MCM 500
MCM 500 Copper Wire
500 MCM wire, also known as 500 kcmil, is a large-gauge electrical conductor used in high-power commercial and industrial applications. It features a stranded copper or aluminum conductor with a cross-sectional area of approximately 253 mm². Typically insulated with flame-retardant PVC and a nylon jacket (THHN/THWN-2), it is rated for 600 volts and operates up to 90°C in wet or dry conditions. Its high ampacity (320–430 amps for copper, 310–345 amps for aluminum) makes it ideal for service entrance, feeder circuits, and heavy-duty HVAC systems. The wire is durable, resistant to sunlight, moisture, and chemicals, and suitable for conduit, direct burial, or aerial installations.
| Conductor Material | Annealed Copper |
| Size | 500 MCM (500 kcmil) |
| Approx. Diameter | 0.729 inches (conductor only, varies with insulation) |
| Ampacity | ~380–430 Amps (depends on installation & insulation) |
| Stranding | Typically 37 or 61 strands |
| Insulation Types | THHN, XHHW, XHHW-2, USE-2, etc. |
| Voltage Rating | 600V to 2,000V (depending on insulation type) |
| Temperature Rating | 75°C to 90°C or higher (depending on insulation) |
| Typical Applications | Power feeders, large panels, service entrances |
| Standards | UL listed, NEC compliant, ASTM B8/B3 |