3/0 Aluminum RHH/RHW-2 XLP USE-2 Direct Burial

Allowable Ampacity for 3/0 AWG ALUMINUM RHH/RHW-2 XLP USE-2 DIRECT BURIAL: 165 Amps

Description

This cable is a heavy-duty power distribution cable with multiple ratings—RHH, RHW-2, XLP, and USE-2—designed for underground and raceway installations. The RHH rating ensures heat resistance in dry locations, while RHW-2 makes it water-resistant and suitable for 90°C operation in both wet and dry conditions. The XLP (cross-linked polyethylene) insulation enhances durability, abrasion resistance, and electrical performance. The USE-2 rating allows for direct burial and underground service entrance installations.

USE-2 cables are commonly used for power distribution, service entrance below ground, and direct burial, as well as in raceways. This electrical cable is approved under the National Electrical Code (NEC), except for use in cable trays. It supports a voltage rating of 600V and operates at a maximum temperature of 90°C in wet and dry environments.

Ampacity Ratings (Per NEC 310.16):

• In Free Air (90°C) → 200 Amps
• In Direct Burial or Raceway (90°C) → 165 Amps

Common Applications for 3/0 AWG Cable:

• Primary and secondary underground power distribution for large commercial, industrial, and multi-unit residential buildings.
• Service entrance wiring for high-capacity single-phase and three-phase electrical systems.
• Feeder circuits for large electrical panels, subpanels, and heavy industrial loads.
• Direct burial installations for long-distance power transmission with minimal voltage drop.
• Utility, infrastructure, and agricultural applications requiring high ampacity and moisture resistance.

This 3/0 AWG aluminum cable is commonly used for large service entrances, high-power feeder circuits, and direct burial applications requiring up to 165 amps.

Also Known As:

3/0 aluminum rhh wire, 3/0 aluminum rhw cable, 3/0 aluminum bury cable, direct burial electrical cable, direct burial power cable, direct burial service entrance cable.

Standards:

• UL 44
• UL 854
• NEMA WC 70/ICEA S-95-658
• Requirements of the National Electrical Code
• ASTM B800, B801, B836
• Sunlight resistant
• Oil Resistant PRI/PRII
• Gas and Oil Res GRI/GRII
• RUS ACCEPTED

Construction

Conductors:

Compact bare 8000 series aluminum, with Class B stranding per ASTM. 

Insulation:

Abrasion, heat and moisture resistant cross-linked polyethylene insulation (XLP)

Specifications:

• Gauge: 3/0

• Stranding: 18

• Conductor Diameter Inches: 0.423

• Insulation Thickness Inches: 0.080

• O.D. Inches: 0.586

• New Weight lb/1000FT: 221 lbs

• Ampacity at 30°C: 165 Amps