2/4 Aluminum MC Cable W/ Bare Ground

Parent SKU :  MCA2-4

SKU :  MCA2-4-250

LIGHTWEIGHT ALUMINUM • INTERLOCKING ARMOR • CUT TO LENGTH
Wire Size 2 AWG
Conductor Material Aluminum
Conductor Type Stranded
Outer Diameter 1.23 in.
Conductor Count 4
Voltage Rating 600V
Ampacity Rating 100
Weight per Foot 0.54 lb

Get Product Details

Get Product Details

"A commercial and industrial standard for high-capacity, 90-Amp three-phase electrical branch circuits and heavy-duty machinery feeders. Bundling four fully insulated, compact-stranded #2 AWG aluminum phase conductors and a dedicated bare grounding wire inside an overall interlocking aluminum armor sheath, this assembly serves as its own pre-protected raceway—completely bypassing the labor and material expenses of bending and routing independent conduit pipe lines."

Why Electricians Choose 2/4 Aluminum MC Cable

Managing labor hours on the job site dictates project profitability. The 2/4 Aluminum Metal Clad (MC) Cable provides a complete code-compliant, pre-armored wiring system that can be installed in half the time of traditional conduit-enclosed conductors. 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 securely in a lightweight interlocking aluminum armor.

  • Labor-Saving Armor: Overall aluminum interlocked armor functions as an integrated protective raceway, removing the labor and material expenses of bending and installing separate conduit systems.

  • Premium AA-8000 Conductor: Manufactured with compact-stranded 8000-series aluminum alloy for high electrical conductivity, low weight, and effortless flexibility during pull runs.

  • XHHW-2 Quadruple Insulation: Individual phase conductors are insulated with cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE), providing superior resistance to heat, moisture, and electrical stress in wet or dry locations.

  • Maximum Versatility: Code-approved for an exceptionally broad range of installations including commercial branch circuits, HVAC units, equipment feeders, and environmental air-handling spaces (plenums).

Technical Specifications: 2-2-2-2 Aluminum Metal Clad (MC) w/ Ground

Engineering Overview

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

  • Conductor Size: 2 AWG

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

  • Conductor Colors: Black, White, Red & Blue

  • Ground Wire Size: 6 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): 90 Amps.

  • Amp Rating (@ 90°C): 100 Amps.

  • Outside Diameter (OD): 1.23 inches

  • Insulation Thickness: 0.045 inches

  • Net Weight: 540 lbs/mft (0.54 lbs per foot / 540 lbs per 1,000 feet)

  • Minimum Bending Radius: 8.61 inches (Calculated as 7x the OD)

  • UL Listings & Standards: UL 44, UL 83, UL 1569 (Type MC for CT Use); NEMA WC-70/ICEA S-95-658; IEEE 1202 Vertical Tray Flame Test; NEC 300.22 (Plenum Spaces), 518.4, 520.5, 645.5

Common 2/4 Aluminum MC Applications

  • Commercial Branch Circuits: Actively used for power, lighting, control, and signal circuits throughout retail, industrial, and multi-residential structures.

  • Diverse Environmental Routing: Fully approved for installation inside commercial cable trays, approved raceways, concealed or exposed locations, environmental air-handling spaces (plenums), and vertical structural risers.

  • Hazardous Location Environments: Permitted for use in specialized industrial environments as defined and regulated by NEC Articles 501, 502, 503, and 504.

  • Massive Commercial HVAC Equipment: The preferred choice for routing dedicated power to heavy structural rooftop chillers, large-scale ventilation complexes, and centralized cooling grids.

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: Ampacities are based on NEC Table 310.15 (B)(16) (or equivalent local reference tables) and show the allowable ampacities of current-carrying insulated conductors in a raceway, cable, or earth based on an ambient temperature of 30°C (86°F). Because most standard commercial electrical panels, breakers, and terminal lugs feature 75°C termination points, circuits should be designed based on the conservative 90-Amp standard. The 100-Amp rating at 90°C is typically utilized for ampacity adjustment and correction factors.

See Full Specifications

See Full Specifications

Physical Specifications

Wire Size (AWG/MCM) 2 AWG
Conductor Material Aluminum
Conductor Type Stranded
Outer Diameter (OD) (in/mm) 1.23 in.
Conductor Count 4
Shield Unshielded
Insulation Type (XLPE) Cross-Linked Polyethylene

Technical Specifications

Voltage Rating 600V
Ampacity Rating 100
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 0.54 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.

2/4 Aluminum MC Cable W/ Bare Ground

Parent SKU :  MCA2-4

SKU :  MCA2-4-250

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

Parent SKU :  MCA2-4

SKU :  MCA2-4-250

$1,084/ea.
$2,156/ea.
$4,290/ea.
$4.40/ft.
Please select an option
Min: 250 ft., Max: 20,000 ft.
Spool (250 ft.)
$1,084.00
Please select an option
Maximum reached, contact us for custom orders
Contact Us
  • Fast Shipping
  • Competitive Pricing
  • Phone Support

Get Product Details

Get Product Details

"A commercial and industrial standard for high-capacity, 90-Amp three-phase electrical branch circuits and heavy-duty machinery feeders. Bundling four fully insulated, compact-stranded #2 AWG aluminum phase conductors and a dedicated bare grounding wire inside an overall interlocking aluminum armor sheath, this assembly serves as its own pre-protected raceway—completely bypassing the labor and material expenses of bending and routing independent conduit pipe lines."

