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Parent SKU : MCA4-3JKT
SKU : MCA4-3JKT-250
"4 AWG 3-Conductor Direct Burial Aluminum MC (Metal Clad) Cable is a high-efficiency electrical power line designed to deliver continuous feeder and branch circuit power across demanding commercial and light industrial applications. Combining three independent 4 AWG compact stranded AA-8000 series aluminum alloy power conductors with a bare aluminum ground wire, the assembly is shielded within a continuous Aluminum Interlocked Armor (AIA). Finished with an extruded, sunlight-resistant polyvinyl chloride (PVC) outer jacket, this power cable stands up to aggressive soil chemistries, water submersion, and mechanical crushing, satisfying code requirements for direct placement in trenches or raw concrete forms without the expense or installation time of auxiliary conduit networks."
High-Efficiency 4 AWG Design: Optimally scaled for medium-to-large building branch distribution lines, commercial sub-panels, and dedicated high-draw HVAC condenser hookups.
Three-Phase 3-Wire Core Alignment: Groups three individual power legs inside a tight physical diameter, lowering structural stiffness to yield improved flexibility and cleaner pull-ins than standard 4-conductor varieties.
Direct Burial & Concrete Encasement Rated: The heavy-duty, sunlight-resistant outer PVC jacket forms an impermeable barrier against soil chemistry, corrosive moisture, and physical impact, permitting direct trenches or structural concrete encasement.
AA-8000 Aluminum Conductors: Manufactured with premium 8000-series compact stranded aluminum alloy, offering an exceptionally lightweight, cost-effective alternative to copper feeders while maintaining stable electrical performance.
Aluminum Interlocked Armor (AIA): Spirally wrapped interlocking metallic armor ensures high crush resistance, physical barrier security, and defense against boring pests, eliminating the labor and material costs of traditional pipe-and-wire conduit installations.
Cross-Linked Polyethylene Insulation: Inner core conductors are insulated with high-dielectric, flame-retardant XHHW-2 / XLPE insulation, certified for stable continuous operation at temperatures up to 90°C in both wet and dry applications.
Conductor Size: 4 AWG
Number of Power Conductors: 3
Conductor Material: AA-8000 Series Compact Stranded Aluminum Alloy
Ground Wire Size: 6 AWG Bare Aluminum
Phase Colors (240V): Black, White, RedÂ
Insulation Type: XLPE / XHHW-2 (Cross-Linked Polyethylene)
Armor Type: AIA (Aluminum Interlocked Armor)
Protective Outer Jacket: PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) - Black (Sunlight & Moisture Resistant)
Voltage Rating: 600 Volts
Temperature Rating: -40°C to 90°C
Amp Rating (@ 75°C - NEC): 65 Amps
Amp Rating (@ 90°C - NEC): 75 Amps
Insulation Thickness: 0.045 inches
Jacket Thickness: 0.050 inches
Approximate Nominal Outer Diameter: 1.11 inches
Approximate Net Weight: 436 lbs per 1,000 ft
Minimum Bending Radius: 7.77 inches (Calculated as 7x Diameter Over Jacket)
Compliance Standards: UL 44, UL 1569 (Type MC), NEMA WC70 / 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.
Main Feeders & Service Entrances: Injecting raw power from outdoor utility transformers into high-capacity indoor distribution panels, switchgear arrays, and main disconnect hubs.
Industrial & Heavy Manufacturing Layouts: Routing high-amperage power across industrial environments, paper mills, foundries, mining sites, and petrochemical operations via open indoor or outdoor cable trays.
Direct Burial Site Distribution: Burying underground branch and feeder circuits between commercial facilities, outer maintenance hubs, outbuildings, and municipal wastewater treatment zones.
Hazardous & Assembly Locations: Permitted for use in environments such as arenas, theaters, casino main floors, and industrial hazardous zones (Class I & II, Division 2; Class III, Division 1 & 2) per strict NEC provisions.Â
Ampacity Note (NEC Table 310.16):
75°C Terminal Rating: 65 AMPS — This is the standard engineering design rating. Use this value for final circuit sizing under normal operating conditions, as most commercial breakers, distribution lugs, and equipment terminals are restricted to 75°C terminations.
90°C Terminal Rating: 75 AMPS — This is the maximum capacity rating. Use this value strictly as the baseline calculation factor when adjusting or derating for high ambient temperatures, or when bundling multiple cables closely together in a single trench or tray.
