1/3 Aluminum MC Cable with Bare Ground

Parent SKU :  MCA1-3

SKU :  MCA1-3-250

LIGHTWEIGHT ALUMINUM • INTERLOCKING ARMOR • CUT TO LENGTH
Wire Size 1 AWG
Conductor Material Aluminum
Conductor Type Stranded
Outer Diameter 1.25 in.
Conductor Count 3
Voltage Rating 600V
Ampacity Rating 115
Weight per Foot 0.548 lb

Product Details

Product Details

"An excellent choice for commercial service entrance conductors, primary building feeders, and heavy industrial branch circuits. Engineered as a Type MC certified assembly, this 3-conductor plus bare ground system features high-capacity 600V cross-linked polyethylene (XHHW-2) insulated conductors encased within a rugged, lightweight interlocked aluminum armor shield."

Why Electricians Choose 1 AWG Aluminum MC Armor Cable

When wiring industrial plants, multi-residential complexes, or commercial retail grids, balancing physical protection and labor time is paramount. The 1 AWG 3-Conductor Aluminum MC Cable offers a highly cost-effective, lightweight alternative to heavy copper building wires in rigid pipe systems.

Fabricated with Class B compact stranded AA-8000 series aluminum alloy, the assembly features individual Cross-Linked Polyethylene (XLPE) insulated wires wrapped securely in structural binder tape before armor application. It functions effortlessly under extreme dry heat, environments requiring high impact resistance, and specialized environmental air-handling plenum spaces while preserving excellent installation bend flexibility.

Technical Specifications: 1 AWG 3-Conductor Aluminum MC Cable

  • ENGINEERING OVERVIEW: 1 AWG 3-Conductor Aluminum Metal Clad Cable with Bare Ground (Type MC)

  • Cable Classification: Type MC (Metal-Clad Cables)

  • Conductor Configuration: 3 Insulated Phase Conductors + 1 Bare Ground Wire

  • Conductor Size: 1 AWG

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

  • Conductor Insulation: Cross-linked Polyethylene (XLPE), XHHW-2 rated per UL standards

  • Conductor Colors: Black, Red, and White insulation wraps.

  • Ground Wire Size: 4 AWG (Bare Aluminum Conductor)

  • Armor: Overall aluminum interlocked armor.

  • Voltage Rating: 600 Volts

  • Temperature Rating: -40°C to 90°C

  • Amp Rating (@ 75°C Terminals): 100 Amps

  • Amp Rating (@ 90°C Terminals): 115 Amps

  • Compliance Standards:  UL 44, 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 • Temperature Rating: -40°C to 90°C

Common 1 AWG Aluminum MC Cable Applications

  • Commercial & Industrial Feeders: The premier choice for running high-capacity feeder panels through commercial warehouses, casinos, manufacturing plants, and institutional facilities.

  • Service Entrance Conductor Lateral Loops: Extensively deployed to route secondary service power feeds from main enclosures out to independent electrical distribution hubs.

  • Environmental Plenum Applications: Certified by code for open deployment inside multi-story vertical structural risers and environmental air-handling plenums.

  • Heavy HVAC Conditioning Infrastructure: Ideal for wiring high-capacity commercial climate control grids, industrial building chillers, and large refrigeration equipment blocks.

  • Cost-Conscious Commercial Retrofits: Eliminates the grueling step of bending, anchoring, and pulling wire through commercial EMT or rigid steel conduit pipe.

Technical Note: All values are nominal and subject to industry tolerances and manufacturer corrections. Specifications are subject to change without notice. It is the buyer’s responsibility to verify that all materials meet the specific requirements of the project and comply with local electrical codes.

Ampacity Note: Values calculated based on the National Electrical Code (NEC) ampacity standards. Because most commercial distribution panels, main breakers, and terminal lugs for 100-Amp circuits feature standard 75°C termination points, circuits should be designed around the conservative 100-Amp limit. The 115-Amp rating at 90°C is utilized for ampacity adjustment, crowding adjustments, and correction factors.

 

Full Specifications

Full Specifications

Physical Specifications

Wire Size (AWG/MCM) 1 AWG
Conductor Material Aluminum
Conductor Type Stranded
Outer Diameter (OD) (in/mm) 1.25 in.
Conductor Count 3
Shield Unshielded
Insulation Type (XLPE) Cross-Linked Polyethylene

Technical Specifications

Voltage Rating 600V
Ampacity Rating 115
Submersible No
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 ambeient 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 0.548 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.

