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Physical Specifications
Technical Specifications
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500 MCM 4C Aluminum MC Cable with Bare Ground is primarily used for 3-phase, 4-wire power distribution, feeders, and branch circuits in commercial and industrial facilities. The 4-conductor setup provides three hot phase conductors and a dedicated full-sized neutral, making it ideal for supplying power to 300A/350A subpanels, 3-phase commercial equipment, and HVAC systems requiring neutral connections without conduit.
No. Standard 500 MCM 4C Aluminum MC cable with open, interlocked metal armor is engineered strictly for dry, indoor, concealed, or exposed installations. It cannot be buried directly in soil or embedded in concrete without a protective, fluid-tight PVC outer jacket (often designated as "Direct Burial MC" or "PVC-Jacketed MC"). For underground runs without conduit, a jacketed MC cable or direct-burial cable (like URD or USE-2) is required.
What is the difference between 500 MCM 4C Aluminum MC and 500 MCM 4C Copper MC cable?
The primary differences come down to weight, cost, and ampacity. Copper is a more efficient conductor, meaning 500 MCM Copper MC is rated for 380 Amps (75°C), whereas 500 MCM Aluminum MC is rated for 310 Amps (75°C). However, 500 MCM Aluminum MC is dramatically lighter and significantly more cost-effective, making it the clear economic choice for long commercial feeder runs where a 310A capacity satisfies the electrical load.
Wire America supplies an extensive inventory of 500 MCM 4C 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 route your order from the regional distribution hub with stock 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!
Under National Electrical Code (NEC) guidelines, the allowable ampacity of 500 MCM 4C Aluminum MC Cable is 310 Amps @ 75°C and 350 Amps @ 90°C.
*Ampacities are based on NEC Table 310.16 for three current-carrying insulated conductors in a raceway or cable based on an ambient temperature of 30°C (86°F). Because standard equipment terminal lugs are rated at 75°C, most circuits are sized based on the 310-Amp rating. Note that if all four conductors are current-carrying (such as with major non-linear 3-phase loads), NEC ampacity derating factors (80%) may apply.
500 MCM 4C Aluminum MC Cable has an approximate physical net weight of 2,723 lbs per 1,000 feet (lbs/mft). The nominal outside diameter over the external interlocking aluminum armor is 2.53 inches (+/- 5%). Knowing these dimensions allows installers to select the appropriate trade-size connector fittings and evaluate structural weight strain for long cable tray pulls.
Yes, it is highly recommended. While modern AA-8000 series aluminum alloy is extremely stable, electrical best practice dictates applying an approved anti-oxidant paste (such as Noalox or Penetrox) onto stripped 500 MCM aluminum conductor ends before securing them into mechanical lugs or breaker terminations. This prevents oxidation from forming a resistive film over the connection point, ensuring a long-lasting, cool-running termination.
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