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Solid THHN/THWN-2 WireFrom $0.20/ft - Solid THHN/THWN-2 WireFrom $0.20/ft
- Solid THHN/THWN-2 WireFrom $0.20/ft
Parent SKU : MCA250-3
SKU : MCA250-3-250
"A dependable industrial and commercial choice for heavy feeder systems, 3-phase branch circuits, and main service disconnect installations. Engineered with a lightweight, interlocking aluminum armor jacket, this pre-protected 3-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."
250 MCM 3-Conductor Aluminum Metal Clad (MC) Cable delivers a completely code-compliant, pre-armored wiring solution designed to minimize field labor hours and maximize jobsite efficiency. Featuring three compact-stranded AA-8000 series aluminum phase conductors insulated with cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE/XHHW-2) and a dedicated bare grounding wire, the assembly is protected by an overall interlocking aluminum armor jacket.
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.
AA-8000 Conductor Material: 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).
Cut to Length or Bulk Spools: Order custom cut-to-length footage to eliminate jobsite waste, or select full factory spools and reels for major commercial installation pulls.
Conductor Configuration: 3 Insulated Conductors + 1 Bare Ground Wire
Conductor Size: 250 MCM (kcmil)
Conductor Material: AA-8000 Series Compact Stranded Aluminum Alloy (per ASTM B800 & B801)
Conductor Colors (240V / 480V): Black, White, Red OR Brown, Orange, Yellow
Ground Wire Size: 1 AWG (Bare Stranded Aluminum)
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 - NEC): 205 Amps
Amp Rating (@ 90°C - NEC): 230 Amps
Insulation Thickness: 0.065 inches
Diameter Over Armor: 1.79 inches
Net Weight: 1,198 lbs per 1,000 ft
Minimum Bending Radius: 11.90 inches (Calculated as 7x Diameter Over Armor)
Compliance Standards: UL 44, UL 1569 for Type MC Cable (CT Use Rated), 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).
200A–225A Sub-Panel Feeds: Primary 3-phase feeder lines running from main service disconnects to 200A or 225A sub-panels in commercial distribution centers, retail stores, and industrial facilities.
Heavy HVAC & Industrial Machinery: Dedicated power feeds for high-capacity commercial rooftop HVAC units, chillers, heavy air compressors, and industrial motors not requiring a neutral conductor.
Open Plenum & Drop-Ceiling Routing: Fully certified under NEC 300.22 for routing directly through environmental air-handling plenum spaces, dropped ceiling voids, and raised floors without conduit.
Commercial EV Charging & Transformers: Reliable power distribution for commercial EV charging hubs, step-down transformers, and large battery backup systems.
Multi-Story Vertical Shafts: Approved for vertical riser shafts in commercial structures and high-rise facilities when secured per NEC 300.19 and 330.30 guidelines.
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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 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 205-Amp standard. The 230-Amp rating at 90°C is highly utilized for ampacity adjustment and correction factors.
| Wire Size (AWG/MCM) | 250 MCM |
| Conductor Material | Aluminum |
| Conductor Type | Stranded |
| Outer Diameter (OD) (in/mm) | 1.79 in. |
| Conductor Count | 3 |
| Shield | Unshielded |
| Insulation Type | (XLPE) Cross-Linked Polyethylene |
| Voltage Rating | 600V |
| Ampacity Rating | 230 |
| 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). |
| Primary Applications | Service entrance conductors, Feeders, Branch circuits, Power, lighting, control, and signal circuits |
| Common Uses |
|
| Weight per Foot | 1.198 lb |
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 shipments are delivered Monday-Friday except on US Holidays. The order must be placed before 12pm CST to ship same day ( Mon-Fri Only).
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.
Parent SKU : MCA250-3
SKU : MCA250-3-250
Parent SKU : MCA250-3
SKU : MCA250-3-250
"A dependable industrial and commercial choice for heavy feeder systems, 3-phase branch circuits, and main service disconnect installations. Engineered with a lightweight, interlocking aluminum armor jacket, this pre-protected 3-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."
250 MCM 3-Conductor Aluminum Metal Clad (MC) Cable delivers a completely code-compliant, pre-armored wiring solution designed to minimize field labor hours and maximize jobsite efficiency. Featuring three compact-stranded AA-8000 series aluminum phase conductors insulated with cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE/XHHW-2) and a dedicated bare grounding wire, the assembly is protected by an overall interlocking aluminum armor jacket.
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.
AA-8000 Conductor Material: 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).
Cut to Length or Bulk Spools: Order custom cut-to-length footage to eliminate jobsite waste, or select full factory spools and reels for major commercial installation pulls.
