500 MCM HMWPE Cathodic Protection Cable | 600V Direct Burial

Parent SKU :  CPC500

SKU :  CPC500-250

SUITABLE FOR DIRECT BURIAL. EXCELLENT RESISTANCE TO MOISTURE, ABRASION, AND CORROSIVE CHEMICALS.
Wire Size 500 MCM
Conductor Material Copper
Conductor Type Stranded
Outer Diameter 1.14 in. / 28.95 mm
Voltage Rating 600V
Ampacity Rating 365
Weight per Foot 1.77 lb

Get Product Details

Get Product Details

This 500 MCM HMWPE Cathodic Protection Cable is a specialized single-conductor wire designed specifically for deep-well or surface-ground-bed cathodic protection systems. Engineered for direct burial in harsh soil conditions or submerged in fresh, brackish, or salt water, this cable serves as the critical link between rectifiers and anodes.

Why Choose 500 MCM HMWPE Cable?

Unlike standard power cables, cathodic protection wire must withstand constant exposure to corrosive gases, moisture, and varying pH levels. The High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (HMWPE) insulation is specifically formulated for maximum mechanical toughness.

  • Chemical & Moisture Barrier: HMWPE insulation provides a rugged barrier against salts and corrosive chemicals found in industrial soil environments.

  • Mechanical Durability: Offers superior resistance to abrasion and "cut-through" damage during the backfilling process.

  • Direct Burial Rated: Engineered to be buried directly in the earth without the need for conduit.

  • High Conductivity: Features high-purity, soft-drawn stranded bare copper for efficient current discharge.

Technical Specifications: 500 MCM HMWPE

  • Conductor Size: 500 MCM (kcmil)

  • Conductor Material: Stranded Bare Copper

  • Insulation Material: High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (HMWPE)

  • Voltage Rating: 600V

  • Temperature Rating: 75°C (167°F)

  • Amp Rating: 365 Amps (@ 75°C)

  • Standard Color: Black (UV Resistant)

  • Approvals: ASTM D-1248, ICEA S-95-658

Common Applications

  • Pipeline Protection: Anode leads and feeder cables for oil, gas, and water pipelines.

  • Storage Tanks: Connection for sacrificial or impressed current anodes.

  • Marine Infrastructure: Protection for pier pilings, bulkheads, and ship hulls.

  • Deep Well Ground Beds: Reliable submerged performance in water and coke breeze.


Technical Note: Always inspect the insulation before burial. Even small nicks in the HMWPE jacket can lead to concentrated copper corrosion at the breach point. For environments with extreme chlorine or hydrocarbon presence, consider a dual-insulated HALAR/HMWPE construction.

See Full Specifications

See Full Specifications

Physical Specifications

Wire Size (AWG/MCM) 500 MCM
Conductor Material Copper
Conductor Type Stranded
Strand Count 37
Outer Diameter (OD) (in/mm) 1.14 in. / 28.95 mm
Conductor Count 1
Shield Unshielded
Insulation Type (HMWPE) High Molecular Weight Polyethylene

Technical Specifications

Voltage Rating 600V
Ampacity Rating 365
Direct Burial Rating Yes
Submersible Yes
Flexibility Rating Very Low
Sunlight Resistance Rating Yes
Temperature Rating 75°C
Standards ASTM B-8 Stranded Copper Conductors
ASTM-D-1248
ICEA S-61-402
NEMA WC-5
Type I
Class C
Category 5
Grades E-5 and J-I HMWP
Miscellaneous Information The data shown is approximate and subject to standard industry and manufacturer tolerances

Usage & Installation

Common Uses
  • Pipelines
  • Marine and Offshore Structures
  • Storage Tanks
  • Metal Structures in Concrete
  • Well Casings
  • Utilities and Infrastructure.

Packaging & Dimensions:

Weight per Foot 1.77 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.

Cathodic Protection Cable

Wire America | Wire Flexibility Series

This video shows the flexibility, size, stranding and conductor material of the 6 AWG Cathodic Protection Cable

500 MCM HMWPE Cathodic Protection Cable | 600V Direct Burial

Parent SKU :  CPC500

SKU :  CPC500-250

SUITABLE FOR DIRECT BURIAL. EXCELLENT RESISTANCE TO MOISTURE, ABRASION, AND CORROSIVE CHEMICALS.
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Parent SKU :  CPC500

SKU :  CPC500-250

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Get Product Details

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This 500 MCM HMWPE Cathodic Protection Cable is a specialized single-conductor wire designed specifically for deep-well or surface-ground-bed cathodic protection systems. Engineered for direct burial in harsh soil conditions or submerged in fresh, brackish, or salt water, this cable serves as the critical link between rectifiers and anodes.

Why Choose 500 MCM HMWPE Cable?

Unlike standard power cables, cathodic protection wire must withstand constant exposure to corrosive gases, moisture, and varying pH levels. The High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (HMWPE) insulation is specifically formulated for maximum mechanical toughness.

  • Chemical & Moisture Barrier: HMWPE insulation provides a rugged barrier against salts and corrosive chemicals found in industrial soil environments.

  • Mechanical Durability: Offers superior resistance to abrasion and "cut-through" damage during the backfilling process.

  • Direct Burial Rated: Engineered to be buried directly in the earth without the need for conduit.

  • High Conductivity: Features high-purity, soft-drawn stranded bare copper for efficient current discharge.

