Generator Cable, 4/3C w/ Ground + 18/9C, 85 Amps, 12kW-16kW, 600V

This composite cable is the "gold standard" for mid-sized residential standby generators. While aluminum is a common alternative, 4 AWG copper offers superior conductivity in a more compact diameter. This is critical for 12kW to 16kW units that pull up to 85 amps. Copper’s higher thermal stability ensures that your generator can handle the massive inrush current required to start a 5-ton central air conditioner or a deep-well pump without the excessive voltage drop that can plague smaller or less conductive wire gauges.

Standard generator cables often stop at 6 control wires, but the 9-conductor control bundle in this cable is designed for advanced "smart" home integration.

• Expanded Logic: The extra three conductors allow for specialized functions such as integrated load management (shedding non-essential loads during an outage), remote battery temperature sensing, and external alarm signals.
• Universal Compatibility: This 9-wire configuration is universal, supporting the wiring blocks of Generac, Kohler, and Briggs & Stratton units, regardless of whether they require 6, 7, or 9 control leads.
• Clean Installation: Bundling 13 total conductors (4 power, 9 control) under one jacket eliminates the mess of pulling multiple cables, ensuring a professional, organized look inside your transfer switch.
  

This specialized "all-in-one" composite bundle is engineered to connect residential and light commercial standby generators rated from 12kW to 16kW directly to an automatic transfer switch (ATS). Because it uses premium bare copper conductors, it maximizes conductivity and easily handles smart multi-point starting, battery charging, and operational diagnostic loops.

Standby generators are internal combustion engines that create constant vibration during operation.

• Vibration Resistance: Unlike solid building wire, which can work-harden and crack over time due to movement, the high-strand-count annealed copper in this cable is highly flexible and resilient.
• Termination Reliability: Stranded copper provides a more secure surface area for mechanical lugs to "bite" into. This ensures that the 85-amp connection remains tight and low-resistance despite the constant oscillation of a 16kW generator engine.

This 4 AWG Generator Cable carries an allowable rating of 85 Amps.

The JP stands for Joist Pull. Certified under NEC 336.10(9) as Type TC-ER-JP, this cable has passed specialized UL laboratory testing for high structural strength and low outer-jacket friction. This means you can legally and smoothly pull this massive composite cable directly through wooden home joists and structural framing without the massive expense and labor of installing rigid conduit pipe.

Yes. The rugged, black outer PVC jacket is fully UL-approved for Direct Burial and is engineered with built-in Sunlight/UV Resistance. It is rated for 90°C wet or dry environments, allowing you to run it directly from inside a basement or utility room, drop it straight into an outdoor trench, and terminate it inside your outdoor generator enclosure or automatic transfer switch (ATS).

Wire America supplies an extensive inventory of Generator Cable cut by the foot or on master reels. We ship 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 generator cables 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.