Product Overview:
This UL 854 Listed and Certified USE/USE-2 Aluminum Conductor Cable delivers reliable underground power transmission for service entrance and solar PV applications. Engineered with XLPE insulation and compact-stranded AA-8000 aluminum alloy conductors, it meets rigorous safety standards while offering cost-effective performance in direct burial installations.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Standard | UL 854 (USE/USE-2), NEC Article 338 & 690 |
| Voltage Rating | 600V AC |
| Temp Rating | 90°C Wet/Dry Locations |
| Conductor | AA-8000 Al Alloy (ASTM B800), Compact Stranded |
| Insulation | Cross-Linked Polyethylene (XLPE) - Black |
| Direct Burial | Yes (NEC Table 300.5 Compliant) |
| PV Approved | USE-2 for NEC 690 Solar Arrays |
| Flame Rating | UL VW-1 Certified |
| Available Sizes | 6 AWG to 1000 kcmil |
Product Construction
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Conductor
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Material: AA-8000 Series Aluminum Alloy (ASTM B800)
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Structure: Compact stranded, annealed temper
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Benefits: 40% lighter vs copper, corrosion-resistant
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Insulation
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Material: Cross-Linked Polyethylene (XLPE)
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Thickness: UL 854 compliant voltage grading
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Performance: UV-resistant, moisture-blocking
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Material Properties
| Component | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Al Conductor | ≥61% IACS conductivity, 2.7 g/cm³ density |
| XLPE Jacket | Dielectric strength >15 kV/mm, hydrolysis-resistant |
Primary Applications
Underground Service Entrance
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Utility-to-meter connections (residential/commercial)
Solar PV Systems
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Panel interconnects (NEC 690 USE-2 compliant)
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Combiner-to-inverter runs
Direct Burial Feeders
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Agricultural irrigation systems
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Parking lot lighting
Engineering Selection Guide
| Consideration | Critical Factors |
|---|---|
| Ampacity | Use NEC Table 310.16 (90°C column) |
| Voltage Drop | Calculate via V<sub>drop</sub> = √3 × I × L × Z |
| Fault Current | Verify thermal withstand capacity |
| Installation | Min. burial depth: 24" (610mm) per NEC 300.5 |
⚠️ Usage Restrictions
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Not approved for aerial spans
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Prohibited in conduit with other conductors
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Aluminum-rated connectors required
Compliance & Certifications
• UL 854 (Service-Entrance Cables)
• UL Subject 758 (AWM Recognition)
• NEC Articles 338, 690 & 300.5
• RoHS 3 Compliant
*Note: USE-2 required for PV applications; standard USE not permitted in solar arrays per NEC 690.31*