500 MCM 3C Shielded VFD Cable W/ 3 #6 Grounds

Parent SKU :  VFD500-3

SKU :  VFD500-3-250

EMI PROTECTION • TC-ER EXPOSED RUN • CUT TO LENGTH
Wire Size 500 MCM
Conductor Material Bare Copper
Conductor Type Stranded
Outer Diameter 2.40 in. / 61.19 mm
Conductor Count 3
Voltage Rating 600V / 1000V
Ampacity Rating 430
Weight per Foot 5.81 lb

Get Product Details

Get Product Details

"500 kcmil 3C Shielded VFD Cable W/ 3 #6 Grounds is a heavy-duty, 600V TC-ER / 1000V Flexible Motor Supply rated cable engineered for high-amperage, utility-scale Variable Frequency Drive systems. Constructed with three 500 kcmil stranded bare copper conductors, XLPE insulation, a 0.005" helical bare copper tape shield with 50% overlap, and three #6 AWG bare copper grounds, this cable provides reliable motor power and heavy-duty noise suppression. Its rugged, direct-burial rated PVC outer jacket resists sunlight, moisture, oil, and abrasion across temperatures ranging from -40°C to 90°C."

Key Features & Benefits: 500 kcmil 3C VFD Cable 

Standard power cable breaks down rapidly under PWM voltage spikes and floods adjacent control systems with severe noise. This specialized 3-conductor VFD cable solves these jobsite failures:

  • 0.005" Helical Bare Copper Tape Shield: Built with a heavy-duty 0.005" copper tape shield wrapped with a 50% overlap to trap high-frequency noise and protect nearby sensors or PLCs.

  • 3 Symmetrical #6 AWG Grounds: Features three stranded bare copper grounds evenly distributed to balance magnetic fields and provide a low-impedance path for stray currents.

  • Exposed Run (TC-ER) Rated: Complies with UL 1277 for continuous installation out of cable trays to the motor without rigid metal conduit.

  • Heavy-Duty Industrial Jacket: Sunlight, oil, moisture, and abrasion resistant black PVC jacket (0.110" thickness) approved for direct burial in wet or dry environments (-40°C to 90°C).

  • Simplified Landing & Termination: The 3-conductor layout with symmetrical grounds simplifies wire routing into cramped VFD enclosures, reducing installation time and overall labor costs.

Technical Specifications: 500 kcmil 3C Shielded VFD Cable W/ 3 #6 Grounds

ENGINEERING OVERVIEW: 500 kcmil 3C VFD Cable (Part: 500-03VFD-3G)

  • Application: Designed for Variable Frequency Drives in applications where an insulated ground is not required.

  • Voltage Rating: 600 Volts (UL Type TC-ER) / 1000 Volts (UL Type Motor Supply / WTTC per UL 2277).

  • UL Listings: UL 1277 (Type TC-ER), Type XHHW-2, UL 2277 (WTTC).

  • Conductor Material: Stranded soft drawn bare copper (500 kcmil, 259 stranding).

  • Ground Wire(s): Three stranded soft drawn bare copper grounds (3#6 AWG).

  • Insulation: Thermoset Cross-Linked Polyethylene (XLPE / XLP) (0.065" / 1.65 mm thickness).

  • Shielding: 0.005" helical bare copper tape shield with a 50% overlap.

  • Color Code: Black insulation with ICEA Method 4 printed numbers ("1-One", "2-Two", "3-Three").

  • Jacket Material: Black Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) (0.110" / 2.79 mm thickness).

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

  • Cable Outer Diameter: 2.40 inches (61.19 mm).

  • Compliance Standards: CSA FT-4 vertical tray flame test; CSA AWM I/II A/B singles; C(UL) CIC-TC per CSA C22.2 No. 239 & 230; Meets UL 1202/1583 (70,000 BTU) & ICEA T-29-520 (210,000 BTU) flame tests; Class I Division II Hazardous Location suitable; RoHS II & REACH compliant.

Common 500 kcmil 3C VFD Cable Applications

  • Heavy Industry & Utility-Scale Drives: Delivering clean power to 500 kcmil 3-phase motor loads while blocking EMI from reaching nearby control panels.

  • Large Central Plant HVAC & Chillers: Powering massive variable speed supply fans, central plant chillers, and industrial pumping systems.

  • Process Machinery Interconnects: Interconnecting heavy processing equipment in station trays with streamlined termination.

