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Physical Specifications
Technical Specifications
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600 MCM 3C Aluminum MC Cable with Bare Ground is designed for 3-phase delta systems, 240V equipment feeds, and heavy commercial distribution circuits. Thanks to its built-in interlocking aluminum armor, it requires no separate conduit pipe and can be pulled directly through open structural framing and cable trays. It is commonly specified for 350A/400A commercial sub-panels, heavy HVAC chillers, and industrial motor loads where a separate neutral is not required.
No. Standard 600 MCM 3C 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.
The primary differences come down to weight, cost, and ampacity. Copper is a more efficient conductor, meaning 600 MCM Copper MC is rated for 420 Amps (75°C), whereas 600 MCM Aluminum MC is rated for 340 Amps (75°C). However, 600 MCM Aluminum MC is dramatically lighter and significantly more cost-effective, making it the clear economic choice for long commercial feeder runs where a 340A capacity satisfies the electrical load.
Wire America supplies an extensive inventory of 600 MCM 3C 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 600 MCM 3C Aluminum MC Cable is 340 Amps @ 75°C and 385 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 340-Amp rating.
600 MCM 3C Aluminum MC Cable has an approximate physical net weight of 2,511 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 600 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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