Aluminum Conductor Interlocked Armor MC Cable

Wire America | Wire Flexibility Series

This video shows the flexibility, size, stranding and conductor material of the 6 AWG, 3 and 4 Conductor with Bare Ground Aluminum MC Cables.

1/3 Aluminum MC Cable with Bare Ground

Parent SKU :  MCA1-3

SKU :  MCA1-3-250

LIGHTWEIGHT ALUMINUM • INTERLOCKING ARMOR • CUT TO LENGTH
In Stock
Ships in 1-2 days

Parent SKU :  MCA1-3

SKU :  MCA1-3-250

$1,126/ea.
$2,240/ea.
$4,456/ea.
$4.57/ft.
Please select an option
Min: 250 ft., Max: 20,000 ft.
Spool (250 ft.)
$1,126.00
Please select an option
Maximum reached, contact us for custom orders
Contact Us
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  • Competitive Pricing
  • Phone Support

Product Details

Product Details

"An excellent choice for commercial service entrance conductors, primary building feeders, and heavy industrial branch circuits. Engineered as a Type MC certified assembly, this 3-conductor plus bare ground system features high-capacity 600V cross-linked polyethylene (XHHW-2) insulated conductors encased within a rugged, lightweight interlocked aluminum armor shield."

Why Electricians Choose 1 AWG Aluminum MC Armor Cable

When wiring industrial plants, multi-residential complexes, or commercial retail grids, balancing physical protection and labor time is paramount. The 1 AWG 3-Conductor Aluminum MC Cable offers a highly cost-effective, lightweight alternative to heavy copper building wires in rigid pipe systems.

Fabricated with Class B compact stranded AA-8000 series aluminum alloy, the assembly features individual Cross-Linked Polyethylene (XLPE) insulated wires wrapped securely in structural binder tape before armor application. It functions effortlessly under extreme dry heat, environments requiring high impact resistance, and specialized environmental air-handling plenum spaces while preserving excellent installation bend flexibility.

Technical Specifications: 1 AWG 3-Conductor Aluminum MC Cable

  • ENGINEERING OVERVIEW: 1 AWG 3-Conductor Aluminum Metal Clad Cable with Bare Ground (Type MC)

  • Cable Classification: Type MC (Metal-Clad Cables)

  • Conductor Configuration: 3 Insulated Phase Conductors + 1 Bare Ground Wire

  • Conductor Size: 1 AWG

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

  • Conductor Insulation: Cross-linked Polyethylene (XLPE), XHHW-2 rated per UL standards

  • Conductor Colors: Black, Red, and White insulation wraps.

  • Ground Wire Size: 4 AWG (Bare Aluminum Conductor)

  • Armor: Overall aluminum interlocked armor.

  • Voltage Rating: 600 Volts

  • Temperature Rating: -40°C to 90°C

  • Amp Rating (@ 75°C Terminals): 100 Amps

  • Amp Rating (@ 90°C Terminals): 115 Amps

  • Compliance Standards:  UL 44, 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 • Temperature Rating: -40°C to 90°C

Common 1 AWG Aluminum MC Cable Applications

  • Commercial & Industrial Feeders: The premier choice for running high-capacity feeder panels through commercial warehouses, casinos, manufacturing plants, and institutional facilities.

  • Service Entrance Conductor Lateral Loops: Extensively deployed to route secondary service power feeds from main enclosures out to independent electrical distribution hubs.

  • Environmental Plenum Applications: Certified by code for open deployment inside multi-story vertical structural risers and environmental air-handling plenums.

  • Heavy HVAC Conditioning Infrastructure: Ideal for wiring high-capacity commercial climate control grids, industrial building chillers, and large refrigeration equipment blocks.

  • Cost-Conscious Commercial Retrofits: Eliminates the grueling step of bending, anchoring, and pulling wire through commercial EMT or rigid steel conduit pipe.

Technical Note: All values are nominal and subject to industry tolerances and manufacturer corrections. Specifications are subject to change without notice. It is the buyer’s responsibility to verify that all materials meet the specific requirements of the project and comply with local electrical codes.

