Aluminum PV Wire from Commodity Cables is built for photovoltaic systems covered by NEC Article 690. It is suited for utility-scale solar farms, commercial rooftop solar installations, community solar arrays, and industrial solar power projects that require aluminum photovoltaic cable. The product uses a stranded aluminum alloy conductor with XLPE insulation and is offered in 600V, 1000V, and 2000V ratings. The range extends from 12 AWG through 1000 kcmil, covering small solar conductors through large feeder requirements.
Both voltage groups use the same aluminum conductor size range, but the insulation thickness, overall diameter, and cable weight change with the voltage rating. These physical differences affect handling, raceway planning, and material takeoffs.
| Voltage Rating | Size Range | Insulation and Overall Diameter |
|---|---|---|
| 600V | 12 AWG through 1000 kcmil | Insulation ranges from 1.52 to 3.18 mm. Overall diameter ranges from 5.2 to 33.28 mm. |
| 1000V and 2000V | 12 AWG through 1000 kcmil | Insulation ranges from 1.9 to 3.43 mm. Overall diameter ranges from 6.0 to 33.8 mm. |
The technical tables show why voltage class should be confirmed before pricing cable or planning a pull. At 12 AWG, the 600V cable has 1.52 mm insulation, a 5.2 mm overall diameter, and a net weight of 36 kg/km. The 1000V and 2000V construction increases to 1.9 mm insulation, a 6.0 mm overall diameter, and 46 kg/km.
The same pattern continues at larger sizes. A 750 kcmil 600V conductor has 3.18 mm insulation and a 29.42 mm overall diameter. The 1000V and 2000V version uses 3.43 mm insulation and measures 29.9 mm overall. The conductor diameter and maximum DC resistance remain the same for matching conductor sizes, while the insulation system changes the finished cable dimensions and weight.
The Aluminum PV Wire spec sheet lists UL Subject 4703 for Type PV, UL 44 for Type RHW-2, and UL 854 for Type USE-2 under UL File E365883. This combination gives project teams documented product classifications to compare with the electrical design, installation method, and local requirements.
The cable is rated for exposed or concealed wiring in wet or dry locations, with a maximum working temperature of 90°C and a minimum of -40°C. The listed performance characteristics include stable electrical properties across a broad temperature range, increased flexibility, and UV and sunlight resistance.
The sample cable printing includes the conductor size, 1000/2000V rating, 90°C wet or dry marking, -40°C minimum, direct-burial designation, and sunlight-resistance designation. That printed identification gives installers and inspectors a direct way to verify the cable after delivery.
Start with the system voltage and conductor size shown in the approved design. Matching the AWG or kcmil size is not enough because the 600V and 1000V/2000V constructions have different insulation thicknesses, finished diameters, and weights.
Installation conditions also matter. Identify whether the cable will be exposed or concealed, installed in a wet or dry location, exposed to sunlight, or used in a direct-burial application. Then confirm that the product marking and listed classifications match the planned installation.
Include these details when requesting pricing and availability:
The product tables document strand count, conductor diameter, insulation thickness, overall diameter, net weight, and maximum DC resistance at 20°C for every size from 12 AWG through 1000 kcmil. Use those values to support material takeoffs, pathway planning, and product verification before the order is released.
Aluminum PV wire may be an option when the electrical design, equipment listings, conductor sizing, and local requirements permit aluminum conductors. It should not be treated as a direct size-for-size replacement for copper without review by the project engineer or other qualified professional.
Use connectors, lugs, and equipment terminals that are listed for aluminum conductors and compatible with the selected conductor size. Follow the equipment manufacturer’s preparation and torque requirements so the completed termination matches the approved system design.
The spec sheet identifies wet or dry use, UV and sunlight resistance, and a direct-burial designation in the sample cable printing. The final installation should still be checked against the cable marking, project documents, NEC requirements, and local authority requirements.
Provide the system voltage, conductor size, quantity, footage by reel or cut, installation environment, required listings, delivery location, and requested delivery date. Sharing the project specification or material takeoff also helps Commodity Cables match the correct construction and prepare an accurate quote.
Send the voltage rating, conductor size, quantity, footage, installation conditions, and delivery ZIP. Commodity Cables can use those details to confirm the matching construction, finished dimensions, availability, and pricing. Call 866-945-5051 to request a quote.
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