#2 AWG HMWPE Cathodic Protection Cable | 600V Direct Burial

Parent SKU :  CPC2

SKU :  CPC2-250-BK

SUITABLE FOR DIRECT BURIAL. EXCELLENT RESISTANCE TO MOISTURE, ABRASION, AND CORROSIVE CHEMICALS.
Wire Size 2 AWG
Conductor Material Copper
Conductor Type Stranded
Outer Diameter 0.52 in. / 13.20 mm
Voltage Rating 600V
Ampacity Rating 115
Weight per Foot 0.272 lb

Get Product Details

Get Product Details

This #2 AWG HMWPE Cathodic Protection Cable is a rugged, single-conductor wire specifically designed for impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP) systems. It serves as the primary connection between rectifiers and anodes, engineered to survive direct burial in aggressive soil or submersion in fresh, brackish, or salt water.

Why Choose #2 AWG HMWPE Cable?

Cathodic protection systems create a unique electrochemical environment where standard insulation materials often fail. High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (HMWPE) provides a specialized "shield" against the corrosive gases (such as chlorine and hydrogen) and moisture that are common in ground bed installations.

  • Chemical & Gas Resilience: The HMWPE jacket is highly resistant to acids, alkalis, and the electrolytic gases generated at the anode site.

  • Mechanical Toughness: Known for its superior "cut-through" and abrasion resistance, this cable is built to handle the mechanical stresses of direct burial and soil settling without the need for conduit.

  • Direct Burial & Submergence: Rated for performance in wet locations, including deep-well ground beds and marine applications.

  • Optimized Electrical Flow: Manufactured with soft-drawn, stranded bare copper to ensure maximum conductivity and reliable current discharge.

Technical Specifications: #2 AWG HMWPE

  • Conductor Size: #2 AWG

  • Conductor Material: Stranded Bare Copper

  • Insulation Material: High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (HMWPE)

  • Voltage Rating: 600V

  • Temperature Rating: 75°C (167°F)

  • Amp Rating: 115 Amps (@ 75°C)

  • Standard Color: Black (UV Resistant)

  • Approvals: ASTM D-1248, ICEA S-95-658

Common Applications

  • Pipeline Protection: Used for anode leads and feeder cables for oil, gas, and water transmission pipelines.

  • Storage Tank Bottoms: Ideal for connecting rectifiers to sacrificial or impressed current anodes for underground and above-ground tanks.

  • Marine & Coastal Works: Protection of steel sheet piles, bulkheads, and jetty structures.

  • Anode Ground Beds: The industry standard for wiring within deep-well and surface-ground-bed installations.


Technical Note: Because the system relies on the integrity of the insulation, any breach in the HMWPE jacket will allow the copper conductor to corrode rapidly. Always inspect the cable for nicks or scratches before burial. For environments with high concentrations of chlorine or hydrocarbons, a dual-insulated construction (HALAR/HMWPE) is recommended for enhanced protection.

See Full Specifications

See Full Specifications

Physical Specifications

Wire Size (AWG/MCM) 2 AWG
Conductor Material Copper
Conductor Type Stranded
Strand Count 7
Outer Diameter (OD) (in/mm) 0.52 in. / 13.20 mm
Conductor Count 1
Shield Unshielded
Insulation Type (HMWPE) High Molecular Weight Polyethylene

Technical Specifications

Voltage Rating 600V
Ampacity Rating 115
Direct Burial Rating Yes
Submersible Yes
Flexibility Rating Medium
Sunlight Resistance Rating Yes
Temperature Rating 75°C
Standards ASTM B-8 Stranded Copper Conductors
ASTM-D-1248
ICEA S-61-402
NEMA WC-5
Type I
Class C
Category 5
Grades E-5 and J-I HMWP
Miscellaneous Information The data shown is approximate and subject to standard industry and manufacturer tolerances

Usage & Installation

Common Uses
  • Pipelines
  • Marine and Offshore Structures
  • Storage Tanks
  • Metal Structures in Concrete
  • Well Casings
  • Utilities and Infrastructure.

Packaging & Dimensions:

Weight per Foot 0.272 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.