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.
| Wire Size (AWG/MCM) | 4 AWG |
| Conductor Material | Aluminum |
| Conductor Type | Stranded |
| Outer Diameter (OD) (in/mm) | 1.11 in. |
| Jacket Type | PVC |
| Conductor Count | 3 |
| Shield | Unshielded |
| Insulation Type | (XLPE) Cross-Linked Polyethylene |
| UL Listing Numbers | UL 44, UL 1569 |
| Voltage Rating | 600V |
| Ampacity Rating | 75 |
| 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). |
| Primary Applications | Service entrance conductors, Feeders, Branch circuits, Power, lighting, control, and signal circuits |
| Common Uses |
|
| Weight per Foot | 0.436 lb |
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 shipments are delivered Monday-Friday except on US Holidays. The order must be placed before 12pm CST to ship same day ( Mon-Fri Only).
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.
Parent SKU : MCA4-3JKT
SKU : MCA4-3JKT-250
Parent SKU : MCA4-3JKT
SKU : MCA4-3JKT-250
"4 AWG 3-Conductor Direct Burial Aluminum MC (Metal Clad) Cable is a high-efficiency electrical power line designed to deliver continuous feeder and branch circuit power across demanding commercial and light industrial applications. Combining three independent 4 AWG compact stranded AA-8000 series aluminum alloy power conductors with a bare aluminum ground wire, the assembly is shielded within a continuous Aluminum Interlocked Armor (AIA). Finished with an extruded, sunlight-resistant polyvinyl chloride (PVC) outer jacket, this power cable stands up to aggressive soil chemistries, water submersion, and mechanical crushing, satisfying code requirements for direct placement in trenches or raw concrete forms without the expense or installation time of auxiliary conduit networks."
High-Efficiency 4 AWG Design: Optimally scaled for medium-to-large building branch distribution lines, commercial sub-panels, and dedicated high-draw HVAC condenser hookups.
Three-Phase 3-Wire Core Alignment: Groups three individual power legs inside a tight physical diameter, lowering structural stiffness to yield improved flexibility and cleaner pull-ins than standard 4-conductor varieties.
Direct Burial & Concrete Encasement Rated: The heavy-duty, sunlight-resistant outer PVC jacket forms an impermeable barrier against soil chemistry, corrosive moisture, and physical impact, permitting direct trenches or structural concrete encasement.
AA-8000 Aluminum Conductors: Manufactured with premium 8000-series compact stranded aluminum alloy, offering an exceptionally lightweight, cost-effective alternative to copper feeders while maintaining stable electrical performance.
Aluminum Interlocked Armor (AIA): Spirally wrapped interlocking metallic armor ensures high crush resistance, physical barrier security, and defense against boring pests, eliminating the labor and material costs of traditional pipe-and-wire conduit installations.
Cross-Linked Polyethylene Insulation: Inner core conductors are insulated with high-dielectric, flame-retardant XHHW-2 / XLPE insulation, certified for stable continuous operation at temperatures up to 90°C in both wet and dry applications.
Conductor Size: 4 AWG
Number of Power Conductors: 3
Conductor Material: AA-8000 Series Compact Stranded Aluminum Alloy
Ground Wire Size: 6 AWG Bare Aluminum
Phase Colors (240V): Black, White, RedÂ
Insulation Type: XLPE / XHHW-2 (Cross-Linked Polyethylene)
Armor Type: AIA (Aluminum Interlocked Armor)
Protective Outer Jacket: PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) - Black (Sunlight & Moisture Resistant)
Voltage Rating: 600 Volts
Temperature Rating: -40°C to 90°C
Amp Rating (@ 75°C - NEC): 65 Amps
Amp Rating (@ 90°C - NEC): 75 Amps
Insulation Thickness: 0.045 inches
Jacket Thickness: 0.050 inches
Approximate Nominal Outer Diameter: 1.11 inches
Approximate Net Weight: 436 lbs per 1,000 ft
Minimum Bending Radius: 7.77 inches (Calculated as 7x Diameter Over Jacket)
Compliance Standards: UL 44, UL 1569 (Type MC), NEMA WC70 / 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.
Main Feeders & Service Entrances: Injecting raw power from outdoor utility transformers into high-capacity indoor distribution panels, switchgear arrays, and main disconnect hubs.
Industrial & Heavy Manufacturing Layouts: Routing high-amperage power across industrial environments, paper mills, foundries, mining sites, and petrochemical operations via open indoor or outdoor cable trays.
Direct Burial Site Distribution: Burying underground branch and feeder circuits between commercial facilities, outer maintenance hubs, outbuildings, and municipal wastewater treatment zones.
