3/0-3C Direct Burial Aluminum MC Cable with Bare Ground (PVC Jacketed)

Parent SKU :  MCA3/0-3JKT

SKU :  MCA3/0-3JKT-250

3 CONDUCTOR + GROUND • ALUMINUM INTERLOCKED ARMOR • PVC JACKET • 600V
Wire Size 3/0
Conductor Material Aluminum
Conductor Type Stranded
Outer Diameter 1.63 in.
Conductor Count 3
Voltage Rating 600V
Ampacity Rating 175
Weight per Foot 1.042 lb

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"Engineered for maximum power capacity and tough underground environments, 3/0 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 3/0 compact-stranded aluminum conductors and one #4 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 150A–175A service distribution, commercial subpanels, and agricultural power runs."

Key Features & Benefits: 3/0-3/0-3/0 Direct Burial MC Cable + 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.

  • 3-Conductor High-Amp Layout: Features three insulated 3/0 power legs plus a bare #4 ground—ideal for 3-phase 3-wire delta systems, main service feeds, and heavy machinery runs.

  • 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.

  • XHHW-2 XLPE Insulation: Inner power cores feature flame-retardant cross-linked polyethylene insulation certified for 90°C wet and dry operational environments.

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

Technical Specifications: 3/0-3/0-3/0 Alum Direct Bury MC Cable + Ground

  • Conductor Size: 3/0 

  • Number of Power Conductors: 3

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

  • Ground Wire Size: 4 AWG Bare Aluminum

  • Phase Colors (240V): 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: -40°C to 90°C

  • Amp Rating (@ 75°C - NEC): 155 Amps

  • Amp Rating (@ 90°C - NEC): 175 Amps

  • Insulation Thickness: 0.055 inches

  • Jacket Thickness: 0.050 inches

  • Approximate Nominal Outer Diameter: 1.63 inches

  • Approximate Net Weight: 1,042 lbs per 1,000 ft

  • Minimum Bending Radius: 11.41 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 3/0-3 Alum MC Cable PVC Jacket Applications

  • Commercial Main Feeders: Supplying power from utility disconnects to 150A–200A commercial distribution panels, switchgear arrays, and large subpanels.

  • Industrial & Renewable Energy Layouts: Routing heavy power across solar fields, manufacturing facilities, wastewater plants, and industrial job sites.

  • Direct Burial Site Distribution: Laying continuous underground feeder runs between separate commercial structures, agricultural facilities, and outbuildings.


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.

See Full Specifications

See Full Specifications

Physical Specifications

Wire Size (AWG/MCM) 3/0
Conductor Material Aluminum
Conductor Type Stranded
Outer Diameter (OD) (in/mm) 1.63 in.
Jacket Type PVC
Conductor Count 3
Shield Unshielded
Insulation Type (XLPE) Cross-Linked Polyethylene
UL Listing Numbers UL 44, UL 1569

Technical Specifications

Voltage Rating 600V
Ampacity Rating 175
Direct Burial Rating Yes
Submersible No
Sunlight Resistance Rating Yes
Temperature Rating 90ºC
Standards UL 44, 83, 1569 for Type MC Cable for CT Use
NEMA WC-70/ICEA S-95-658
IEEEE 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.
Miscellaneous Information All values are nominal and subject to correction. **Ampacities are based on NEC Table 310.15(B)(16), and show the allowable Ampacities of three current carrying insulated conductors, in a raceway, cable, or earth based on ambient temperature of 30°C (86°F).

Usage & Installation

Primary ApplicationsService entrance conductors, Feeders, Branch circuits, Power, lighting, control, and signal circuits
Common Uses
  • Branch
  • feeder and service power distribution in commercial
  • industrial
  • and multi-residential buildings
  • power
  • lighting
  • control and signal circuits.

Packaging & Dimensions:

Weight per Foot 1.042 lb

Shipping and Returns

Shipping and Returns

General Shipping Information

In-stock orders placed before 3pm EST typically ship within 1-2 business days. Our business days are Monday through Friday; we do not process orders on Saturday, Sunday, or major US Holidays.

You will receive an e-mail with a tracking number within 1-2 business days from the time its shipped. You will also be able to view your order status and tracking numbers in your account order history.

Expedited Shipping

Expedited shipments are delivered Monday-Friday except on US Holidays. The order must be placed before 12pm CST to ship same day ( Mon-Fri Only).

Returns

You have 30 days from the day you receive the item to contact us for a return. Returns are subject to a 30% Restocking Fee.

Please contact us at help@wireamerica.com to request a return authorization. Have your order number or name the order was placed with ready and we will email you an RMA (return) number and instructions for return. Currently, we do not offer exchanges. A new order must be placed if you need a different item. If you provide the new order number at the time of your return request, the restocking fee may be lowered.

