4/0-3C Direct Burial Aluminum MC Cable with Bare Ground (PVC Jacketed)

Parent SKU :  MCA4/0-3JKT

SKU :  MCA4/0-3JKT-250

3 CONDUCTOR + GROUND • ALUMINUM INTERLOCKED ARMOR • PVC JACKET • 600V
Wire Size 4/0
Conductor Material Aluminum
Conductor Type Stranded
Outer Diameter 1.77 in.
Conductor Count 3
Voltage Rating 600V
Ampacity Rating 205
Weight per Foot 1.233 lb

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"Engineered for maximum power capacity and tough underground environments, 4/0 3-Conductor Direct Burial Aluminum MC Cable delivers complete feeder protection without the added labor or expense of installing underground conduit.

This heavy-duty cable features three 4/0 AWG compact-stranded aluminum conductors and one #2 AWG aluminum ground conductor, protected by an interlocked aluminum armor and covered in a rugged, moisture-proof, UV-resistant PVC outer jacket. Fully approved per NEC Article 330 for direct earth burial, wet locations, and cable tray applications, it is the ultimate cost-effective solution for 200A commercial service distribution, industrial subpanels, and agricultural power runs."

Key Features & Benefits: 4/0-4/0-4/0 Direct Burial MC Cable + Ground 

  • Maximum 4/0 AWG Feeder Capacity: Rated for 180A to 205A applications, making it the ideal choice for 200-Amp commercial service entrances, high-output industrial subpanels, and heavy equipment feeds.

  • Three-Phase 3-Wire Configuration: Encapsulates three insulated power legs into a compact outer profile, facilitating easier pulling through cable trays and wall cavities compared to 4-conductor configurations.

  • Direct Burial Approved (No Conduit Required): The extruded PVC outer jacket isolates the interlocked aluminum armor from moisture, soil chemicals, and ground rot, allowing you to lay cable directly into open trenches.

  • AA-8000 Aluminum Alloy Conductors: Manufactured with 8000-series compact stranded aluminum alloy to deliver high-capacity conductivity at a fraction of the cost and weight of copper.

  • Aluminum Interlocked Armor (AIA): Continuous spiral-wrapped metal armor offers robust physical protection against rock crushing and trench backfill, eliminating the labor of laying conduit.

  • XHHW-2 XLPE Insulation: Individual conductors feature cross-linked polyethylene insulation certified for 90°C wet and dry operational environments.

  • Sunlight & Flame Resistant: Designed to handle direct exposure to sunlight, wet locations, and indoor/outdoor transitions seamlessly.

Technical Specifications: 4/0-4/0-4/0 Direct Burial Alum MC Cable + Ground 

  • Conductor Size: 4/0 AWG

  • Number of Power Conductors: 3

  • Conductor Material: AA-8000 Series Compact Stranded Aluminum Alloy

  • Ground Wire Size: 2 AWG Bare Aluminum

  • Phase Colors (240V): Black, White, Red 

  • Insulation Type: XLPE / XHHW-2

  • Armor Type: AIA (Aluminum Interlocked Armor)

  • Protective Outer Jacket: PVC - Black (Sunlight & Moisture Resistant)

  • Voltage Rating: 600 Volts

  • Temperature Rating: -40°C to 90°C

  • Amp Rating (@ 75°C - NEC): 180 Amps

  • Amp Rating (@ 90°C - NEC): 205 Amps

  • Insulation Thickness: 0.055 inches

  • Jacket Thickness: 0.050 inches

  • Approximate Nominal Outer Diameter: 1.77 inches

  • Approximate Net Weight: 1,233 lbs per 1,000 ft

  • Minimum Bending Radius: 12.39 inches (Calculated as 7x Diameter Over Jacket)

  • Compliance Standards: UL 44, UL 1569 (Type MC), NEMA WC70 / ICEA S-95-658, IEEE 1202, ASTM B800 & B801, NEC 518.4, NEC 520.5, NEC 645.5, and NEC 300.22.

Common 4/0-3 Alum MC Cable PVC Jacket Applications

  • Main Commercial Feeders: Delivering power from utility disconnects to 200A main service panels, commercial distribution hubs, and switchgear setups.

