3 AWG Aluminum XHHW-2 Building Wire

Parent SKU :  XHW3AL

SKU :  XHW3AL-250-BK

600V/1000V • XLPE INSULATION • SUNLIGHT RESISTANT • CUT-TO-LENGTH
Wire Size 3 AWG
Conductor Material Aluminum
Conductor Type Stranded
Outer Diameter 0.33 in. / 8.382 mm
Conductor Count 1
Voltage Rating 600V
Ampacity Rating 85
Weight per Foot 0.072 lb

Get Product Details

Get Product Details

"Engineered for budget-friendly power distribution and smooth conduit pulls, 3 AWG Aluminum XHHW-2 / RW90 Building Wire features compact-stranded AA-8000 aluminum alloy wrapped in a slick, low-friction XLPE jacket. Dual-rated for 600V/1000V systems and approved for wet or dry locations up to 90°C, it delivers superior cost and weight savings over copper for feeder runs, branch circuits, subpanels, and raceway applications."

Key Features & Benefits: 3 AWG Aluminum XHHW-2 Wire

  • Slick, Low-Friction XLPE Insulation: Features an advanced "slippery" outer compound that glides through conduit bends effortlessly without pulling lubricant or insulation damage.

  • AA-8000 Series Compact Aluminum: Built with Class B compact-stranded AA-8000 series aluminum alloy, reducing wire diameter to maximize conduit fill capacity.

  • Dual Voltage Rated (600V / 1000V): Rated for standard 600V systems as well as higher-voltage 1000V commercial and solar installations.

  • Cost-Effective Efficiency: Provides reliable conductivity with significant weight savings and lower material costs compared to equivalent copper conductors.

  • Phase Color Selection: Offered in Black, Red, White, Green, Blue, Orange, Brown, Yellow, Gray, and Purple for instant phase identification (check the dropdown for stock).

  • Cut-to-Length or Bulk Spools: Order custom lengths cut by the foot to minimize job-site scrap, or purchase bulk spools for high-volume commercial runs.

Technical Specs: 3 AWG Aluminum XHHW-2 Wire

  • Conductor Size: 3 AWG

  • Conductor Material: AA-8000 Series Compact Stranded Aluminum Alloy (Class B)

  • Conductor Diameter: 0.238 inches (6.05 mm)

  • Insulation Material: Cross-Linked Polyethylene (XLPE / XLP)

  • Insulation Thickness: 0.045 inches (1.14 mm)

  • Overall Diameter: 0.330 inches (8.38 mm)

  • Approximate Net Weight: 72 lbs per 1,000 ft

  • Ampacity (@ 75°C Terminal Rating): 75 Amps

  • Ampacity (@ 90°C Terminal Rating): 85 Amps

  • Voltage Rating: 600V / 1000V (XHHW-2) | 600V (RW90)

  • Temperature Rating: -40°C to 90°C (Wet or Dry)

  • Compliance Standards: UL 44 / CSA C22.2 No. 38, UL 1685, ANSI/NEMA WC-70 / ICEA S-95-658, ASTM B800 & B801, Federal Spec A-A-59544A, NFPA 70 (NEC), CSA C22.1

Common 3 AWG Aluminum XHHW-2 Applications

  • Service Entrances & Feeders: Routing branch circuits and feeder lines through underground or indoor conduit systems.

  • Commercial & Residential Subpanels: Feeding intermediate electrical subpanels, heavy workshop panels, and commercial distribution equipment.

  • Commercial Raceways: Pulling through EMT, PVC, or flexible raceways for large HVAC equipment, motors, and commercial machinery.


DISCLAIMER: All values are nominal and subject to correction. Ampacities for not more than three conductors in raceway or cable or earth (directly buried), based on ambient temperature of 30°C per Table 310.16 of the National Electrical Code.