Technical Specifications: 500 MCM HMWPE

  • Conductor Size: 500 MCM (kcmil)

  • Conductor Material: Stranded Bare Copper

  • Insulation Material: High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (HMWPE)

  • Voltage Rating: 600V

  • Temperature Rating: 75°C (167°F)

  • Amp Rating: 365 Amps (@ 75°C)

  • Standard Color: Black (UV Resistant)

  • Approvals: ASTM D-1248, ICEA S-95-658

Common Applications

  • Pipeline Protection: Anode leads and feeder cables for oil, gas, and water pipelines.

  • Storage Tanks: Connection for sacrificial or impressed current anodes.

  • Marine Infrastructure: Protection for pier pilings, bulkheads, and ship hulls.

  • Deep Well Ground Beds: Reliable submerged performance in water and coke breeze.


Technical Note: Always inspect the insulation before burial. Even small nicks in the HMWPE jacket can lead to concentrated copper corrosion at the breach point. For environments with extreme chlorine or hydrocarbon presence, consider a dual-insulated HALAR/HMWPE construction.

See Full Specifications

See Full Specifications

Physical Specifications

Wire Size (AWG/MCM) 500 MCM
Conductor Material Copper
Conductor Type Stranded
Strand Count 37
Outer Diameter (OD) (in/mm) 1.14 in. / 28.95 mm
Conductor Count 1
Shield Unshielded
Insulation Type (HMWPE) High Molecular Weight Polyethylene

Technical Specifications

Voltage Rating 600V
Ampacity Rating 365
Direct Burial Rating Yes
Submersible Yes
Flexibility Rating Very Low
Sunlight Resistance Rating Yes
Temperature Rating 75°C
Standards ASTM B-8 Stranded Copper Conductors
ASTM-D-1248
ICEA S-61-402
NEMA WC-5
Type I
Class C
Category 5
Grades E-5 and J-I HMWP
Miscellaneous Information The data shown is approximate and subject to standard industry and manufacturer tolerances

Usage & Installation

Common Uses
  • Pipelines
  • Marine and Offshore Structures
  • Storage Tanks
  • Metal Structures in Concrete
  • Well Casings
  • Utilities and Infrastructure.

Packaging & Dimensions:

Weight per Foot 1.77 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
Cathodic Protection Cable

Wire America | Wire Flexibility Series

This video shows the flexibility, size, stranding and conductor material of the 6 AWG Cathodic Protection Cable

Physical Specifications

Wire Size (AWG/MCM) 500 MCM
Conductor Material Copper
Conductor Type Stranded
Strand Count 37
Outer Diameter (OD) (in/mm) 1.14 in. / 28.95 mm
Conductor Count 1
Shield Unshielded
Insulation Type (HMWPE) High Molecular Weight Polyethylene

Technical Specifications

Voltage Rating 600V
Ampacity Rating 365
Direct Burial Rating Yes
Submersible Yes
Flexibility Rating Very Low
Sunlight Resistance Rating Yes
Temperature Rating 75°C
Standards ASTM B-8 Stranded Copper Conductors
ASTM-D-1248
ICEA S-61-402
NEMA WC-5
Type I
Class C
Category 5
Grades E-5 and J-I HMWP
Miscellaneous Information The data shown is approximate and subject to standard industry and manufacturer tolerances

Usage & Installation:

Common Uses
  • Pipelines
  • Marine and Offshore Structures
  • Storage Tanks
  • Metal Structures in Concrete
  • Well Casings
  • Utilities and Infrastructure.

Packaging & Dimensions:

Weight per Foot 1.77 lb

Have Questions?

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Call Us.

(833) 268-8644

Email Us

500 MCM (500 kcmil) is the ultimate Main Positive Feeder or Negative Return Header. It is the largest standard gauge used in Impressed Current (ICCP) systems. It serves as the primary "Trunk Line" that carries massive amounts of protective current from high-output rectifiers to extensive anode groundbeds, or acts as the central collection point for the return current from large-scale buried infrastructure.

The shift to 500 MCM is almost exclusively about Voltage Drop Management. On massive projects—like a pipeline hub or a coastal power facility—the distance and the current load are so high that smaller cables would create too much resistance. 500 MCM provides the massive copper volume necessary to achieve nearly zero resistance, ensuring that every part of the structure reaches the required protective potential (-850mV).

Yes. Our High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (HMWPE) jacket is specifically engineered for both direct burial and permanent water submersion. It is a non-porous, chemically inert barrier that prevents saltwater or corrosive soil moisture from reaching the copper. This is critical for protecting offshore platforms, major bridge footings, and submerged dock infrastructure.

While 500 MCM has a typical ampacity rating of 365 Amps @ 75°C in direct burial, it is almost never pushed to its limit in CP applications. The size is selected for Electrical Efficiency. By running high current through such a massive conductor, you minimize heat and line loss, which reduces the total energy consumption of the rectifier and ensures the most stable protection for the buried asset.

NOTE: Cathodic Protection systems are highly site-specific. Before selecting your cable gauge, we strongly recommend consulting with a NACE-certified Corrosion Engineer or a licensed CP installer to verify your voltage drop calculations and soil resistivity requirements.

Cathodic Protection cable is a specialized electrical conductor used to prevent corrosion in buried or submerged metallic structures, such as pipelines, storage tanks, and pier pilings. It connects the structure to an anode system, carrying the direct current (DC) necessary to neutralize the electrochemical process that causes rust and decay.

HMWPE stands for High Molecular Weight Polyethylene. It is the "outer shell" of most CP cables. It is used because it is incredibly tough, moisture-resistant, and has high dielectric strength, allowing the cable to be buried directly in a variety of soil types without a conduit.

Call Us. Icon

Call Us.

(833) 268-8644

Email Us