400 MCM Aluminum XHHW-2 Building Wire

Parent SKU :  XHW400AL

SKU :  XHW400AL-250-BK

600V/1000V • XLPE INSULATION • SUNLIGHT RESISTANT • CUT-TO-LENGTH
Wire Size 400 MCM
Conductor Material Aluminum
Conductor Type Stranded
Outer Diameter 0.792 in. / 20.117 mm
Conductor Count 1
Voltage Rating 600V
Ampacity Rating 305
Weight per Foot 0.453 lb

Get Product Details

Get Product Details

"Engineered for budget-friendly power distribution and smooth conduit pulls, 400 MCM 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 main feeders, commercial distribution centers, heavy industrial panels, and raceway applications."

Key Features & Benefits: 400 MCM 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 above for real-time 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: 400 MCM Aluminum XHHW-2 Wire

  • Conductor Size: 400 MCM (kcmil)

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

  • Conductor Diameter: 0.659 inches (16.74 mm)

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

  • Insulation Thickness: 0.065 inches (1.65 mm)

  • Overall Diameter: 0.792 inches (20.12 mm)

  • Approximate Net Weight: 453 lbs per 1,000 ft

  • Ampacity (@ 75°C Terminal Rating): 270 Amps

  • Ampacity (@ 90°C Terminal Rating): 305 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 400 MCM Aluminum XHHW-2 Applications

  • 270A–300A Commercial Feeder Services: Supplying heavy power to 270 Amp and 300 Amp main distribution panels, commercial subpanels, and industrial service equipment.

  • Parallel Feeder Runs for 600A–1200A Systems: Parallel sets installed in multi-conduit raceways to cost-effectively feed high-capacity 600A, 800A, 1000A, or 1200A commercial main distribution gear.

  • Heavy Industrial Equipment & Solar Plants: Routing high-capacity feeder circuits through underground PVC or metallic conduit for large solar inverter combiners, industrial manufacturing equipment, and commercial chiller facilities.

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) 400 MCM
Conductor Material Aluminum
Conductor Type Stranded
Outer Diameter (OD) (in/mm) 0.792 in. / 20.117 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 305
Submersible No
Flexibility Rating Low
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 0.453 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 4/0 Aluminum XHHW-2 Building Wire.

400 MCM Aluminum XHHW-2 Building Wire

Parent SKU :  XHW400AL

SKU :  XHW400AL-250-BK

600V/1000V • XLPE INSULATION • SUNLIGHT RESISTANT • CUT-TO-LENGTH
In Stock
Ships in 1-2 days

Parent SKU :  XHW400AL

SKU :  XHW400AL-250-BK

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$648/ea.
$1,289/ea.
$2,565/ea.
$6,378/ea.
$12,690/ea.
$2.63/ft.
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Min: 250 ft., Max: 20,000 ft.
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Spool (250 ft.)
$648.00
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Get Product Details

Get Product Details

"Engineered for budget-friendly power distribution and smooth conduit pulls, 400 MCM 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 main feeders, commercial distribution centers, heavy industrial panels, and raceway applications."

Key Features & Benefits: 400 MCM 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 above for real-time 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: 400 MCM Aluminum XHHW-2 Wire

  • Conductor Size: 400 MCM (kcmil)

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

  • Conductor Diameter: 0.659 inches (16.74 mm)

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

  • Insulation Thickness: 0.065 inches (1.65 mm)

  • Overall Diameter: 0.792 inches (20.12 mm)

  • Approximate Net Weight: 453 lbs per 1,000 ft

  • Ampacity (@ 75°C Terminal Rating): 270 Amps

  • Ampacity (@ 90°C Terminal Rating): 305 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 400 MCM Aluminum XHHW-2 Applications

  • 270A–300A Commercial Feeder Services: Supplying heavy power to 270 Amp and 300 Amp main distribution panels, commercial subpanels, and industrial service equipment.

