400 MCM Aluminum XLP/USE-2 RHW-2/RHH Direct Burial Wire

A heavy-duty 400 MCM single-conductor aluminum building wire engineered for underground service entrance feeds, direct burial power distribution, raceways, and branch circuits. Constructed with compact 8000 series aluminum alloy and wrapped in rugged cross-linked polyethylene (XLP) insulation, this 600V triple-rated cable (Direct Burial, Sunlight Resistant & Oil/Gas Resistant) provides extreme resistance to mechanical abrasion, moisture, and chemical exposure in harsh wet or dry environments.

Engineered for Direct Burial, Underground Service Entrance, and Conduit Runs

When routing power below grade, into main service panels, or through exterior raceways, long-term environmental protection is essential. 400 kcmil USE-2 aluminum wire balances high current-carrying capacity with lightweight, flexible handling compared to equivalent copper conductors. Featuring compact Class B stranding and heavy-duty XLP insulation, it pulls smoothly through conduits and survives direct earth trenching without requiring a protective outer jacket.

• Triple-Rated Versatility (RHH/RHW-2/USE-2): Multi-listed for underground service entrance (USE-2), wet-location thermal endurance (RHW-2), and dry-location high-heat applications (RHH).

• Direct Burial Certified: Heavy XLP insulation permits direct underground trenching for commercial service feeds, agricultural infrastructure, and subterranean subpanel runs without conduit.

• Compact 8000 Series Aluminum: Formulated with AA-8000 series aluminum alloy for maximum electrical conductivity, improved terminal connection reliability, and lightweight installation compared to copper.

• Environmental Resistance: Fully rated as sunlight resistant, oil resistant (PRI/PRII), and gas/oil resistant (GRI/GRII) for industrial and petroleum-exposed environments.

Technical Specifications

• Conductor Size: 400 kcmil (MCM)

• Conductor Material: Class B Stranded Compact Bare 8000 Series Aluminum Alloy

• Conductor Diameter: 0.657" (16.69 mm)

• Insulation Material: Abrasion, heat, and moisture-resistant Cross-Linked Polyethylene (XLP)

• Insulation Thickness: 0.095" (2.41 mm)

• Nominal Overall Diameter: 0.852" (21.64 mm)

• Net Weight: 489 lbs / kft

• Ampacity: 305 Amps @ 90°C (NEC Table 310.16; 270 Amps @ 75°C termination rating)

• Voltage Rating: 600 Volts

• Temperature Rating: 90°C Wet or Dry

• Industry Designation: 400 kcmil 1C AL RHH/RHW-2/USE-2 600V XLP

• UL Listings & Code Approvals: UL 44, UL 854, NEMA WC 70/ICEA S-95-658, ASTM B800, ASTM B801, ASTM B836, NEC Requirements, RUS Accepted, Sunlight Resistant, Oil Resistant PRI/PRII, Gas & Oil Resistant GRI/GRII

Common Applications

• Underground Service Entrance (USE-2): Approved for underground service utility feeds running directly from transformers or pedestals to main service equipment.

• Direct Burial & Trenching: Certified for direct earth burial without protective conduit for subpanel feeds, commercial outbuildings, and heavy power distribution equipment.

• Conduit & Raceway Wiring: Suitable for installation in underground and above-ground rigid conduit, PVC, and raceways per National Electrical Code guidelines.

• Agricultural & Industrial Feeds: RUS Accepted and oil/gas resistant for agricultural facilities, livestock barns, fuel yards, and industrial plant infrastructure.

Disclaimer: All values are nominal and subject to standard manufacturing tolerances and manufacturer corrections. Always verify local AHJ, NEC, and engineering guidelines prior to installation.

• 400A & High-Amperage Parallel Service Entrances: Serving as primary subterranean conductors (often pulled in parallel) for 400A or 800A commercial utility service drops and main disconnect switches.
• Heavy Industrial Feeder Runs: Supplying major underground power feeders to 300A or 400A subpanels across manufacturing facilities, chemical plants, and heavy commercial complexes.
• Commercial EV Fast-Charging Infrastructure: Routing direct-buried high-amperage feeder circuits to commercial DC fast-charging plazas and high-demand transit fleet electrification hubs.
• Large Agricultural Processing & Facility Feeds: Powering central industrial agricultural distribution networks, grain processing centers, and large-scale livestock operations.
• Utility Meter & Service Drops: Routing underground service conductors from utility transformers to building disconnect switches where permitted by local AHJ.

Disclaimer: Application examples are for planning purposes only. Always verify exact load calculations, local AHJ regulations, and NEC guidelines with a licensed electrician prior to installation.

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.