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Physical Specifications
Technical Specifications
Usage & Installation:
Packaging & Dimensions:
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500 MCM Aluminum is the industry standard for 400-amp service feeders. At this capacity, copper becomes prohibitively expensive and difficult to handle due to its extreme weight. 500 MCM aluminum provides the ideal balance of high ampacity and manageable weight for feeding main distribution panels in hospitals, schools, and shopping centers. It is also frequently used in "parallel" configurations to create 800A or 1200A services.
When pulling a 500 MCM cable through a conduit bend, the "sidewall pressure" (the force pushing the cable against the inside of the turn) can be high enough to crush the insulation. The Priority-Plex® twist helps distribute this pressure across all three conductors simultaneously. Because the conductors are locked in a helical twist, they act as a single structural unit, preventing the bottom conductor from bearing the full weight of the pull and significantly reducing the risk of a "burn-through" in the conduit elbow.
At 500 MCM, the cable generates significant heat when running at full load. XHHW-2 uses Cross-Linked Polyethylene (XLPE), which has a much higher resistance to thermal deformation than the PVC used in THHN. In industrial settings where cables may be exposed to chemicals, oils, or constant vibration, XLPE remains stable and flexible, whereas PVC can become brittle over time. This makes XHHW-2 the superior choice for mission-critical power infrastructure.
Terminating 500 MCM requires precision to prevent resistance-based heating. Installers must use compression-type lugs or mechanical lugs rated for 90°C (AL9CU). Because of the thickness of 500 MCM strands, it is vital to:
Due to the massive diameter of the 500 MCM bundle, conduit fill and "jamming" are major concerns. While code may allow for smaller, a 3.5-inch or 4-inch conduit is the professional standard for a 3C-500 MCM pull. The extra room provided by a 4-inch pipe is essential when using a mechanical cable tugger, as it allows the twisted Priority-Plex® bundle to transition through bends without binding against the conduit walls.
Yes we offer XHHW-2 Aluminum Wire in a single conductor from 14 AWG to 1000 MCM in multiple colors by the foot.
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