See Full Specifications

See Full Specifications

Physical Specifications

Wire Size (AWG/MCM) 3 AWG
Conductor Material Aluminum
Conductor Type Stranded
Outer Diameter (OD) (in/mm) 0.33 in. / 8.382 mm
Conductor Count 1
Shield Unshielded
Insulation Type (XLPE) Cross-Linked Polyethylene
UL Listing Numbers UL 44, UL 1685, CSA

Technical Specifications

Voltage Rating 600V
Ampacity Rating 85
Submersible No
Flexibility Rating Good
Sunlight Resistance Rating Yes
Temperature Rating 90ºC
Standards UL 44 / CSA C22.2 No. 38 Thermoset-Insulated Wires and Cables
UL 1685 Vertical-Tray Fire-Propagation and Smoke-Release Test for Electrical and Optical-Fiber Cables
ANSI / NEMA WC-70 / ICEA S-95-658
ASTM B800, B801
Federal Specification A-A-59544A
NFPA 70 National Electrical Code
CSA C22.1 Canadian Electrical Code
Sunlight resistant.
Miscellaneous Information All values are nominal and subject to correction. **Ampacities for not more than three conductors in raceway or cable or earth (directly buried), based on ambient temperature of 30°C per Table 310.16 of the 2020 National Electrical Code.
RoHS Compliance Yes

Usage & Installation

Primary ApplicationsService Entrance Conductors, Feeders, Branch Circuit Wiring (larger sizes), Conduit and Raceways, Wet or Dry Locations, Cable Tray Installations, General Purpose Wiring
Common Uses
  • Power supply from main service panel to sub-panels
  • branch circuits
  • specialized equipment
  • (DOT) projects
  • healthcare facilities
  • wind farms
  • solar installations.

Packaging & Dimensions:

Weight per Foot 0.072 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 XHHW-2 Building Wire

Wire America | Wire Flexibility Series

This video shows the flexibility, size, jacket detail, conductor material and stranding of the 4 AWG Aluminum XHHW-2 Building Wire.

3 AWG Aluminum XHHW-2 Building Wire

Parent SKU :  XHW3AL

SKU :  XHW3AL-250-BK

600V/1000V • XLPE INSULATION • SUNLIGHT RESISTANT • CUT-TO-LENGTH
Contact us for price
Ships in 1-2 days

Parent SKU :  XHW3AL

SKU :  XHW3AL-250-BK

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Get Product Details

Get Product Details

"Engineered for budget-friendly power distribution and smooth conduit pulls, 3 AWG Aluminum XHHW-2 / RW90 Building Wire features compact-stranded AA-8000 aluminum alloy wrapped in a slick, low-friction XLPE jacket. Dual-rated for 600V/1000V systems and approved for wet or dry locations up to 90°C, it delivers superior cost and weight savings over copper for feeder runs, branch circuits, subpanels, and raceway applications."

Key Features & Benefits: 3 AWG Aluminum XHHW-2 Wire

  • Slick, Low-Friction XLPE Insulation: Features an advanced "slippery" outer compound that glides through conduit bends effortlessly without pulling lubricant or insulation damage.

  • AA-8000 Series Compact Aluminum: Built with Class B compact-stranded AA-8000 series aluminum alloy, reducing wire diameter to maximize conduit fill capacity.

  • Dual Voltage Rated (600V / 1000V): Rated for standard 600V systems as well as higher-voltage 1000V commercial and solar installations.

  • Cost-Effective Efficiency: Provides reliable conductivity with significant weight savings and lower material costs compared to equivalent copper conductors.

  • Phase Color Selection: Offered in Black, Red, White, Green, Blue, Orange, Brown, Yellow, Gray, and Purple for instant phase identification (check the dropdown for stock).

  • Cut-to-Length or Bulk Spools: Order custom lengths cut by the foot to minimize job-site scrap, or purchase bulk spools for high-volume commercial runs.