  • Outdoor & Wash-Down Drives: Powering variable-speed drives in wet, direct burial, or outdoor environments where oil and UV resistance are required.

 


Technical Note: All values are nominal and subject to industry tolerances and manufacturer corrections. Specifications are subject to change without notice. It is the buyer’s responsibility to verify that all materials meet the specific requirements of the project and comply with local electrical codes.

See Full Specifications

See Full Specifications

Physical Specifications

Wire Size (AWG/MCM) 500 MCM
Conductor Material Bare Copper
Conductor Type Stranded
Strand Count 259
Outer Diameter (OD) (in/mm) 2.40 in. / 61.19 mm
Jacket Type PVC
Conductor Count 3
Shield Coverage % 1
Shield Type 0.005 In. Helical Bare Copper Tape Shield with a 50% Overlap
Shield Shielded
Insulation Type (XLP) Cross-Linked Polyethylene
UL Listing Numbers UL 1277, UL 2277, UL 1202/1583, cUL, CSA

Technical Specifications

Voltage Rating 600V / 1000V
Ampacity Rating 430
Direct Burial Rating Yes
Submersible No
Sunlight Resistance Rating Yes
Temperature Rating 90ºC
Standards UL 1277, Type TC-ER, Type XHHW-2
UL listed as VFD or WTTC per UL 2277 for Flexible Motor Supply and Wind Turbine Tray Cables
CSA FT-4 Vertical tray flame test
CSA AWM I/II A/B singles
CSA Type AWM per CSA standard C22.2 No. 210-11
c(UL) CIC-TC per CSA standard C22.2 No. 239-09 & 23009
Meets UL 1202/1583 70, 000 BTU flame test
Meets ICEA T-29-520 210, 000 BTU flame test
Suitable for use in Class I Division II hazardous locations
90°C DRY/WET
RoHS II & REACH compliant
Miscellaneous Information All values are nominal and subject to correction.
RoHS Compliance Yes

Usage & Installation

Primary ApplicationsConveyors and material handling systems, robotics, pumps, fans, and compressors,water and wastewater treatment, car wash equipment, HVAC systems, demanding industrial environments.

Packaging & Dimensions:

Weight per Foot 5.81 lb

Real World Applications

Real World Applications

  • Industrial Conveyors & Material Handling Systems: Delivers reliable power to 500 kcmil motor loads across automated distribution centers, sorting lines, and heavy manufacturing plants. Heavy-duty copper tape shielding prevents VFD noise from interrupting optical sensors and PLC logic.
  • Commercial & Industrial HVAC Systems: Powers utility-scale variable frequency drive fan motors, large centrifugal chillers, and district cooling towers. Engineered with high-dielectric XLPE insulation, it absorbs destructive reflected wave voltage spikes to protect motor windings from insulation breakdown.
  • Municipal Water Treatment & Pumping Stations: Ideal for high-horsepower variable-speed booster pumps, blowers, and municipal sludge processing equipment. Its heavy-duty 0.110" PVC jacket is oil, moisture, and chemical resistant, making it suitable for direct-burial runs between control buildings and outdoor drive motors.
  • Factory Automated Machinery & Heavy Industry: Handles high-frequency switching environments in automated machinery, heavy processing equipment, and stationary tray interconnects. The 259-strand copper construction provides flexibility for smooth pulls through heavy cable trays and raceways.
  • Harsh Wash-Down & Outdoor Industrial Facilities: Built for mining operations, chemical processing plants, and outdoor industrial sites. Rated for wet/dry operation from -40°C to 90°C with full UV and sunlight resistance, holding up under high-pressure equipment wash-downs.

Disclaimer: Real-world application examples are provided for educational and general planning purposes only. Project requirements vary based on system design, environmental factors, and local codes. Buyers and specifiers are responsible for verifying that all materials meet exact job specifications and comply with the National Electrical Code (NEC) and local regulations. Always consult with a licensed electrical contractor or project engineer prior to installation.

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.

Shielded VFD Cable

Wire America | Wire Flexibility Series

This video shows the flexibility, size, stranding, jacket and conductor material of the 12-3C, 2-3C and 250-3C Shielded VFD Cables.