Ampacity Note: Values calculated based on the National Electrical Code (NEC) ampacity standards. Because most commercial distribution panels, main breakers, and terminal lugs for 100-Amp circuits feature standard 75°C termination points, circuits should be designed around the conservative 100-Amp limit. The 115-Amp rating at 90°C is utilized for ampacity adjustment, crowding adjustments, and correction factors.

 

Full Specifications

Full Specifications

Physical Specifications

Wire Size (AWG/MCM) 1 AWG
Conductor Material Aluminum
Conductor Type Stranded
Outer Diameter (OD) (in/mm) 1.25 in.
Conductor Count 3
Shield Unshielded
Insulation Type (XLPE) Cross-Linked Polyethylene

Technical Specifications

Voltage Rating 600V
Ampacity Rating 115
Submersible No
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 ambeient 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 0.548 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.

Video thumbnail
Aluminum Conductor Interlocked Armor MC Cable

Wire America | Wire Flexibility Series

This video shows the flexibility, size, stranding and conductor material of the 6 AWG, 3 and 4 Conductor with Bare Ground Aluminum MC Cables.

Physical Specifications

Wire Size (AWG/MCM) 1 AWG
Conductor Material Aluminum
Conductor Type Stranded
Outer Diameter (OD) (in/mm) 1.25 in.
Conductor Count 3
Shield Unshielded
Insulation Type (XLPE) Cross-Linked Polyethylene

Technical Specifications

Voltage Rating 600V
Ampacity Rating 115
Submersible No
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 ambeient 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 0.548 lb

Have Questions?

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Call Us.

(833) 268-8644

Email Us

1/3 Aluminum MC (Metal Clad) Cable is a heavy-duty electrical conductor used primarily for main feeders and high-amperage branch circuits in commercial, industrial, and residential settings. Due to its integrated interlocking aluminum armor jacket, it provides its own protective pathway and can be routed directly through walls and ceilings without conduit pipe. It is commonly specified for wiring 100-Amp sub-panels, large commercial HVAC complexes, and institutional distribution networks.

The ampacity of 1/3 Aluminum Cable is;:
Amp Rating (@ 75°C): 100 Amps
Amp Rating (@ 90°C): 115 Amps

No. Standard Aluminum MC cable with open, interlocked metal armor is engineered strictly for dry, indoor, concealed, or exposed installations. It cannot be buried directly in soil or embedded in concrete without a protective, fluid-tight PVC outer jacket (often designated as "Direct Burial MC" or "PVC-Jacketed MC"). For underground runs, you must use an approved underground feeder cable (like MHF or URD) or run standalone conductors through a buried conduit system.

The core differences come down to material cost, physical weight, and total ampacity. Copper possesses higher natural conductivity, allowing a 1/3 Copper MC cable to carry up to 130 Amps (75°C threshold) and support a standard 125A breaker, whereas 1/3 Aluminum MC is capped at a 100-Amp circuit profile. However, 1/3 Aluminum MC is significantly less expensive and substantially lighter. This makes it the clear economic and physical choice for long-distance 100-Amp panel feeds where copper would add excessive material costs and physical resistance to the pull run.

Per the National Electrical Code (NEC Table 310.16), 1 AWG aluminum conductors carry a maximum allowable ampacity threshold of 100 Amps at standard 75°C terminal connections. Therefore, this cable can be safely paired with a standard 100-Amp circuit breaker for residential or commercial sub-panel installations.

Important Note on Distance: If your circuit run extends over 100 to 150 feet, you must calculate your expected voltage drop. Long distances may require you to upsize the run to a larger conductor (like 1/0 or 2/0) to ensure proper equipment performance. As always, please consult with a local licensed electrician or project engineer when determining the best wire size for your specific layout.

Wire America supplies an extensive inventory of Aluminum MC cable cut by the foot or on master reels. We ship directly from our strategically located regional hubs across the United States, delivering most orders right to your shop or job site within 2 to 4 business days. We prioritize shipping MC Cable from the warehouse nearest to your job site to keep transit times minimal. Expedited shipping options are available at checkout for time-sensitive contractor deadlines.

Call Us. Icon

Call Us.

(833) 268-8644

Email Us