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Physical Specifications
Technical Specifications
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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.
Yes! Wire America carries a full line of PVC-jacketed Direct Burial MC Cable. Standard bare-armor MC cable is rated exclusively for dry indoor or concealed locations. If your project involves underground trenching or wet outdoor locations, check out our 1 AWG 3-Conductor Direct Burial Aluminum MC Cable, which features a sunlight- and moisture-resistant PVC jacket extruded over the armor for direct earth burial without conduit.
Wire America supplies an extensive inventory of 4/3 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 route your order 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!
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.
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