500 MCM 3C Shielded VFD Cable W/ 3 #6 Grounds

Parent SKU :  VFD500-3

SKU :  VFD500-3-250

EMI PROTECTION • TC-ER EXPOSED RUN • CUT TO LENGTH
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Parent SKU :  VFD500-3

SKU :  VFD500-3-250

$27,472/ea.
$54,665/ea.
$108,771/ea.
$270,533/ea.
$538,277/ea.
$111.56/ft.
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Get Product Details

Get Product Details

"500 kcmil 3C Shielded VFD Cable W/ 3 #6 Grounds is a heavy-duty, 600V TC-ER / 1000V Flexible Motor Supply rated cable engineered for high-amperage, utility-scale Variable Frequency Drive systems. Constructed with three 500 kcmil stranded bare copper conductors, XLPE insulation, a 0.005" helical bare copper tape shield with 50% overlap, and three #6 AWG bare copper grounds, this cable provides reliable motor power and heavy-duty noise suppression. Its rugged, direct-burial rated PVC outer jacket resists sunlight, moisture, oil, and abrasion across temperatures ranging from -40°C to 90°C."

Key Features & Benefits: 500 kcmil 3C VFD Cable 

Standard power cable breaks down rapidly under PWM voltage spikes and floods adjacent control systems with severe noise. This specialized 3-conductor VFD cable solves these jobsite failures:

  • 0.005" Helical Bare Copper Tape Shield: Built with a heavy-duty 0.005" copper tape shield wrapped with a 50% overlap to trap high-frequency noise and protect nearby sensors or PLCs.

  • 3 Symmetrical #6 AWG Grounds: Features three stranded bare copper grounds evenly distributed to balance magnetic fields and provide a low-impedance path for stray currents.

  • Exposed Run (TC-ER) Rated: Complies with UL 1277 for continuous installation out of cable trays to the motor without rigid metal conduit.

  • Heavy-Duty Industrial Jacket: Sunlight, oil, moisture, and abrasion resistant black PVC jacket (0.110" thickness) approved for direct burial in wet or dry environments (-40°C to 90°C).

  • Simplified Landing & Termination: The 3-conductor layout with symmetrical grounds simplifies wire routing into cramped VFD enclosures, reducing installation time and overall labor costs.

Technical Specifications: 500 kcmil 3C Shielded VFD Cable W/ 3 #6 Grounds

ENGINEERING OVERVIEW: 500 kcmil 3C VFD Cable (Part: 500-03VFD-3G)

  • Application: Designed for Variable Frequency Drives in applications where an insulated ground is not required.

  • Voltage Rating: 600 Volts (UL Type TC-ER) / 1000 Volts (UL Type Motor Supply / WTTC per UL 2277).

  • UL Listings: UL 1277 (Type TC-ER), Type XHHW-2, UL 2277 (WTTC).

  • Conductor Material: Stranded soft drawn bare copper (500 kcmil, 259 stranding).

  • Ground Wire(s): Three stranded soft drawn bare copper grounds (3#6 AWG).

  • Insulation: Thermoset Cross-Linked Polyethylene (XLPE / XLP) (0.065" / 1.65 mm thickness).

  • Shielding: 0.005" helical bare copper tape shield with a 50% overlap.

  • Color Code: Black insulation with ICEA Method 4 printed numbers ("1-One", "2-Two", "3-Three").

  • Jacket Material: Black Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) (0.110" / 2.79 mm thickness).

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

  • Cable Outer Diameter: 2.40 inches (61.19 mm).

  • Compliance Standards: CSA FT-4 vertical tray flame test; CSA AWM I/II A/B singles; C(UL) CIC-TC per CSA C22.2 No. 239 & 230; Meets UL 1202/1583 (70,000 BTU) & ICEA T-29-520 (210,000 BTU) flame tests; Class I Division II Hazardous Location suitable; RoHS II & REACH compliant.

Common 500 kcmil 3C VFD Cable Applications

  • Heavy Industry & Utility-Scale Drives: Delivering clean power to 500 kcmil 3-phase motor loads while blocking EMI from reaching nearby control panels.

  • Large Central Plant HVAC & Chillers: Powering massive variable speed supply fans, central plant chillers, and industrial pumping systems.

  • Process Machinery Interconnects: Interconnecting heavy processing equipment in station trays with streamlined termination.

  • Outdoor & Wash-Down Drives: Powering variable-speed drives in wet, direct burial, or outdoor environments where oil and UV resistance are required.