Cathodic Protection Cable

Wire America | Wire Flexibility Series

This video shows the flexibility, size, stranding and conductor material of the 6 AWG Cathodic Protection Cable

#2 AWG HMWPE Cathodic Protection Cable | 600V Direct Burial

Parent SKU :  CPC2

SKU :  CPC2-250-BK

SUITABLE FOR DIRECT BURIAL. EXCELLENT RESISTANCE TO MOISTURE, ABRASION, AND CORROSIVE CHEMICALS.
In Stock
Ships in 1-2 days

Parent SKU :  CPC2

SKU :  CPC2-250-BK

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$2,524/ea.
$5,022/ea.
$5.15/ft.
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Min: 250 ft., Max: 5000 ft.
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Get Product Details

Get Product Details

This #2 AWG HMWPE Cathodic Protection Cable is a rugged, single-conductor wire specifically designed for impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP) systems. It serves as the primary connection between rectifiers and anodes, engineered to survive direct burial in aggressive soil or submersion in fresh, brackish, or salt water.

Why Choose #2 AWG HMWPE Cable?

Cathodic protection systems create a unique electrochemical environment where standard insulation materials often fail. High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (HMWPE) provides a specialized "shield" against the corrosive gases (such as chlorine and hydrogen) and moisture that are common in ground bed installations.

  • Chemical & Gas Resilience: The HMWPE jacket is highly resistant to acids, alkalis, and the electrolytic gases generated at the anode site.

  • Mechanical Toughness: Known for its superior "cut-through" and abrasion resistance, this cable is built to handle the mechanical stresses of direct burial and soil settling without the need for conduit.

  • Direct Burial & Submergence: Rated for performance in wet locations, including deep-well ground beds and marine applications.

  • Optimized Electrical Flow: Manufactured with soft-drawn, stranded bare copper to ensure maximum conductivity and reliable current discharge.

Technical Specifications: #2 AWG HMWPE

  • Conductor Size: #2 AWG

  • Conductor Material: Stranded Bare Copper

  • Insulation Material: High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (HMWPE)

  • Voltage Rating: 600V

  • Temperature Rating: 75°C (167°F)

  • Amp Rating: 115 Amps (@ 75°C)

  • Standard Color: Black (UV Resistant)

  • Approvals: ASTM D-1248, ICEA S-95-658

Common Applications

  • Pipeline Protection: Used for anode leads and feeder cables for oil, gas, and water transmission pipelines.

  • Storage Tank Bottoms: Ideal for connecting rectifiers to sacrificial or impressed current anodes for underground and above-ground tanks.

  • Marine & Coastal Works: Protection of steel sheet piles, bulkheads, and jetty structures.

  • Anode Ground Beds: The industry standard for wiring within deep-well and surface-ground-bed installations.


Technical Note: Because the system relies on the integrity of the insulation, any breach in the HMWPE jacket will allow the copper conductor to corrode rapidly. Always inspect the cable for nicks or scratches before burial. For environments with high concentrations of chlorine or hydrocarbons, a dual-insulated construction (HALAR/HMWPE) is recommended for enhanced protection.

See Full Specifications

See Full Specifications

Physical Specifications

Wire Size (AWG/MCM) 2 AWG
Conductor Material Copper
Conductor Type Stranded
Strand Count 7
Outer Diameter (OD) (in/mm) 0.52 in. / 13.20 mm
Conductor Count 1
Shield Unshielded
Insulation Type (HMWPE) High Molecular Weight Polyethylene

Technical Specifications

Voltage Rating 600V
Ampacity Rating 115
Direct Burial Rating Yes
Submersible Yes
Flexibility Rating Medium
Sunlight Resistance Rating Yes
Temperature Rating 75°C
Standards ASTM B-8 Stranded Copper Conductors
ASTM-D-1248
ICEA S-61-402
NEMA WC-5
Type I
Class C
Category 5
Grades E-5 and J-I HMWP
Miscellaneous Information The data shown is approximate and subject to standard industry and manufacturer tolerances

Usage & Installation

Common Uses
  • Pipelines
  • Marine and Offshore Structures
  • Storage Tanks
  • Metal Structures in Concrete
  • Well Casings
  • Utilities and Infrastructure.

