500 MCM XLP USE-2 RHH RHW-2 Copper Building Wire

Ampacity Rating:

• In Free Air (90°C): 500 Amps
• In Raceway or Direct Burial (90°C): 430 Amps

Also Known As: 

500 XLP USE-2 RHH RHW-2 Copper Building Wire, 500 Copper RHH Wire, 500 Copper RHH Cable, 500 Direct Burial Electrical Cable, 500 Direct Burial Power Cable, 500 Direct Burial Service Entrance Cable, 500 Underground Service Entrance Cable.

Description

This 500 MCM copper building wire is a high-capacity electrical conductor with multiple ratings—RHH, RHW-2, and USE-2—designed for commercial, industrial, and high-power distribution applications. It is suitable for both wet and dry locations, with a 90°C maximum operating temperature in either environment. The USE-2 rating makes it ideal for direct burial and underground service entrance applications.

With a 600V rating, this wire is commonly used in power distribution, feeder circuits, photovoltaic connections, raceways, and aerial installations. It is also suitable for conduit installations per NEC specifications. The annealed soft copper conductor provides excellent conductivity and flexibility, making it a superior alternative to aluminum conductors in compact conduit installations.

This 500 MCM copper wire is an ideal choice for high-load circuits, feeder applications, and underground power distribution, ensuring efficient and reliable power delivery.

Applications:

• Service entrance cable for large commercial buildings, industrial plants, and high-power electrical systems.
• Feeder circuits for heavy-duty electrical loads in industrial and commercial facilities.
• Power distribution for high-capacity electrical panels and switchgear.
• Underground feeder cable for large secondary structures and substations.
• Raceway and conduit installations where increased ampacity is required.
• Aerial applications for outdoor power distribution with UV and weather resistance.
• Photovoltaic (solar panel) systems requiring high power capacity

Construction:

Conductor:

RHH/RHW-2/USE-2 conductors are made of annealed soft copper. Compared to aluminum, this conductor performs better in smaller conduits.

Insulation:

The cable has an abrasion, heat, and moisture resistant cross-linked polyethylene insulation (XLPE). The insulation is durable in harsh conditions.

Standards:

• ASTM B-3 Soft Annealed Copper
• ASTM B-8 Concentric Lay Stranded Conductors
• ASTM B787 Unilay-Stranded Copper Conductors
• UL Standard 44 Type RHH and RHW
• UL Standard 854 Type USE-Service Entrance
• Federal Specifications J-C-30B, ICEA S-66-524 , NEMA WC-7, A-A-59544
• FAA Spec. L824 Type C Sizes 12-4 AWG as Airport lighting Cable
• VW-1 available where flame retardancy required. 1/0 and larger rated for CT use.
• VW-1 available on special request
• RoHS Compliant

Specifications:

• Size AWG: 500
• Weight per 1000 ft: 1676 lbs
• Outside Diameter: 0.956 inches
• Number of Strands: 37
• Insulation: XLPE
• Insulation Thickness: .095

*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.

In the case the material only comes in a predetermined color or doesn’t come with any color