Copper MV-105: 5kV – 35kV Medium Voltage Power Cable

Copper MV-105 Buying Guide: 5kV-35kV Cable

Copper MV-105 is the premium choice for critical primary power circuits where maximum conductivity and long-term reliability are non-negotiable. While aluminum offers weight advantages, copper remains the industrial standard for high-demand environments, offering superior ampacity in smaller conduit sizes. Rated for a continuous conductor temperature of 105°C, this cable provides the thermal resilience required for voltages ranging from 5,000 to 35,000 Volts.

Core Architecture: EPR & PVC Construction

Copper MV-105 is built to exceed industry standards, including UL 1072, for high-stakes electrical distribution:

• Annealed Bare Copper Conductor: Features Class B compact or compressed stranding for maximum efficiency and easier terminations.

• Lead-Free EPR Insulation: High dielectric strength Ethylene Propylene Rubber (EPR) insulation provides excellent resistance to heat, moisture, and electrical stress.

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

• Rugged PVC Jacket: The black, low-friction polyvinyl chloride (PVC) jacket is flame-retardant and resistant to moisture, sunlight, and oils.

Inside the Shield: A technical look at the multi-layer construction of an MV-105 cable. The compact stranded copper conductor is surrounded by high-performance lead-free EPR insulation, while the copper tape shield provides 100% EMI coverage to ensure system stability. This entire assembly is protected by a low-friction PVC jacket, specifically engineered for easier pulls through long conduit runs.

Understanding Insulation Levels & Voltage Ratings

Wire America offers Copper MV-105 across multiple voltage classes to match your specific system design and grounding requirements:

• 5kV/8kV (115-Mil Insulation): Approved for up to 5,000V in ungrounded applications and 8,000V for grounded systems.

• 15kV – 133% Insulation Level (220-Mil): Required for 15kV systems where ground faults may take up to one hour to clear.

• 35kV – 133% Insulation Level (220-Mil): Utilized for high-voltage distribution with high-speed fault clearing.

Installation Flexibility & Professional Applications

Listed as Type MV-105, this cable is approved for the most demanding installation methods and commercial environments:

• Conduit & Aerial: The low-friction jacket allows for smoother pulls through PVC or steel conduit, or aerial installation when supported by messenger wire.

• Cable Tray (FOR CT USE): Sizes 1/0 AWG and larger are specifically listed and marked for use in cable trays.

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

• Industrial & Utility: Primary power for refineries, petro-chemical plants, utility substations, and data centers.

Shop Copper MV-105 by Gauge & Voltage

Below is a sample of sizes we offer.  Select your required size to view technical data. All sizes feature 105°C EPR insulation and a 5-mil copper tape shield:

5kV/8kV Copper MV-105 (115-Mil Insulation)

• Standard Sizes: 6 AWG | 4 AWG | 2 AWG

• High-Load Feeders: 1/0 AWG | 2/0 AWG | 4/0 AWG

• Industrial Power: 250 MCM | 350 MCM | 500 MCM | 750 MCM | 1000 MCM

15kV & 35kV Copper MV-105

• 15kV 133% Stock (220-Mil): 2 AWG | 1 AWG | 1/0 AWG | 4/0 AWG | 500 MCM | 750 MCM | 1000 MCM

• 35kV 133% Stock (220-Mil): 1/0 AWG | 4/0 AWG | 500 MCM

How Wire America Can Help

• Cut-to-Length Precision: Eliminate waste and reduce overhead by ordering only the footage your project requires.

• Emergency Overload Protection: Our Copper MV-105 handles emergency temperatures up to 140°C and short-circuit conditions up to 250°C.

• Rapid Response Inventory: We have readily available 5kV through 35kV configurations to keep your industrial or utility project on schedule.

Need a quote or the specific technical data sheet for your inspector or engineer? Contact our specialists at 833-268-8644 or email info@wireamerica.com

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

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.