 


Technical Note: All values are nominal and subject to industry tolerances and manufacturer corrections. Specifications are subject to change without notice. It is the buyer’s responsibility to verify that all materials meet the specific requirements of the project and comply with local electrical codes.

See Full Specifications

See Full Specifications

Physical Specifications

Wire Size (AWG/MCM) 500 MCM
Conductor Material Bare Copper
Conductor Type Stranded
Strand Count 259
Outer Diameter (OD) (in/mm) 2.40 in. / 61.19 mm
Jacket Type PVC
Conductor Count 3
Shield Coverage % 1
Shield Type 0.005 In. Helical Bare Copper Tape Shield with a 50% Overlap
Shield Shielded
Insulation Type (XLP) Cross-Linked Polyethylene
UL Listing Numbers UL 1277, UL 2277, UL 1202/1583, cUL, CSA

Technical Specifications

Voltage Rating 600V / 1000V
Ampacity Rating 430
Direct Burial Rating Yes
Submersible No
Sunlight Resistance Rating Yes
Temperature Rating 90ºC
Standards UL 1277, Type TC-ER, Type XHHW-2
UL listed as VFD or WTTC per UL 2277 for Flexible Motor Supply and Wind Turbine Tray Cables
CSA FT-4 Vertical tray flame test
CSA AWM I/II A/B singles
CSA Type AWM per CSA standard C22.2 No. 210-11
c(UL) CIC-TC per CSA standard C22.2 No. 239-09 & 23009
Meets UL 1202/1583 70, 000 BTU flame test
Meets ICEA T-29-520 210, 000 BTU flame test
Suitable for use in Class I Division II hazardous locations
90°C DRY/WET
RoHS II & REACH compliant
Miscellaneous Information All values are nominal and subject to correction.
RoHS Compliance Yes

Usage & Installation

Primary ApplicationsConveyors and material handling systems, robotics, pumps, fans, and compressors,water and wastewater treatment, car wash equipment, HVAC systems, demanding industrial environments.

Packaging & Dimensions:

Weight per Foot 5.81 lb

Real World Applications

Real World Applications

  • Industrial Conveyors & Material Handling Systems: Delivers reliable power to 500 kcmil motor loads across automated distribution centers, sorting lines, and heavy manufacturing plants. Heavy-duty copper tape shielding prevents VFD noise from interrupting optical sensors and PLC logic.
  • Commercial & Industrial HVAC Systems: Powers utility-scale variable frequency drive fan motors, large centrifugal chillers, and district cooling towers. Engineered with high-dielectric XLPE insulation, it absorbs destructive reflected wave voltage spikes to protect motor windings from insulation breakdown.
  • Municipal Water Treatment & Pumping Stations: Ideal for high-horsepower variable-speed booster pumps, blowers, and municipal sludge processing equipment. Its heavy-duty 0.110" PVC jacket is oil, moisture, and chemical resistant, making it suitable for direct-burial runs between control buildings and outdoor drive motors.
  • Factory Automated Machinery & Heavy Industry: Handles high-frequency switching environments in automated machinery, heavy processing equipment, and stationary tray interconnects. The 259-strand copper construction provides flexibility for smooth pulls through heavy cable trays and raceways.
  • Harsh Wash-Down & Outdoor Industrial Facilities: Built for mining operations, chemical processing plants, and outdoor industrial sites. Rated for wet/dry operation from -40°C to 90°C with full UV and sunlight resistance, holding up under high-pressure equipment wash-downs.

Disclaimer: Real-world application examples are provided for educational and general planning purposes only. Project requirements vary based on system design, environmental factors, and local codes. Buyers and specifiers are responsible for verifying that all materials meet exact job specifications and comply with the National Electrical Code (NEC) and local regulations. Always consult with a licensed electrical contractor or project engineer prior to installation.

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
Shielded VFD Cable

Wire America | Wire Flexibility Series

This video shows the flexibility, size, stranding, jacket and conductor material of the 12-3C, 2-3C and 250-3C Shielded VFD Cables.