  • Industrial & Solar Grid Runs: Routing heavy power across large commercial solar arrays, industrial processing plants, and water treatment facilities.

  • Underground Distribution: Running direct-buried main feeders between separate commercial buildings, agricultural complexes, and heavy machinery workshops.



Technical Note: To prevent structural degradation from galvanic corrosion, installers must utilize dual-rated AL7CU or AL9CU mechanical compression lugs or mechanical split-bolts when joining this aluminum cable to copper busbars or breaker terminals. Penetrox or similar antioxidant joint compound must be thoroughly applied to all bare aluminum conductors before final structural torquing. While the PVC jacket isolates the interior armor against direct soil or chemical contact, minimum trench depth profiles must strictly comply with NEC Article 300.5 tables (typically requiring 24 inches of earth cover for direct-buried cables not under concrete paths, or 18 inches beneath standard structural landscapes).

DISCLAIMER: The technical information provided is for general reference only. Large-scale high-voltage feeder systems and underground distribution paths must strictly adhere to the National Electrical Code (NEC), local electrical building enforcement, and relevant safety parameters. Always cross-reference the official product submittal data sheet from the chosen manufacturer prior to finalizing structural configurations or executing structural cuts.

See Full Specifications

See Full Specifications

Physical Specifications

Wire Size (AWG/MCM) 4/0
Conductor Material Aluminum
Conductor Type Stranded
Outer Diameter (OD) (in/mm) 1.77 in.
Jacket Type PVC
Conductor Count 3
Shield Unshielded
Insulation Type (XLPE) Cross-Linked Polyethylene
UL Listing Numbers UL 44, UL 1569

Technical Specifications

Voltage Rating 600V
Ampacity Rating 205
Direct Burial Rating Yes
Submersible No
Sunlight Resistance Rating Yes
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 ambient 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 1.233 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.

4/0-3C Direct Burial Aluminum MC Cable with Bare Ground (PVC Jacketed)

Parent SKU :  MCA4/0-3JKT

SKU :  MCA4/0-3JKT-250

3 CONDUCTOR + GROUND • ALUMINUM INTERLOCKED ARMOR • PVC JACKET • 600V
Contact us for price
Ships in 1-2 days

Parent SKU :  MCA4/0-3JKT

SKU :  MCA4/0-3JKT-250

$2,586/ea.
$5,145/ea.
$10,238/ea.
$10.50/ft.
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Get Product Details

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"Engineered for maximum power capacity and tough underground environments, 4/0 3-Conductor Direct Burial Aluminum MC Cable delivers complete feeder protection without the added labor or expense of installing underground conduit.

This heavy-duty cable features three 4/0 AWG compact-stranded aluminum conductors and one #2 AWG aluminum ground conductor, protected by an interlocked aluminum armor and covered in a rugged, moisture-proof, UV-resistant PVC outer jacket. Fully approved per NEC Article 330 for direct earth burial, wet locations, and cable tray applications, it is the ultimate cost-effective solution for 200A commercial service distribution, industrial subpanels, and agricultural power runs."

Key Features & Benefits: 4/0-4/0-4/0 Direct Burial MC Cable + Ground 

  • Maximum 4/0 AWG Feeder Capacity: Rated for 180A to 205A applications, making it the ideal choice for 200-Amp commercial service entrances, high-output industrial subpanels, and heavy equipment feeds.

  • Three-Phase 3-Wire Configuration: Encapsulates three insulated power legs into a compact outer profile, facilitating easier pulling through cable trays and wall cavities compared to 4-conductor configurations.

  • Direct Burial Approved (No Conduit Required): The extruded PVC outer jacket isolates the interlocked aluminum armor from moisture, soil chemicals, and ground rot, allowing you to lay cable directly into open trenches.

  • AA-8000 Aluminum Alloy Conductors: Manufactured with 8000-series compact stranded aluminum alloy to deliver high-capacity conductivity at a fraction of the cost and weight of copper.

  • Aluminum Interlocked Armor (AIA): Continuous spiral-wrapped metal armor offers robust physical protection against rock crushing and trench backfill, eliminating the labor of laying conduit.

  • XHHW-2 XLPE Insulation: Individual conductors feature cross-linked polyethylene insulation certified for 90°C wet and dry operational environments.

