Aluminum MV-105: 15kV – 35kV Medium Voltage Power Cable

Aluminum MV-105 Buying Guide: 15kV-35kV Cable

Aluminum MV-105 Cable is a powerhouse in industrial electrical distribution. Designed for primary power circuits ranging from 15,000 to 35,000 Volts, this cable is engineered for high-demand environments where standard wire fails. The "105" designation isn’t just a number—it’s your thermal insurance policy, allowing for a continuous operating temperature of 105°C for higher ampacity and better overhead than 90°C rated alternatives.

Core Architecture: EPR & PVC Construction

Aluminum MV-105 is built to exceed industry standards (UL 1072) for safety and performance:

• Compact Stranded Aluminum: 1350 series aluminum with compact Class B stranding provide a lightweight and cost-effective alternative to copper.

• Lead-Free EPR Insulation: High dielectric strength Ethylene Propylene Rubber (EPR) insulation offers superior resistance to heat and moisture.

• 5-Mil Copper Tape Shield: A helically applied annealed copper tape with a 25% overlap ensures proper stress control and a safe path for fault current.

• Low-Friction PVC Jacket: The black, flame-retardant, moisture and sunlight-resistant polyvinyl chloride (PVC) jacket is designed for easy pulling.

Understanding Insulation Levels: 100% vs. 133%

Choosing the right insulation level is critical for matching your specific system grounding configuration:

• 100% Insulation Level: Utilizes a 345-mil insulation thickness. This is typically used on systems where ground faults are cleared within one minute.

• 133% Insulation Level: Features an increased 420-mil thickness.  This is required for systems where ground faults may take up to one hour to clear.

Professional Applications & Versatility

MV-105 is UL Listed and rated for "CT USE" (Cable Tray Use) for sizes 1/0 AWG and larger:

• Installation Methods: Approved for use in aerial, conduit, open tray, and underground duct installations.

• Direct Burial: Suitable for direct burial if installed with a ground conductor in close proximity.

• Industrial Use: Used in refineries, petro-chemical plants, mills, utilty/commercial substations, data centers & hospitals.

• Renewable Energy: Connecting wind and solar collection systems to the main electrical grid.

Shop Aluminum MV-105 by Gauge & Insulation

A sample listing below features 105°C EPR insulation and a 5-mil copper tape shield. Select your size to view individual specs.

35kV – 100% Insulation Level (345 Mils)

• Standard Sizes: 1/0 AWG | 2/0 AWG | 4/0 AWG

• High-Load Feeders: 250 MCM | 350 MCM

• Utility Scale: 500 MCM | 750 MCM | 1000 MCM

15kV & 35kV – 133% Insulation Level (420 Mils for 35kV)

• 15kV 133%: 1/0 AWG | 2/0 AWG | 4/0 AWG | 350 MCM

• 35kV 133%: 1/0 AWG | 500 MCM | 750 MCM

How Wire America Can Help

When you order from Wire America, you aren't just getting "wire on a reel." You're getting a project-ready solution:

• Cut-to-Length Precision: Stop paying for 1,000ft master reels when you only need 340ft. We cut to your exact project specs, reducing waste and keeping you on budget.

• Increased Ampacity: The 105°C rating allows for more current through a smaller conductor. In many cases, you can downsize the gauge compared to a 90°C cable, slashing your material costs significantly.

• Emergency Overload Protection: MV-105 handles emergency peaks up to 140°C and short-circuit temperatures up to 250°C, protecting your infrastructure during system faults.
  
• Ready to Ship: Many 15kV and 35kV configurations are in stock, ensuring your project doesn't stall while waiting for a manufacturer's production cycle.

Need a quote or the specific technical data sheet for your inspector or engineer? Contact our specialists at 833-268-8644

Ready to start your project? Shop our Aluminum MV-105 Collection Here

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Technical Glossary: Medium Voltage Terminology

• EPR (Ethylene Propylene Rubber): A high-performance thermoset insulation that provides superior flexibility, moisture resistance, and a higher thermal rating (105°C) than traditional XLP insulation.

• Copper Tape Shield: A 5-mil thick metallic layer that provides electrostatic shielding to the cable. It ensures a uniform electrical field within the insulation and provides a safe path for fault currents to return to the source.

• Compact Stranded Conductor: A manufacturing process that reduces the overall diameter of the conductor by roughly 10% compared to standard concentric stranding. This allows for easier pulling and often enables the use of smaller conduit sizes.

• 133% Insulation Level: Insulation designed for use on systems where ground faults are not automatically cleared within one minute. It is most commonly required for ungrounded or impedance-grounded industrial systems.

• MV-105 Rating: A UL designation indicating that the cable is rated for continuous operation at conductor temperatures up to 105°C. This allows for higher ampacity ratings than 90°C cables of the same gauge.

• CT Rated: Indicates that the cable meets the flame-testing requirements for installation in ventilated or non-ventilated cable trays (typically for sizes 1/0 AWG and larger).

At Wire America, we believe in genuine conversation. You'll always talk with real people who understand that every project requires careful product selection. We're here to ensure you feel educated, confident, and great about your final purchase. Feel free to give us a call to discuss your project! You can reach us at: 833-268-8644

⚠️ Important Disclaimer: Safety and Compliance

Wire America provides this information as a guide only. Electrical installations must strictly adhere to the National Electrical Code (NEC) and all state, local, and jurisdictional requirements, which vary widely. Always consult a licensed electrician, electrical engineer, or the local inspecting authority before purchasing material or starting any electrical project. Wire America assumes no liability for the installation, use, or interpretation of these guides.