Orders on any items with a material value of $50 or less are non-returnable.

3/0-3C Direct Burial Aluminum MC Cable with Bare Ground (PVC Jacketed)

Parent SKU :  MCA3/0-3JKT

SKU :  MCA3/0-3JKT-250

3 CONDUCTOR + GROUND • ALUMINUM INTERLOCKED ARMOR • PVC JACKET • 600V
Contact us for price
Ships in 1-2 days

Parent SKU :  MCA3/0-3JKT

SKU :  MCA3/0-3JKT-250

$1,968/ea.
$3,916/ea.
$7,791/ea.
$7.99/ft.
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Get Product Details

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"Engineered for maximum power capacity and tough underground environments, 3/0 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 3/0 compact-stranded aluminum conductors and one #4 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 150A–175A service distribution, commercial subpanels, and agricultural power runs."

Key Features & Benefits: 3/0-3/0-3/0 Direct Burial MC Cable + 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.

  • 3-Conductor High-Amp Layout: Features three insulated 3/0 power legs plus a bare #4 ground—ideal for 3-phase 3-wire delta systems, main service feeds, and heavy machinery runs.

  • 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.

  • XHHW-2 XLPE Insulation: Inner power cores feature flame-retardant cross-linked polyethylene insulation certified for 90°C wet and dry operational environments.

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

Technical Specifications: 3/0-3/0-3/0 Alum Direct Bury MC Cable + Ground

  • Conductor Size: 3/0 

  • Number of Power Conductors: 3

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

  • Ground Wire Size: 4 AWG Bare Aluminum

  • Phase Colors (240V): 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: -40°C to 90°C

  • Amp Rating (@ 75°C - NEC): 155 Amps

  • Amp Rating (@ 90°C - NEC): 175 Amps

  • Insulation Thickness: 0.055 inches

  • Jacket Thickness: 0.050 inches

  • Approximate Nominal Outer Diameter: 1.63 inches

  • Approximate Net Weight: 1,042 lbs per 1,000 ft

  • Minimum Bending Radius: 11.41 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 3/0-3 Alum MC Cable PVC Jacket Applications

  • Commercial Main Feeders: Supplying power from utility disconnects to 150A–200A commercial distribution panels, switchgear arrays, and large subpanels.

  • Industrial & Renewable Energy Layouts: Routing heavy power across solar fields, manufacturing facilities, wastewater plants, and industrial job sites.

  • Direct Burial Site Distribution: Laying continuous underground feeder runs between separate commercial structures, agricultural facilities, and outbuildings.


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.

See Full Specifications

See Full Specifications

Physical Specifications

Wire Size (AWG/MCM) 3/0
Conductor Material Aluminum
Conductor Type Stranded
Outer Diameter (OD) (in/mm) 1.63 in.
Jacket Type PVC
Conductor Count 3
Shield Unshielded
Insulation Type (XLPE) Cross-Linked Polyethylene
UL Listing Numbers UL 44, UL 1569

Technical Specifications

Voltage Rating 600V
Ampacity Rating 175
Direct Burial Rating Yes
Submersible No
Sunlight Resistance Rating Yes
Temperature Rating 90ºC
Standards UL 44, 83, 1569 for Type MC Cable for CT Use
NEMA WC-70/ICEA S-95-658
IEEEE 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.
Miscellaneous Information All values are nominal and subject to correction. **Ampacities are based on NEC Table 310.15(B)(16), and show the allowable Ampacities of three current carrying insulated conductors, in a raceway, cable, or earth based on ambient temperature of 30°C (86°F).

Usage & Installation

Primary ApplicationsService entrance conductors, Feeders, Branch circuits, Power, lighting, control, and signal circuits
Common Uses
  • Branch
  • feeder and service power distribution in commercial
  • industrial
  • and multi-residential buildings
  • power
  • lighting
  • control and signal circuits.

Packaging & Dimensions:

Weight per Foot 1.042 lb

Shipping and Returns

Shipping and Returns

General Shipping Information

In-stock orders placed before 3pm EST typically ship within 1-2 business days. Our business days are Monday through Friday; we do not process orders on Saturday, Sunday, or major US Holidays.

You will receive an e-mail with a tracking number within 1-2 business days from the time its shipped. You will also be able to view your order status and tracking numbers in your account order history.

Expedited Shipping

Expedited shipments are delivered Monday-Friday except on US Holidays. The order must be placed before 12pm CST to ship same day ( Mon-Fri Only).

Returns

You have 30 days from the day you receive the item to contact us for a return. Returns are subject to a 30% Restocking Fee.

