Indoor sub-panels and home additions

• Key Detail: Eliminates the need for conduit, saving massive labor

3. #2 Aluminum URD (Underground Distribution)

• Cost: Moderate

• Best Use: Detached sheds, barns, and mobile homes

• Key Detail: Outdoor only; cannot be run inside a home

4. #2 XLP-USE / RHH-RHW-2 (Triple Rated)

• Cost: Moderate

• Best Use: Solar power and outside-to-inside runs

• Key Detail: Sunlight resistant AND fire-rated for indoor use

5. #2-3 Aluminum MC Cable (Metal Clad)

• Cost: Higher (includes built-in armor)

• Best Use: Commercial interiors and fast-track jobs

• Key Detail: Built-in flexible conduit saves massive labor time

Save on Your 100-Amp Project

At Wire America, we specialize in providing high-quality aluminum that makes your 100-amp project safe and affordable. By choosing #2 Aluminum over copper, you can save up to 70% on your material costs without sacrificing performance.

How Wire America Can Help

• Cut-to-Length: Only pay for the footage you need.

• Fast Shipping: We get your wire on the truck quickly so you can get the job done.

• Expert Support: Not sure if you need SER or URD? Our team is here to help.

Need a Bulk Quote? For commercial projects or large-scale installs, contact our sales desk for custom pricing.

Request a Custom Quote Here or call us directly at 1 (833) 268-8644 for expert assistance.

At Wire America, we believe in genuine conversation. You'll always talk with real people who understand that every project requires careful product selection. We're here to ensure you feel educated, confident, and great about your final purchase. Feel free to give us a call to discuss your project! You can reach us at: 833-268-8644

⚠️ Important Disclaimer: Safety and Compliance

Wire America provides this information as a guide only. Electrical installations must strictly adhere to the National Electrical Code (NEC) and all state, local, and jurisdictional requirements, which vary widely. Always consult a licensed electrician, electrical engineer, or the local inspecting authority before purchasing material or starting any electrical project. Wire America assumes no liability for the installation, use, or interpretation of these guides.