#8 AWG HMWPE Cathodic Protection Cable | 600V Direct Burial

Parent SKU :  CPC8

SKU :  CPC8-250

SUITABLE FOR DIRECT BURIAL. EXCELLENT RESISTANCE TO MOISTURE, ABRASION, AND CORROSIVE CHEMICALS.
Wire Size 8 AWG
Conductor Material Copper
Conductor Type Stranded
Outer Diameter 0.38 in. / 9.65 mm
Voltage Rating 600V
Ampacity Rating 50
Weight per Foot 0.092 lb

Get Product Details

Get Product Details

This #8 AWG HMWPE Cathodic Protection Cable is a specialized single-conductor wire engineered specifically for impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP) systems. Designed for extreme durability, it is built to survive direct burial in aggressive soil conditions or submersion in fresh, brackish, or salt water, acting as the vital link to prevent corrosion on buried metallic structures.

Why Choose #8 AWG HMWPE Cable?

In cathodic protection applications, the cable must withstand constant exposure to corrosive gases (like chlorine and hydrogen) and moisture. High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (HMWPE) is the industry standard for these environments because it offers far superior mechanical toughness and chemical stability compared to standard electrical insulation.

  • Chemical & Gas Shield: The HMWPE jacket provides a specialized barrier against the electrolytic gases generated at the anode bed that would typically degrade standard wire.

  • Rugged Mechanical Protection: Features exceptional resistance to abrasion, crushing, and environmental stress cracking, allowing for direct burial without the need for conduit.

  • Direct Burial & Submergence: Specifically rated for "wet" applications, including deep-well ground beds and marine environments.

  • High Conductivity: Manufactured with soft-drawn, stranded bare copper to ensure efficient current distribution with minimal voltage drop.

Technical Specifications: #8 AWG HMWPE

  • Conductor Size: #8 AWG

  • Conductor Material: Stranded Bare Copper

  • Insulation Material: High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (HMWPE)

  • Voltage Rating: 600V

  • Temperature Rating: 75°C (167°F)

  • Amp Rating: 50 Amps (@ 75°C)

  • Standard Color: Black (UV Stabilized)

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

Common Applications

  • Pipeline Systems: Used for positive and negative leads in pipeline corrosion control for oil, gas, and water lines.

  • Storage Tanks: Ideal for connecting rectifiers to sacrificial or impressed current anodes for underground and above-ground storage tanks.

  • Marine & Coastal Infrastructure: Protection of steel pilings, bulkheads, and jetty structures.

  • Anode Ground Beds: The preferred conductor for wiring within deep-well and surface-ground-bed installations.


Technical Note: To ensure a long system life, ensure the insulation is not nicked during installation. Any breach in the HMWPE jacket can cause the copper conductor to corrode rapidly once energized. For environments with high concentrations of chlorine or hydrocarbons, a dual-insulated construction (HALAR/HMWPE) is recommended.

See Full Specifications

See Full Specifications

Physical Specifications

Wire Size (AWG/MCM) 8 AWG
Conductor Material Copper
Conductor Type Stranded
Strand Count 7
Outer Diameter (OD) (in/mm) 0.38 in. / 9.65 mm
Conductor Count 1
Shield Unshielded
Insulation Type (HMWPE) High Molecular Weight Polyethylene

Technical Specifications

Voltage Rating 600V
Ampacity Rating 50
Direct Burial Rating Yes
Submersible Yes
Flexibility Rating Good
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 0.092 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

#8 AWG HMWPE Cathodic Protection Cable | 600V Direct Burial

Parent SKU :  CPC8

SKU :  CPC8-250

SUITABLE FOR DIRECT BURIAL. EXCELLENT RESISTANCE TO MOISTURE, ABRASION, AND CORROSIVE CHEMICALS.
In Stock
Ships in 1-2 days

Parent SKU :  CPC8

SKU :  CPC8-250

$234/ea.
$466/ea.
$927/ea.
$0.95/ft.
Please select an option
Min: 250 ft., Max: 5000 ft.
Spool (250 ft.)
$234.00
Please select an option
Maximum reached, contact us for custom orders
Contact Us
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Get Product Details

Get Product Details

This #8 AWG HMWPE Cathodic Protection Cable is a specialized single-conductor wire engineered specifically for impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP) systems. Designed for extreme durability, it is built to survive direct burial in aggressive soil conditions or submersion in fresh, brackish, or salt water, acting as the vital link to prevent corrosion on buried metallic structures.

Why Choose #8 AWG HMWPE Cable?

In cathodic protection applications, the cable must withstand constant exposure to corrosive gases (like chlorine and hydrogen) and moisture. High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (HMWPE) is the industry standard for these environments because it offers far superior mechanical toughness and chemical stability compared to standard electrical insulation.

