500 MCM 3C Direct Burial Aluminum MC Cable with Bare Ground (PVC Jacketed)

Parent SKU :  MCA500-3JKT

SKU :  MCA500-3JKT-250

3 CONDUCTOR + GROUND • ALUMINUM INTERLOCKED ARMOR • PVC JACKET • 600V
Wire Size 500 MCM
Conductor Material Aluminum
Conductor Type Stranded
Outer Diameter 2.45 in.
Conductor Count 3
Voltage Rating 600V
Ampacity Rating 350
Weight per Foot 2.441 lb

Get Product Details

Get Product Details

"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 ground—ideal 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: -40°C to 90°C

  • Amp Rating (@ 75°C - NEC): 310 Amps

  • Amp Rating (@ 90°C - 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 300A–350A 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.

See Full Specifications

See Full Specifications

Physical Specifications

Wire Size (AWG/MCM) 500 MCM
Conductor Material Aluminum
Conductor Type Stranded
Outer Diameter (OD) (in/mm) 2.45 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 350
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 2.441 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.

500 MCM 3C Direct Burial Aluminum MC Cable with Bare Ground (PVC Jacketed)

Parent SKU :  MCA500-3JKT

SKU :  MCA500-3JKT-250

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

Parent SKU :  MCA500-3JKT

SKU :  MCA500-3JKT-250

$4,598/ea.
$9,149/ea.
$18,204/ea.
$18.67/ft.
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Get Product Details

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"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 ground—ideal 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: -40°C to 90°C

  • Amp Rating (@ 75°C - NEC): 310 Amps

  • Amp Rating (@ 90°C - 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 300A–350A 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.

See Full Specifications

See Full Specifications

Physical Specifications

Wire Size (AWG/MCM) 500 MCM
Conductor Material Aluminum
Conductor Type Stranded
Outer Diameter (OD) (in/mm) 2.45 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 350
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 2.441 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) 500 MCM
Conductor Material Aluminum
Conductor Type Stranded
Outer Diameter (OD) (in/mm) 2.45 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 350
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 2.441 lb

Have Questions?

Call Us. Icon

Call Us.

(833) 268-8644

Email Us

Because of its immense 500 MCM thickness and structural interlocking armor, this cable carries significant Shipping Reel Weight. A standard master reel can easily tip the scales at several thousand pounds. Your drop-off site must have heavy-duty machinery available—such as a large forklift, skid steer, or crane—to safely offload the wooden spool from the freight delivery truck without causing injury or structural damage.

Yes, for large commercial setups, engineers look closely at Soil Thermal Resistivity (Rho). When a massive 500 MCM line carries over 300 Amps of electricity continuous electrical currents, it naturally generates thermal dissipation. If the surrounding trench soil is tightly packed clay or completely dried sand, it can act like an insulating blanket, trapping the heat and reducing the efficiency of the wire. Backfilling the trench with an engineered fluidized thermal mix or loose, damp dirt helps draw the heat away cleanly.

The outer layer features a highly specialized Chemical and Hydrocarbon Resistant PVC compound. It is specifically formulated to withstand typical industrial contaminants such as diesel fuel, motor oils, grease, and common soil acids. However, if your installation environment involves continuous, prolonged immersion in aggressive industrial solvents or raw chemical pools, it should be isolated inside an additional chemical barrier.

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 your order 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!

While it is designed for direct burial without any pipe at all, you can absolutely pull it through a conduit if your blueprints require it. However, because of its broad armored diameter, you must calculate for Conduit Jam Ratio. Trying to force a thick, three-conductor armored assembly through an undersized elbow turn can cause the cable to bind and lock up mid-pull. Typically, a minimum of a 4-inch or 5-inch rigid schedule 40 pipe run is utilized to guarantee a smooth pull.

Yes. The thick, seamless PVC jacket combined with appropriate liquid-tight MC termination connectors achieves an exceptional Moisture Protection Ingress Rating. It can easily withstand the high-pressure, hot-water chemical washdowns required in food manufacturing, industrial kitchens, and bottling plants without allowing dampness to breach the internal armor layer or oxidize the core terminations.

It is primarily used as a heavy-duty main feeder line for 300A to 350A commercial service panels, industrial distribution boards, agricultural facilities, solar farms, and heavy equipment. 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.

Call Us. Icon

Call Us.

(833) 268-8644

Email Us