Product Information

Specification

500 MCM Aluminum RHH/RHW-2 XLP USE-2 Direct Burial

Allowable Ampacity for 500 MCM ALUMINUM RHH/RHW-2 XLP USE-2 DIRECT BURIAL: 330 Amps

Description

This cable is a high-capacity 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) → 430 Amps
• In Direct Burial or Raceway (90°C) → 330 Amps

Common Applications for 500 MCM Cable:

• Primary and secondary underground power distribution for industrial facilities, large commercial buildings, and substations.
• Service entrance wiring for high-capacity single-phase and three-phase electrical systems.
• Feeder circuits supplying power to high-load distribution panels, switchgear, and industrial equipment.
• Direct burial installations for high-power transmission with minimal voltage drop.
• Utility, infrastructure, and large-scale agricultural applications requiring high ampacity and moisture resistance.

This 500 MCM aluminum cable is commonly used for industrial feeder circuits, high-power service entrances, and underground power distribution requiring up to 330 amps.

Also Known As:

500 mcm wire, 500 mcm aluminum wire, 500 mcm wire size, rhh wire, rhh cable, bury cable, direct burial electrical cable, direct burial mc 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: 500

• Stranding: 35

• Conductor Diameter Inches: 0.736

• Insulation Thickness Inches: 0.110

• O.D. Inches: 0.960

• New Weight lb/1000FT: 1998 lbs

• Ampacity at 30°C: 330 Amps

*Data provided on this page is subject to change based on different manufacturers' variances

** Images are for display purposes only refer to Product Technical Details for accurate information on the product.

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