  • Sunlight & Flame Resistant: Designed to handle direct exposure to sunlight, wet locations, and indoor/outdoor transitions seamlessly.

Technical Specifications: 4/0-4/0-4/0 Direct Burial Alum MC Cable + Ground 

  • Conductor Size: 4/0 AWG

  • Number of Power Conductors: 3

  • Conductor Material: AA-8000 Series Compact Stranded Aluminum Alloy

  • Ground Wire Size: 2 AWG Bare Aluminum

  • Phase Colors (240V): Black, White, Red 

  • Insulation Type: XLPE / XHHW-2

  • Armor Type: AIA (Aluminum Interlocked Armor)

  • Protective Outer Jacket: PVC - Black (Sunlight & Moisture Resistant)

  • Voltage Rating: 600 Volts

  • Temperature Rating: -40°C to 90°C

  • Amp Rating (@ 75°C - NEC): 180 Amps

  • Amp Rating (@ 90°C - NEC): 205 Amps

  • Insulation Thickness: 0.055 inches

  • Jacket Thickness: 0.050 inches

  • Approximate Nominal Outer Diameter: 1.77 inches

  • Approximate Net Weight: 1,233 lbs per 1,000 ft

  • Minimum Bending Radius: 12.39 inches (Calculated as 7x Diameter Over Jacket)

  • Compliance Standards: UL 44, UL 1569 (Type MC), NEMA WC70 / ICEA S-95-658, IEEE 1202, ASTM B800 & B801, NEC 518.4, NEC 520.5, NEC 645.5, and NEC 300.22.

Common 4/0-3 Alum MC Cable PVC Jacket Applications

  • Main Commercial Feeders: Delivering power from utility disconnects to 200A main service panels, commercial distribution hubs, and switchgear setups.

  • Industrial & Solar Grid Runs: Routing heavy power across large commercial solar arrays, industrial processing plants, and water treatment facilities.

  • Underground Distribution: Running direct-buried main feeders between separate commercial buildings, agricultural complexes, and heavy machinery workshops.



Technical Note: To prevent structural degradation from galvanic corrosion, installers must utilize dual-rated AL7CU or AL9CU mechanical compression lugs or mechanical split-bolts when joining this aluminum cable to copper busbars or breaker terminals. Penetrox or similar antioxidant joint compound must be thoroughly applied to all bare aluminum conductors before final structural torquing. While the PVC jacket isolates the interior armor against direct soil or chemical contact, minimum trench depth profiles must strictly comply with NEC Article 300.5 tables (typically requiring 24 inches of earth cover for direct-buried cables not under concrete paths, or 18 inches beneath standard structural landscapes).

DISCLAIMER: The technical information provided is for general reference only. Large-scale high-voltage feeder systems and underground distribution paths must strictly adhere to the National Electrical Code (NEC), local electrical building enforcement, and relevant safety parameters. Always cross-reference the official product submittal data sheet from the chosen manufacturer prior to finalizing structural configurations or executing structural cuts.

See Full Specifications

See Full Specifications

Physical Specifications

Wire Size (AWG/MCM) 4/0
Conductor Material Aluminum
Conductor Type Stranded
Outer Diameter (OD) (in/mm) 1.77 in.
Jacket Type PVC
Conductor Count 3
Shield Unshielded
Insulation Type (XLPE) Cross-Linked Polyethylene
UL Listing Numbers UL 44, UL 1569

Technical Specifications

Voltage Rating 600V
Ampacity Rating 205
Direct Burial Rating Yes
Submersible No
Sunlight Resistance Rating Yes
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 ambient 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 1.233 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.

Physical Specifications

Wire Size (AWG/MCM) 4/0
Conductor Material Aluminum
Conductor Type Stranded
Outer Diameter (OD) (in/mm) 1.77 in.
Jacket Type PVC
Conductor Count 3
Shield Unshielded
Insulation Type (XLPE) Cross-Linked Polyethylene
UL Listing Numbers UL 44, UL 1569

Technical Specifications

Voltage Rating 600V
Ampacity Rating 205
Direct Burial Rating Yes
Submersible No
Sunlight Resistance Rating Yes
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 ambient 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 1.233 lb

Have Questions?