Physical Specifications

Wire Size (AWG/MCM) 500 MCM
Conductor Material Bare Copper
Conductor Type Stranded
Strand Count 259
Outer Diameter (OD) (in/mm) 2.40 in. / 61.19 mm
Jacket Type PVC
Conductor Count 3
Shield Coverage % 1
Shield Type 0.005 In. Helical Bare Copper Tape Shield with a 50% Overlap
Shield Shielded
Insulation Type (XLP) Cross-Linked Polyethylene
UL Listing Numbers UL 1277, UL 2277, UL 1202/1583, cUL, CSA

Technical Specifications

Voltage Rating 600V / 1000V
Ampacity Rating 430
Direct Burial Rating Yes
Submersible No
Sunlight Resistance Rating Yes
Temperature Rating 90ºC
Standards UL 1277, Type TC-ER, Type XHHW-2
UL listed as VFD or WTTC per UL 2277 for Flexible Motor Supply and Wind Turbine Tray Cables
CSA FT-4 Vertical tray flame test
CSA AWM I/II A/B singles
CSA Type AWM per CSA standard C22.2 No. 210-11
c(UL) CIC-TC per CSA standard C22.2 No. 239-09 & 23009
Meets UL 1202/1583 70, 000 BTU flame test
Meets ICEA T-29-520 210, 000 BTU flame test
Suitable for use in Class I Division II hazardous locations
90°C DRY/WET
RoHS II & REACH compliant
Miscellaneous Information All values are nominal and subject to correction.
RoHS Compliance Yes

Usage & Installation:

Primary ApplicationsConveyors and material handling systems, robotics, pumps, fans, and compressors,water and wastewater treatment, car wash equipment, HVAC systems, demanding industrial environments.

Packaging & Dimensions:

Weight per Foot 5.81 lb

Have Questions?

Call Us. Icon

Call Us.

(833) 268-8644

Email Us

This 500 KCMIL Cable is a heavy-duty 600V/1000V industrial VFD cable engineered specifically to connect Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) to high-horsepower 3-phase AC induction motors. Constructed with three 500 kcmil bare copper circuit conductors, a 0.005" helical copper tape shield, and three 6 AWG symmetrical grounds, it is specified for heavy industrial motor drives, water treatment plants, mining operations, and large commercial HVAC systems.

The 3-conductor symmetrical ground design balances magnetic fields around the phase conductors to suppress common-mode voltage spikes. This layout provides a clean return path for stray ground currents while simplifying wire routing inside tight drive enclosures during landing and termination.

What insulation and shielding materials are used in this cable?

  • Primary Insulation: Thermoset Cross-Linked Polyethylene (XLPE) (0.065" thickness). XLPE withstands extreme voltage rise times (dv/dt), high-frequency PWM switching, and peak voltage spikes without softening or breakdown.
  • Overall Shielding: Features a heavy-duty 0.005" helical bare copper tape shield with a 50% overlap engineered to contain radiated EMI/RFI noise in high-amperage industrial motor circuits.
  • Outer Jacket: Heavy-duty, sunlight-resistant, flame-retardant black PVC (0.110" thickness).
  • Voltage Rating: 600V (UL Type TC-ER) / 1000V (Flexible Motor Supply / WTTC per UL 2277).
  • Temperature Rating: 90°C continuous operation in both wet and dry locations (-40°C to 90°C).
  • Code Compliances: Rated UL 1277 Type TC-ER (Exposed Run), UL Type XHHW-2 conductors, approved for Direct Burial, passes IEEE 1202/UL 1685 flame tests, and is compliant for Class I, Division 2 hazardous locations per NEC standards.

Yes! Wire America cuts VFD Cable by the foot and supplies full bulk spools, allowing you to purchase the exact footage your job requires—eliminating cut fees and jobsite scrap. Order online or contact our technical sales desk directly at (833) 268-8644 for cut lengths, engineering submittal sheets, or bulk pricing.

  • No Rigid Conduit Needed: Carrying a UL 1277 Type TC-ER (Exposed Run) rating, this cable can transition directly out of overhead cable trays to motor terminal boxes without requiring rigid metal conduit.
  • Simplified Terminations: The 3-conductor design with symmetrical grounds fits standard terminal blocks cleanly. (Note: Standard EMC cable glands are still recommended to maintain 360° shield grounding at drive enclosures).

UL 1277 is the official Safety Standard for Electrical Power and Control Tray Cables. For VFD installations, a UL 1277 listing certifies that the cable meets strict flame-retardant, crush, and impact-resistance standards required for placement in cable trays. When combined with an Exposed Run (TC-ER) rating, it permits contractors to run the cable continuously out of the cable tray directly to the motor without installing rigid conduit, significantly reducing jobsite material and labor costs.

Call Us. Icon

Call Us.

(833) 268-8644

Email Us