Technical Specs: 3 AWG Aluminum XHHW-2 Wire

  • Conductor Size: 3 AWG

  • Conductor Material: AA-8000 Series Compact Stranded Aluminum Alloy (Class B)

  • Conductor Diameter: 0.238 inches (6.05 mm)

  • Insulation Material: Cross-Linked Polyethylene (XLPE / XLP)

  • Insulation Thickness: 0.045 inches (1.14 mm)

  • Overall Diameter: 0.330 inches (8.38 mm)

  • Approximate Net Weight: 72 lbs per 1,000 ft

  • Ampacity (@ 75°C Terminal Rating): 75 Amps

  • Ampacity (@ 90°C Terminal Rating): 85 Amps

  • Voltage Rating: 600V / 1000V (XHHW-2) | 600V (RW90)

  • Temperature Rating: -40°C to 90°C (Wet or Dry)

  • Compliance Standards: UL 44 / CSA C22.2 No. 38, UL 1685, ANSI/NEMA WC-70 / ICEA S-95-658, ASTM B800 & B801, Federal Spec A-A-59544A, NFPA 70 (NEC), CSA C22.1

Common 3 AWG Aluminum XHHW-2 Applications

  • Service Entrances & Feeders: Routing branch circuits and feeder lines through underground or indoor conduit systems.

  • Commercial & Residential Subpanels: Feeding intermediate electrical subpanels, heavy workshop panels, and commercial distribution equipment.

  • Commercial Raceways: Pulling through EMT, PVC, or flexible raceways for large HVAC equipment, motors, and commercial machinery.


DISCLAIMER: All values are nominal and subject to correction. Ampacities for not more than three conductors in raceway or cable or earth (directly buried), based on ambient temperature of 30°C per Table 310.16 of the National Electrical Code.

See Full Specifications

See Full Specifications

Physical Specifications

Wire Size (AWG/MCM) 3 AWG
Conductor Material Aluminum
Conductor Type Stranded
Outer Diameter (OD) (in/mm) 0.33 in. / 8.382 mm
Conductor Count 1
Shield Unshielded
Insulation Type (XLPE) Cross-Linked Polyethylene
UL Listing Numbers UL 44, UL 1685, CSA

Technical Specifications

Voltage Rating 600V
Ampacity Rating 85
Submersible No
Flexibility Rating Good
Sunlight Resistance Rating Yes
Temperature Rating 90ºC
Standards UL 44 / CSA C22.2 No. 38 Thermoset-Insulated Wires and Cables
UL 1685 Vertical-Tray Fire-Propagation and Smoke-Release Test for Electrical and Optical-Fiber Cables
ANSI / NEMA WC-70 / ICEA S-95-658
ASTM B800, B801
Federal Specification A-A-59544A
NFPA 70 National Electrical Code
CSA C22.1 Canadian Electrical Code
Sunlight resistant.
Miscellaneous Information All values are nominal and subject to correction. **Ampacities for not more than three conductors in raceway or cable or earth (directly buried), based on ambient temperature of 30°C per Table 310.16 of the 2020 National Electrical Code.
RoHS Compliance Yes

Usage & Installation

Primary ApplicationsService Entrance Conductors, Feeders, Branch Circuit Wiring (larger sizes), Conduit and Raceways, Wet or Dry Locations, Cable Tray Installations, General Purpose Wiring
Common Uses
  • Power supply from main service panel to sub-panels
  • branch circuits
  • specialized equipment
  • (DOT) projects
  • healthcare facilities
  • wind farms
  • solar installations.

Packaging & Dimensions:

Weight per Foot 0.072 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 XHHW-2 Building Wire

Wire America | Wire Flexibility Series

This video shows the flexibility, size, jacket detail, conductor material and stranding of the 4 AWG Aluminum XHHW-2 Building Wire.