Call Us. Icon

Call Us.

(833) 268-8644

Email Us

It is primarily used as a maximum-capacity main feeder line for 200A main panels, commercial distribution boards, large agricultural buildings, solar farms, and heavy industrial machinery. Because it features built-in interlocking aluminum armor under a waterproof PVC jacket, it can be laid directly in open trenches or encased in concrete without buying or gluing separate PVC conduit pipe.

Under National Electrical Code (NEC Table 310.16) guidelines, 4/0 AWG aluminum cable is rated for 180 Amps at standard 75°C terminal ratings (150 Amps at 60°C and 205 Amps at 90°C). Under NEC 240.4(B) provisions, this cable is commonly protected by a 200 Amp breaker for standard dwelling feeder applications. Always consult with a licensed electrician or local building inspector to verify the correct cable size and local code requirements for your specific project.

Inside the 4/0-3C layout, you will find three insulated conductors alongside a bare aluminum ground wire. Depending on the manufacturer run, the insulated conductors are either color-coded (Black, Red, White) or Black with printed numbering/phase tape. Two conductors serve as your "Hot" lines connecting directly to main breaker positions, one serves as the Neutral line returning to the neutral bus bar, and the bare wire terminates directly into the equipment ground bus bar.

You must use UL-listed wet-location / direct-burial MC fittings (often called jacketed MC connectors or liquid-tight MC fittings). Standard indoor squeeze connectors cannot be used because they do not form a watertight seal around the outer PVC jacket.

Wire America supplies an extensive inventory of Direct Burial 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 ship orders from the regional distribution hub 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

You must use the internal bare aluminum wire as your safety ground. While standard unjacketed indoor MC armor can sometimes serve as a grounding path in specific assemblies, the outer PVC jacket on direct-burial cable isolates the armor and prevents standard fittings from creating an approved ground connection. NEC 330.108 requires terminating the internal bare equipment grounding conductor (EGC) directly into your ground bus bar.

The most searched question for this heavy-gauge cable collection focuses on why standard metal-clad armor cannot be buried without a PVC jacket. The answer is Galvanic Corrosion and Chemical Isolation. While the interlocking aluminum armor acts as a tough physical shield against rock shifts and shovel strikes, raw aluminum deteriorates rapidly when exposed to the acidic chemistry of natural soil, moisture, or curing concrete. The seamless PVC outer jacket creates a completely waterproof skin that isolates the metal armor from environmental elements, ensuring a 30+ year lifespan underground.

Aluminum conductors naturally expand and contract slightly under electrical loads. Hand-tightening panel screws with a standard screwdriver can lead to loose connections over time as the wire heat-cycles, increasing the risk of arcing and electrical fires. NEC code requires using a torque wrench to tighten terminal screws to the manufacturer’s exact inch-pound specifications.

Standard stranded wire leaves micro-gaps between circular strands, creating a thicker overall cable. Compact stranding compresses the AA-8000 aluminum alloy strands during manufacturing to eliminate air pockets. This reduces the cable’s overall diameter and makes it easier to pull and bend without reducing power capacity or metal volume.

Yes, this cable is fully code-approved for crawl spaces, basements, and attics. Even though it is jacketed for outdoor direct burial, its interlocking metal armor meets strict indoor safety requirements, allowing you to secure it directly across floor joists or wall studs without running separate conduit pipe.

No, you should never hitch this cable to a vehicle to pull it. Heavy 4/0 AWG cables have strict Maximum Pulling Tension limits. Vehicles exert uncontrollable force that can stretch internal aluminum conductors, thin insulation, or snap the interlocking metal armor. Always pull the cable by hand or use a specialized cable tugger equipped with a safety slip-clutch.

No. While the PVC jacket contains UV inhibitors to withstand direct sunlight during construction, it is not code-approved to rest exposed on top of the ground permanently. It must either be buried in a trench at the required depth or securely strapped along a building framework.

Yes. Do not attempt to cut this cable with standard hand pliers or a hacksaw, which will flatten the wire and fray internal strands. Use mechanical ratcheting cable cutters designed for large-gauge wire to maintain a clean, rounded conductor profile that slides easily into terminal lugs.

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Call Us.

(833) 268-8644

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