Hazardous & Assembly Locations: Permitted for use in environments such as arenas, theaters, casino main floors, and industrial hazardous zones (Class I & II, Division 2; Class III, Division 1 & 2) per strict NEC provisions.Â
Ampacity Note (NEC Table 310.16):
75°C Terminal Rating: 65 AMPS — This is the standard engineering design rating. Use this value for final circuit sizing under normal operating conditions, as most commercial breakers, distribution lugs, and equipment terminals are restricted to 75°C terminations.
90°C Terminal Rating: 75 AMPS — This is the maximum capacity rating. Use this value strictly as the baseline calculation factor when adjusting or derating for high ambient temperatures, or when bundling multiple cables closely together in a single trench or tray.
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.
| Wire Size (AWG/MCM) | 4 AWG |
| Conductor Material | Aluminum |
| Conductor Type | Stranded |
| Outer Diameter (OD) (in/mm) | 1.11 in. |
| Jacket Type | PVC |
| Conductor Count | 3 |
| Shield | Unshielded |
| Insulation Type | (XLPE) Cross-Linked Polyethylene |
| UL Listing Numbers | UL 44, UL 1569 |
| Voltage Rating | 600V |
| Ampacity Rating | 75 |
| 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). |
| Primary Applications | Service entrance conductors, Feeders, Branch circuits, Power, lighting, control, and signal circuits |
| Common Uses |
|
| Weight per Foot | 0.436 lb |
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 shipments are delivered Monday-Friday except on US Holidays. The order must be placed before 12pm CST to ship same day ( Mon-Fri Only).
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.
Get notified when this product is back in stock
Physical Specifications
Technical Specifications
Usage & Installation:
Packaging & Dimensions:
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The most searched question regarding this cable collection is why a standard aluminum armor cable cannot be buried without a PVC jacket. The answer is Galvanic Corrosion and Moisture Isolation. While the interlocking aluminum armor protects the internal wires from rocks and shovels, aluminum will corrode rapidly if it comes into direct contact with acidic soil or wet concrete. The heavy-duty PVC jacket creates a completely waterproof, seamless shield over the armor. This keeps moisture and soil chemistry out, allowing the cable to achieve a 30+ year lifespan underground.
No, that is the main benefit of this cable! The "Direct Burial" rating means you can dig your trench to the legally required depth, drop the cable straight onto the dirt, and bury it. The combination of the metal armor and the outer PVC skin replaces the need for a pipe, which saves you an enormous amount of time and material costs.
The bare aluminum wire acts as your system's safety ground leg. If a hot wire inside a subpanel or a machine accidentally shorts out or loose-wires against the frame, the bare ground instantly safely routes that rogue electricity back to your main breaker panel. This trips the breaker immediately instead of leaving the machine energized and dangerous to touch.
Because it uses compact stranded aluminum and a flexible interlocking armor, it bends much more smoothly than a solid metal pipe. However, because it is a thick, heavy-duty 4-gauge cable, you should avoid making sharp 90-degree kinks. Bending it in a smooth, sweeping curve keeps the metal armor from binding up or pinching the wires inside.
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 with stock 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, but you have to protect it where it transitions from underground to aboveground. While the PVC jacket and metal armor are tough, electrical codes require any wire coming out of the ground to be protected from physical damage (like lawnmowers or weed whackers) up to 8 feet high. You should slide the cable into a piece of Schedule 80 PVC conduit where it leaves the trench and hits the side of the building.
According to the standard National Electrical Code (NEC), a PVC-jacketed MC cable buried directly in the earth typically needs to be at least 18 inches deep. If you are running it under a residential driveway, that requirement increases to 24 inches. Always check with your local building inspector before digging, as local soil conditions or regional rules can sometimes alter these depth requirements.
Under National Electrical Code (NEC Table 310.16) guidelines, the allowable ampacity of 4 AWG 3C Direct Burial Aluminum MC Cable is 65 Amps @ 75°C and 75 Amps @ 90°C.
*Ampacities are based on NEC standards for three current-carrying insulated conductors in a raceway, cable, or earth based on an ambient temperature of 30°C (86°F). Because standard equipment terminal lugs are rated at 75°C, most circuits are sized based on the conservative 65-Amp standard. The 75-Amp rating at 90°C is utilized for ampacity adjustment and derating factors.
4 AWG 3C Direct Burial Aluminum MC Cable w/ ground has an approximate physical net weight of 436 lbs per 1,000 feet (0.436 lbs/ft). The nominal outside diameter over the protective black PVC outer jacket is 1.11 inches (+/- 5%). Knowing these physical dimensions allows installers to select the correct liquid-tight direct-burial connector fittings, evaluate trench width, and calculate spool handling on the jobsite.
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