Physical Specifications

Wire Size (AWG/MCM) 3 AWG
Conductor Material Aluminum
Conductor Type Stranded
Outer Diameter (OD) (in/mm) 0.33 in. / 8.382 mm
Conductor Count 1
Shield Unshielded
Insulation Type (XLPE) Cross-Linked Polyethylene
UL Listing Numbers UL 44, UL 1685, CSA

Technical Specifications

Voltage Rating 600V
Ampacity Rating 85
Submersible No
Flexibility Rating Good
Sunlight Resistance Rating Yes
Temperature Rating 90ºC
Standards UL 44 / CSA C22.2 No. 38 Thermoset-Insulated Wires and Cables
UL 1685 Vertical-Tray Fire-Propagation and Smoke-Release Test for Electrical and Optical-Fiber Cables
ANSI / NEMA WC-70 / ICEA S-95-658
ASTM B800, B801
Federal Specification A-A-59544A
NFPA 70 National Electrical Code
CSA C22.1 Canadian Electrical Code
Sunlight resistant.
Miscellaneous Information All values are nominal and subject to correction. **Ampacities for not more than three conductors in raceway or cable or earth (directly buried), based on ambient temperature of 30°C per Table 310.16 of the 2020 National Electrical Code.
RoHS Compliance Yes

Usage & Installation:

Primary ApplicationsService Entrance Conductors, Feeders, Branch Circuit Wiring (larger sizes), Conduit and Raceways, Wet or Dry Locations, Cable Tray Installations, General Purpose Wiring
Common Uses
  • Power supply from main service panel to sub-panels
  • branch circuits
  • specialized equipment
  • (DOT) projects
  • healthcare facilities
  • wind farms
  • solar installations.

Packaging & Dimensions:

Weight per Foot 0.072 lb

Have Questions?

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Call Us.

(833) 268-8644

Email Us

#3 AWG Aluminum XHHW-2 is widely used for:

  • Subpanel Feeders: Supplying power to 70A or 75A subpanels in commercial spaces, large residential workshops, or detached outbuildings.
  • HVAC & Equipment Wiring: Connecting commercial air conditioning units, heat pumps, and industrial motors requiring up to a 75A terminal rating.
  • Commercial Conduit Runs: Feeding distribution equipment through indoor or outdoor raceways.

Yes! XHHW-2 is dual-rated for wet and dry locations up to 90°C, making it ideal for underground installations inside an approved raceway (such as Schedule 40/80 PVC conduit). Because it is rated for moisture resistance, underground conduit runs that collect condensation will not degrade the insulation. Note: XHHW-2 single conductors must be installed inside an approved conduit or raceway when placed underground, as they are not rated for direct burial without conduit.

Per Table 310.16 of the National Electrical Code (NEC):

  • 75 Amps at 75°C Terminal Rating: Use this standard rating when connecting to typical breakers, disconnects, and subpanel lugs.
  • 85 Amps at 90°C Conductor Rating: Use this baseline for calculating temperature derating and adjustment factors in high-ambient environments.

Yes! Rated at 75 Amps at 75°C terminal rating, #3 AWG Aluminum XHHW-2 is an ideal, budget-friendly choice for 70A or 75A feeder circuits when connected to dual-rated (AL9CU) lugs. Note: Always consult with a licensed electrician and check your local building codes to verify specific sizing, derating, and installation requirements for your project.

While both are popular single-conductor building wires used in conduit, key differences include:

  • Insulation Material: XHHW-2 features cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE/thermoset) insulation, which is thicker, more durable, and doesn't melt under high thermal overloads, whereas THHN uses a thermoplastic PVC jacket with a nylon outer coat.
  • Wet Rating Performance: XHHW-2 maintains higher insulation resistance in wet locations and extreme moisture environments compared to PVC-based THHN/THWN-2.
  • Pulling Ease: XHHW-2 does not have a nylon outer skin that can tear or bunch up in tight conduit bends, making it smoother to pull during difficult installation runs.
Call Us. Icon

Call Us.

(833) 268-8644

Email Us