  • Parallel Feeder Runs for 600A–1200A Systems: Parallel sets installed in multi-conduit raceways to cost-effectively feed high-capacity 600A, 800A, 1000A, or 1200A commercial main distribution gear.

  • Heavy Industrial Equipment & Solar Plants: Routing high-capacity feeder circuits through underground PVC or metallic conduit for large solar inverter combiners, industrial manufacturing equipment, and commercial chiller facilities.

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) 400 MCM
Conductor Material Aluminum
Conductor Type Stranded
Outer Diameter (OD) (in/mm) 0.792 in. / 20.117 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 305
Submersible No
Flexibility Rating Low
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 0.453 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 4/0 Aluminum XHHW-2 Building Wire.

Physical Specifications

Wire Size (AWG/MCM) 400 MCM
Conductor Material Aluminum
Conductor Type Stranded
Outer Diameter (OD) (in/mm) 0.792 in. / 20.117 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 305
Submersible No
Flexibility Rating Low
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 0.453 lb

Have Questions?

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Call Us.

(833) 268-8644

Email Us

400 MCM Aluminum XHHW-2 is widely used for:

  • Commercial Feeder Lines: Supplying main power to 270A–300A main distribution panels and industrial control centers.
  • Parallel Service Runs: Installed in parallel conduit sets to feed 600A+ heavy commercial service entrance equipment.
  • Heavy Industrial Equipment: Wiring large commercial HVAC chillers, heavy manufacturing equipment, and solar farm energy collection hubs.

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

  • 270 Amps at 75°C Terminal Rating: Standard operational ampacity when terminating on standard 75°C equipment lugs and breakers.
  • 305 Amps at 90°C Conductor Rating: Baseline ampacity used for calculating thermal adjustment factors and ambient temperature derating.

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.

Wire America supplies an extensive inventory of Aluminum XHHW-2 Building Wire from 8 AWG up to 1000 MCM, available in full phase colors and cut by the foot or on master reels. Orders are typically processed and shipped within 1 to 2 business days, delivering directly to your shop or job site within 2 to 4 business days once in transit.

We ship your order from the closest regional distribution hub to your job site to keep transit times and freight costs as low as possible. Expedited shipping options are also available at checkout.

Working against a tight job site or inspection deadline? Call our sales team directly at 833-268-8644 to request priority processing!

Yes! Rated at 270 Amps at 75°C terminal rating, 400 MCM Aluminum XHHW-2 can be installed on a 300A breaker under NEC 240.4(B) (the "next standard overcurrent device rating" rule) as long as the calculated load does not exceed 270 Amps.
Note: Always consult with a licensed electrician and check your local AHJ building codes to verify specific calculated loads, voltage drop for long runs, and installation requirements for your project.

No, single-conductor XHHW-2 wire cannot be directly buried in soil. While XHHW-2 features rugged cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) insulation dual-rated for wet underground environments, NEC code requires single-conductor XHHW-2 building wire to be installed inside an approved raceway (such as Schedule 40 or 80 PVC, EMT, or Rigid Metallic Conduit) when placed underground.

Note: If your project requires direct burial without conduit, you will need a cable specifically rated for direct burial, such as USE-2 (Underground Service Entrance) or URD or Mobile Home Feeder (MHF) cable.

For a standard feeder installation using three 400 MCM conductors plus an equipment ground wire:

  • 2-1/2 Inch Conduit: Minimum standard size for short, straight runs.
  • 3-Inch Conduit: Highly recommended for longer wire pulls or runs containing multiple 90-degree bends to reduce friction and pulling stress.
    Note: Compact-stranded AA-8000 aluminum features a reduced outer diameter (0.783 in) to optimize conduit fill capacity. Always check NEC Chapter 9, Table 1 for exact 40% fill limits based on your specific conduit type (PVC, EMT, or Rigid).
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Call Us.

(833) 268-8644

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