  • Chemical & Gas Shield: The HMWPE jacket provides a specialized barrier against the electrolytic gases generated at the anode bed that would typically degrade standard wire.

  • Rugged Mechanical Protection: Features exceptional resistance to abrasion, crushing, and environmental stress cracking, allowing for direct burial without the need for conduit.

  • Direct Burial & Submergence: Specifically rated for "wet" applications, including deep-well ground beds and marine environments.

  • High Conductivity: Manufactured with soft-drawn, stranded bare copper to ensure efficient current distribution with minimal voltage drop.

Technical Specifications: #8 AWG HMWPE

  • Conductor Size: #8 AWG

  • Conductor Material: Stranded Bare Copper

  • Insulation Material: High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (HMWPE)

  • Voltage Rating: 600V

  • Temperature Rating: 75°C (167°F)

  • Amp Rating: 50 Amps (@ 75°C)

  • Standard Color: Black (UV Stabilized)

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

Common Applications

  • Pipeline Systems: Used for positive and negative leads in pipeline corrosion control for oil, gas, and water lines.

  • Storage Tanks: Ideal for connecting rectifiers to sacrificial or impressed current anodes for underground and above-ground storage tanks.

  • Marine & Coastal Infrastructure: Protection of steel pilings, bulkheads, and jetty structures.

  • Anode Ground Beds: The preferred conductor for wiring within deep-well and surface-ground-bed installations.


Technical Note: To ensure a long system life, ensure the insulation is not nicked during installation. Any breach in the HMWPE jacket can cause the copper conductor to corrode rapidly once energized. For environments with high concentrations of chlorine or hydrocarbons, a dual-insulated construction (HALAR/HMWPE) is recommended.

See Full Specifications

See Full Specifications

Physical Specifications

Wire Size (AWG/MCM) 8 AWG
Conductor Material Copper
Conductor Type Stranded
Strand Count 7
Outer Diameter (OD) (in/mm) 0.38 in. / 9.65 mm
Conductor Count 1
Shield Unshielded
Insulation Type (HMWPE) High Molecular Weight Polyethylene

Technical Specifications

Voltage Rating 600V
Ampacity Rating 50
Direct Burial Rating Yes
Submersible Yes
Flexibility Rating Good
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 0.092 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) 8 AWG
Conductor Material Copper
Conductor Type Stranded
Strand Count 7
Outer Diameter (OD) (in/mm) 0.38 in. / 9.65 mm
Conductor Count 1
Shield Unshielded
Insulation Type (HMWPE) High Molecular Weight Polyethylene

Technical Specifications

Voltage Rating 600V
Ampacity Rating 50
Direct Burial Rating Yes
Submersible Yes
Flexibility Rating Good
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 0.092 lb

Have Questions?

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Call Us.

(833) 268-8644

Email Us

#8 AWG is the "Workhorse" of the cathodic protection industry. It is the primary gauge used for Anode Lead Wires. Whether you are installing sacrificial magnesium anodes or impressed current anodes, #8 is the standard size for carrying the protective current from the anode to the structure or the rectifier.

It’s the perfect balance of ampacity, durability, and cost. #8 AWG provides enough copper to carry significant protective current over typical distances without excessive voltage drop, while the thick HMWPE jacket provides the mechanical strength needed to survive the heavy equipment and rocky backfill common on pipeline and tank job sites.

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.

Yes, #8 is frequently used in deep well applications. However, a technical distinction is required:

  • Standard Soil/Water: HMWPE is excellent for direct burial.
  • High-Chlorine/Brine Environments: In deep wells where salt and chlorine concentrations are extreme, engineers often specify a "Dual-Insulated" cable (HALAR/HMWPE). If you are in standard soil or fresh water, this #8 HMWPE is the most cost-effective and reliable choice.

Voltage drop is the enemy of a cathodic protection system. Because CP systems often operate at very low voltages, even a small loss in the wire can prevent the structure from reaching its "protected" potential (typically -850mV). The #8 AWG conductor offers significantly lower resistance than #10 or #12, ensuring that the maximum amount of protective current reaches the buried structure.

Absolutely. Our #8 HMWPE is designed for the toughest environments. It is fully rated for direct burial in all soil types and is frequently used in marine applications to protect docks, piers, and offshore pilings. The insulation is non-porous and resists the "osmotic blistering" that causes standard electrical wire to fail underground.

In a typical cathodic protection environment, #8 AWG is rated for approximately 50 amps @ 75°C. However, most CP designs operate at much lower currents to maximize the life of the anode and the wire. Using #8 ensures that the cable runs "cool," which preserves the integrity of the insulation for a 20- to 30-year service life.

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.

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Call Us.

(833) 268-8644

Email Us