Please contact us at help@wireamerica.com to request a return authorization. Have your order number or name the order was placed with ready and we will email you an RMA (return) number and instructions for return. Currently, we do not offer exchanges. A new order must be placed if you need a different item. If you provide the new order number at the time of your return request, the restocking fee may be lowered.

Orders on any items with a material value of $50 or less are non-returnable.

Physical Specifications

Wire Size (AWG/MCM) 3/0
Conductor Material Aluminum
Conductor Type Stranded
Outer Diameter (OD) (in/mm) 1.63 in.
Jacket Type PVC
Conductor Count 3
Shield Unshielded
Insulation Type (XLPE) Cross-Linked Polyethylene
UL Listing Numbers UL 44, UL 1569

Technical Specifications

Voltage Rating 600V
Ampacity Rating 175
Direct Burial Rating Yes
Submersible No
Sunlight Resistance Rating Yes
Temperature Rating 90ºC
Standards UL 44, 83, 1569 for Type MC Cable for CT Use
NEMA WC-70/ICEA S-95-658
IEEEE 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.
Miscellaneous Information All values are nominal and subject to correction. **Ampacities are based on NEC Table 310.15(B)(16), and show the allowable Ampacities of three current carrying insulated conductors, in a raceway, cable, or earth based on ambient temperature of 30°C (86°F).

Usage & Installation:

Primary ApplicationsService entrance conductors, Feeders, Branch circuits, Power, lighting, control, and signal circuits
Common Uses
  • Branch
  • feeder and service power distribution in commercial
  • industrial
  • and multi-residential buildings
  • power
  • lighting
  • control and signal circuits.

Packaging & Dimensions:

Weight per Foot 1.042 lb

Have Questions?

Call Us. Icon

Call Us.

(833) 268-8644

Email Us

It is primarily used as a heavy-duty main feeder line for 150A to 200A subpanels, commercial distribution boards, detached workshops, agricultural facilities, solar arrays, and heavy industrial machinery. Because it features built-in interlocking aluminum armor under a waterproof PVC jacket, it can be laid directly in open trenches or encased in concrete without buying or gluing separate PVC conduit pipe.

Under National Electrical Code (NEC Table 310.16) guidelines, 3/0 aluminum cable is rated for 155 Amps at standard 75°C terminal ratings (135 Amps at 60°C and 175 Amps at 90°C).
Always consult with a licensed electrician or local building inspector to verify the correct cable size and local code requirements for your specific project.

Inside the 3/0-3C layout, you will find three insulated wires colored Black, Red, and White, alongside the bare ground. The Black and Red wires are your "Hot" lines, which connect directly to your two main breaker positions. The White wire is your "Neutral" line, which hooks into the neutral bus bar. The bare wire goes straight to the grounding bar.

Large aluminum wires expand slightly when they heat up under load and contract when they cool down. If a panel screw is just "hand-tightened" with a normal screwdriver, this heat cycling can cause the screw to work itself loose over time. A loose connection causes arcing, sparking, and electrical fires. Codes require a Torque Wrench to tighten the terminal screws to the exact inch-pounds specified by the panel manufacturer, locking the wire perfectly in place.

Standard stranded wire leaves tiny, microscopic air gaps between each circular strand, making the overall wire diameter slightly thicker. Compact Stranding runs the aluminum strands through a specialized machine that compresses them together, flattening the shapes slightly to eliminate those air pockets. This makes the overall conductor thinner and easier to bend without reducing the actual amount of metal or lowering its power capacity.

Wire America supplies an extensive inventory of Direct Burial Aluminum MC cable cut by the foot or on master reels. Most cut-to-length orders are processed and shipped within 24 to 48 hours, delivering directly to your shop or jobsite within 2 to 4 business days once in transit.

We ship orders from the regional distribution hub closest to your jobsite to keep transit times and freight costs as low as possible. Expedited shipping options are also available at checkout.

Working against a tight jobsite or inspection deadline? Call our team directly at 833-268-8644 to request priority processing

Yes, this cable is fully code-approved for crawl spaces, basements, and attics. Even though it is heavily protected for outdoor burial, it transitions beautifully indoors. Its built-in metal armor fulfills the strict safety requirements for exposed indoor wiring, meaning you can secure it directly across floor joists or wall studs without needing to pipe it through separate conduit walls.

Because this cable is wrapped in a plastic PVC jacket, you must use the internal bare aluminum wire as your safety ground. In standard, unjacketed indoor MC cables, the metal armor can sometimes act as a grounding path. However, because this outdoor cable is sealed inside plastic, the armor cannot easily connect to ground fittings at your panel box. Always terminate the internal bare ground wire directly into your ground bus bar.

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Call Us.

(833) 268-8644

Email Us