1/4 Aluminum MC Cable W/ Bare Ground

"An excellent industrial and commercial choice for multi-phase high-amperage feeder systems, branch circuits, and secondary sub-panel installations. Engineered with a lightweight, interlocking aluminum armor jacket, this pre-protected 4-conductor plus ground assembly eliminates the extensive material and labor expenses of traditional conduit piping. It allows electrical crews to route heavy service lines directly through walls, ceilings, and open cable trays in a fraction of the time."

Why Electricians Choose 1/4 Aluminum MC Cable w/ Ground

In modern commercial and industrial construction, minimizing field labor hours directly dictates project profitability. The 1/4 Aluminum Metal Clad (MC) Cable delivers a pre-armored wiring system that can be uncoiled and installed in up to half the layout time of standard conduit pipe runs. Built with premium AA-8000 series aluminum alloy, it features four color-coded XHHW-2 insulated phase conductors and a dedicated bare grounding wire wrapped snugly in a rugged interlocking aluminum armor.

• Labor-Saving Armor: The integrated aluminum interlocked armor serves as its own flexible metallic protective raceway, removing the tedious labor of bending and installing separate EMT or rigid conduit systems.

• Premium AA-8000 Conductor: Manufactured with compact-stranded 8000-series aluminum alloy to ensure high electrical conductivity, dramatically reduced weight strain during long structural pulls, and excellent flexibility.

• XHHW-2 Insulation: Individual phase conductors are insulated with cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE), providing elite resistance to heat, moisture, and electrical stress in challenging industrial environments.

• Maximum Versatility: Code-approved for an exceptionally broad range of heavy-duty installations including commercial distribution panels, large equipment feeders, vertical risers, and environmental air-handling spaces (plenums).

Technical Specifications: 1-1-1-1 Aluminum Metal Clad (MC) w/ Ground

Engineering Overview

• Conductor Configuration: 4 Insulated Conductors + 1 Bare Ground Wire

• Conductor Size: 1 AWG

• Conductor Material: AA-8000 Series Compact Stranded Aluminum Alloy (per ASTM B800 & B801)

• Conductor Colors: Black, White, Red & Blue

• Ground Wire Size: 4 AWG (Bare Conductor)

• Insulation: High-Heat & Moisture Resistant Cross-Linked Polyethylene (XLPE / Type XHHW-2). A binder tape is wrapped over the insulated conductors' assembly.

• Armor: Overall aluminum interlocked armor.

• Voltage Rating: 600 Volts.

• Temperature Rating: -40°C to 90°C.

• Amp Rating (@ 75°C): 100 Amps.

• Amp Rating (@ 90°C): 115 Amps.

• Outside Diameter (OD): 1.36 inches

• Insulation Thickness: 0.055 inches

• Net Weight: 677 lbs/mft (pounds per 1,000 feet)

• Minimum Bending Radius: 9.52 inches (Calculated as 7x the OD)

• Compliance Standards: UL 44, 1569 for Type MC Cable for CT Use, NEMA WC-70/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 for environmental air-handling spaces (plenums).

Common 1 AWG 4-Conductor Aluminum MC Cable Applications

• Multi-Phase Power Distribution: Designed explicitly for 3-phase circuits with a neutral wire (4-wire systems), making it ideal for feeding sub-panels in commercial office buildings, retail grids, and multi-residential complexes.

• Environmental Air-Handling Plenum Spaces: Fully certified under NEC 300.22, allowing installers to route the cable through dropped ceiling voids and plenum spaces without secondary containment.

• Hazardous Location Environments: Approved for deployment in specialized industrial environments as permitted under NEC Articles 501, 502, 503, and 504.

• High-Rise Vertical Risers: Meets standard structural vertical support requirements (per NEC 300.19 and 330.30), making it an excellent choice for main riser shafts running floor-to-floor.

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. Reference NEC Article 330 for specific Metal-Clad installation guidelines.

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

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.