Packaging & Dimensions:

Weight per Foot 0.272 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
Cathodic Protection Cable

Wire America | Wire Flexibility Series

This video shows the flexibility, size, stranding and conductor material of the 6 AWG Cathodic Protection Cable

Physical Specifications

Wire Size (AWG/MCM) 2 AWG
Conductor Material Copper
Conductor Type Stranded
Strand Count 7
Outer Diameter (OD) (in/mm) 0.52 in. / 13.20 mm
Conductor Count 1
Shield Unshielded
Insulation Type (HMWPE) High Molecular Weight Polyethylene

Technical Specifications

Voltage Rating 600V
Ampacity Rating 115
Direct Burial Rating Yes
Submersible Yes
Flexibility Rating Medium
Sunlight Resistance Rating Yes
Temperature Rating 75°C
Standards ASTM B-8 Stranded Copper Conductors
ASTM-D-1248
ICEA S-61-402
NEMA WC-5
Type I
Class C
Category 5
Grades E-5 and J-I HMWP
Miscellaneous Information The data shown is approximate and subject to standard industry and manufacturer tolerances

Usage & Installation:

Common Uses
  • Pipelines
  • Marine and Offshore Structures
  • Storage Tanks
  • Metal Structures in Concrete
  • Well Casings
  • Utilities and Infrastructure.

Packaging & Dimensions:

Weight per Foot 0.272 lb

Have Questions?

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Call Us.

(833) 268-8644

Email Us

#2 AWG is a high-capacity Main Trunk Line or Feeder Cable. It is typically used in large-scale Impressed Current Cathodic Protection (ICCP) systems to connect the rectifier to multiple anode groundbeds. It is also often a preferred size for the main negative return on large-diameter pipelines and the bottom of massive storage tanks where current demands are significant.

The decision to move to #2 AWG is usually driven by current density and long-distance voltage drop. If your system needs to deliver high amperage over a long distance (such as across a large tank farm or along a highway pipeline stretch), the #2 conductor provides the lower resistance necessary to ensure the structure reaches the required -850mV protective potential.

Note: Cathodic Protection systems are highly site-specific. Before selecting your cable gauge, we strongly recommend consulting with a NACE-certified Corrosion Engineer or a licensed CP installer to verify your voltage drop calculations and soil resistivity requirements.

Yes, but with a caveat. While #2 HMWPE is extremely rugged and chemical-resistant, deep-well environments often have high concentrations of chlorine gas. For standard soil or fresh water, #2 HMWPE is the gold standard. However, if the well is brackish or high-salinity, many engineers prefer a Dual-Insulated cable (HALAR/HMWPE) for maximum long-term survivability.

Absolutely. Our #2 HMWPE is designed for the most aggressive environments. The High Molecular Weight Polyethylene insulation is non-porous and resists the "osmotic blistering" that causes standard wire to fail in wet or submerged conditions. It is frequently used for protecting offshore platforms, sheet piling, and submerged dock infrastructure.

In a typical direct burial environment, #2 AWG is rated for approximately 115 Amps @ 75°C. In the cathodic protection industry, contractors often intentionally "oversize" to #2 to ensure the system remains highly efficient. Running at a fraction of the max ampacity prevents the insulation from heating up, which can extend the service life of the cable to 40+ years.

Note: Cathodic Protection systems are highly site-specific. Before selecting your cable gauge, we strongly recommend consulting with a NACE-certified Corrosion Engineer or a licensed CP installer to verify your voltage drop calculations and soil resistivity requirements.

Yes. Because #2 is a much thicker conductor, care must be taken during installation to avoid "over-bending," which can stress the HMWPE insulation. Always follow industry standards for the minimum bending radius—especially when the cable is exiting a trench and entering a conduit riser or the bottom of a rectifier cabinet.

Cathodic Protection cable is a specialized electrical conductor used to prevent corrosion in buried or submerged metallic structures, such as pipelines, storage tanks, and pier pilings. It connects the structure to an anode system, carrying the direct current (DC) necessary to neutralize the electrochemical process that causes rust and decay.

HMWPE stands for High Molecular Weight Polyethylene. It is the "outer shell" of most CP cables. It is used because it is incredibly tough, moisture-resistant, and has high dielectric strength, allowing the cable to be buried directly in a variety of soil types without a conduit.

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Call Us.

(833) 268-8644

Email Us