Why Electricians Choose 2/4 Aluminum MC Cable

Managing labor hours on the job site dictates project profitability. The 2/4 Aluminum Metal Clad (MC) Cable provides a complete code-compliant, pre-armored wiring system that can be installed in half the time of traditional conduit-enclosed conductors. 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 securely in a lightweight interlocking aluminum armor.

  • Labor-Saving Armor: Overall aluminum interlocked armor functions as an integrated protective raceway, removing the labor and material expenses of bending and installing separate conduit systems.

  • Premium AA-8000 Conductor: Manufactured with compact-stranded 8000-series aluminum alloy for high electrical conductivity, low weight, and effortless flexibility during pull runs.

  • XHHW-2 Quadruple Insulation: Individual phase conductors are insulated with cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE), providing superior resistance to heat, moisture, and electrical stress in wet or dry locations.

  • Maximum Versatility: Code-approved for an exceptionally broad range of installations including commercial branch circuits, HVAC units, equipment feeders, and environmental air-handling spaces (plenums).

Technical Specifications: 2-2-2-2 Aluminum Metal Clad (MC) w/ Ground

Engineering Overview

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

  • Conductor Size: 2 AWG

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

  • Conductor Colors: Black, White, Red & Blue

  • Ground Wire Size: 6 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): 90 Amps.

  • Amp Rating (@ 90°C): 100 Amps.

  • Outside Diameter (OD): 1.23 inches

  • Insulation Thickness: 0.045 inches

  • Net Weight: 540 lbs/mft (0.54 lbs per foot / 540 lbs per 1,000 feet)

  • Minimum Bending Radius: 8.61 inches (Calculated as 7x the OD)

  • UL Listings & Standards: UL 44, UL 83, UL 1569 (Type MC for CT Use); NEMA WC-70/ICEA S-95-658; IEEE 1202 Vertical Tray Flame Test; NEC 300.22 (Plenum Spaces), 518.4, 520.5, 645.5

Common 2/4 Aluminum MC Applications

  • Commercial Branch Circuits: Actively used for power, lighting, control, and signal circuits throughout retail, industrial, and multi-residential structures.

  • Diverse Environmental Routing: Fully approved for installation inside commercial cable trays, approved raceways, concealed or exposed locations, environmental air-handling spaces (plenums), and vertical structural risers.

  • Hazardous Location Environments: Permitted for use in specialized industrial environments as defined and regulated by NEC Articles 501, 502, 503, and 504.

  • Massive Commercial HVAC Equipment: The preferred choice for routing dedicated power to heavy structural rooftop chillers, large-scale ventilation complexes, and centralized cooling grids.

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: Ampacities are based on NEC Table 310.15 (B)(16) (or equivalent local reference tables) and show the allowable ampacities of current-carrying insulated conductors in a raceway, cable, or earth based on an ambient temperature of 30°C (86°F). Because most standard commercial electrical panels, breakers, and terminal lugs feature 75°C termination points, circuits should be designed based on the conservative 90-Amp standard. The 100-Amp rating at 90°C is typically utilized for ampacity adjustment and correction factors.

See Full Specifications

See Full Specifications

Physical Specifications

Wire Size (AWG/MCM) 2 AWG
Conductor Material Aluminum
Conductor Type Stranded
Outer Diameter (OD) (in/mm) 1.23 in.
Conductor Count 4
Shield Unshielded
Insulation Type (XLPE) Cross-Linked Polyethylene

Technical Specifications

Voltage Rating 600V
Ampacity Rating 100
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 0.54 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) 2 AWG
Conductor Material Aluminum
Conductor Type Stranded
Outer Diameter (OD) (in/mm) 1.23 in.
Conductor Count 4
Shield Unshielded
Insulation Type (XLPE) Cross-Linked Polyethylene

Technical Specifications

Voltage Rating 600V
Ampacity Rating 100
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 0.54 lb

Have Questions?

Call Us. Icon

Call Us.

(833) 268-8644

Email Us

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 structural difference lies in the number of current-carrying insulated conductors inside the assembly. The 2/3 MC Cable profile features three insulated phase wires (typically Black, Red, White) plus a bare ground, making it perfect for single-phase 120/240V subpanels and heavy 240V household loads. The 2/4 profile contains four insulated phase wires (typically Black, White, Red, Blue) plus a bare ground. This fourth conductor is required for three-phase commercial power infrastructure or specialty dual-voltage equipment requiring independent legs.

The allowable ampacity of 2/4 Aluminum MC Cable is 90 Amps, based on the standard 75°C conductor termination threshold outlined in the National Electrical Code (NEC Table 310.16). While the internal XHHW-2 cross-linked polyethylene insulation can safely handle up to 100 Amps under 90°C parameters, the circuit's overall continuous rating must be restricted to 90 Amps to match the maximum temperature limitations of standard mechanical breaker lugs and distribution terminal equipment. The higher 100-Amp threshold is strictly utilized by engineers for ampacity adjustment, correction factors, and environmental derating. Always consult with a local electrician to confirm what size is best for your install.

4/4 Aluminum MC Cable has an approximate physical net weight of 540 lbs per 1,000 feet (lbs/mft). The nominal outside diameter over the external interlocking aluminum armor is 1.23 inches (+/- 5%). Knowing these dimensions allows installers to ensure they select the appropriate trade-size connector fittings and evaluate structural loading capacities for long cable tray pulls.

Wire America ships MC Cable directly from our regional hubs located across the United States, delivering most orders right to your shop or job site within 2 to 4 business days. We prioritize shipping this 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