Conductor Configuration: 3 Insulated Conductors + 1 Bare Ground Wire
Conductor Size: 250 MCM (kcmil)
Conductor Material: AA-8000 Series Compact Stranded Aluminum Alloy (per ASTM B800 & B801)
Conductor Colors (240V / 480V): Black, White, Red OR Brown, Orange, Yellow
Ground Wire Size: 1 AWG (Bare Stranded Aluminum)
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 - NEC): 205 Amps
Amp Rating (@ 90°C - NEC): 230 Amps
Insulation Thickness: 0.065 inches
Diameter Over Armor: 1.79 inches
Net Weight: 1,198 lbs per 1,000 ft
Minimum Bending Radius: 11.90 inches (Calculated as 7x Diameter Over Armor)
Compliance Standards: UL 44, UL 1569 for Type MC Cable (CT Use Rated), 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).
200A–225A Sub-Panel Feeds: Primary 3-phase feeder lines running from main service disconnects to 200A or 225A sub-panels in commercial distribution centers, retail stores, and industrial facilities.
Heavy HVAC & Industrial Machinery: Dedicated power feeds for high-capacity commercial rooftop HVAC units, chillers, heavy air compressors, and industrial motors not requiring a neutral conductor.
Open Plenum & Drop-Ceiling Routing: Fully certified under NEC 300.22 for routing directly through environmental air-handling plenum spaces, dropped ceiling voids, and raised floors without conduit.
Commercial EV Charging & Transformers: Reliable power distribution for commercial EV charging hubs, step-down transformers, and large battery backup systems.
Multi-Story Vertical Shafts: Approved for vertical riser shafts in commercial structures and high-rise facilities when secured per NEC 300.19 and 330.30 guidelines.
Â
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 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 205-Amp standard. The 230-Amp rating at 90°C is highly utilized for ampacity adjustment and correction factors.
| Wire Size (AWG/MCM) | 250 MCM |
| Conductor Material | Aluminum |
| Conductor Type | Stranded |
| Outer Diameter (OD) (in/mm) | 1.79 in. |
| Conductor Count | 3 |
| Shield | Unshielded |
| Insulation Type | (XLPE) Cross-Linked Polyethylene |
| Voltage Rating | 600V |
| Ampacity Rating | 230 |
| 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). |
| Primary Applications | Service entrance conductors, Feeders, Branch circuits, Power, lighting, control, and signal circuits |
| Common Uses |
|
| Weight per Foot | 1.198 lb |
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 shipments are delivered Monday-Friday except on US Holidays. The order must be placed before 12pm CST to ship same day ( Mon-Fri Only).
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.
Get notified when this product is back in stock
Physical Specifications
Technical Specifications
Usage & Installation:
Packaging & Dimensions:
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250 MCM 3C Aluminum MC Cable with Bare Ground is designed for 3-phase delta systems, 240V equipment feeds, and heavy commercial distribution circuits. Thanks to its built-in interlocking aluminum armor, it requires no separate conduit pipe and can be pulled directly through open structural framing and cable trays. It is commonly specified for 200A/225A commercial sub-panels, heavy HVAC chillers, and industrial motor loads where a separate neutral is not required.
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 without conduit, a jacketed MC cable or direct-burial cable (like URD or USE-2) is required.
Yes! Wire America carries a full inventory 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 250 MCM 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.
The primary differences come down to weight, cost, and ampacity. Copper is a more efficient conductor, meaning 250 MCM Copper MC is rated for 255 Amps (75°C), whereas 250 MCM Aluminum MC is rated for 205 Amps (75°C). However, 250 MCM Aluminum MC is dramatically lighter and significantly more cost-effective, making it the clear economic choice for long commercial feeder runs where a 200A/205A capacity satisfies the electrical load.
Wire America supplies an extensive inventory of 250 MCM 3C 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!
Under National Electrical Code (NEC) guidelines, the allowable ampacity of 250 MCM 3C Aluminum MC Cable is 205 Amps @ 75°C and 230 Amps @ 90°C.
*Ampacities are based on NEC Table 310.16 for three current-carrying insulated conductors in a raceway or cable based on an ambient temperature of 30°C (86°F). Because standard equipment terminal lugs are rated at 75°C, most circuits are sized based on the 205-Amp rating.
250 MCM 3C Aluminum MC Cable has an approximate physical net weight of 1,198 lbs per 1,000 feet (lbs/mft). The nominal outside diameter over the external interlocking aluminum armor is 1.79 inches (+/- 5%). Knowing these dimensions allows installers to select the appropriate trade-size connector fittings and evaluate structural weight strain for long cable tray pulls.
Yes, it is highly recommended. While modern AA-8000 series aluminum alloy is extremely stable, electrical best practice dictates applying an approved anti-oxidant paste (such as Noalox or Penetrox) onto stripped 250 MCM aluminum conductor ends before securing them into mechanical lugs or breaker terminations. This prevents oxidation from forming a resistive film over the connection point, ensuring a long-lasting, cool-running termination.
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