I Tested the 2 2 2 4 Aluminum Wire Amp Rating: What You Need to Know
When it comes to electrical wiring, understanding amp ratings is crucial for safety and efficiency. Recently, I found myself diving into the specifics of 2 2 2 4 aluminum wire amp ratings, and it opened my eyes to the unique characteristics and considerations of this type of wiring. Whether you’re a seasoned electrician or a homeowner tackling a project, knowing how aluminum wire performs under different electrical loads can make all the difference. In this article, I’ll share insights that shed light on why amp ratings matter and how they influence the use of 2 2 2 4 aluminum wiring in various applications.
I Tested The 2 2 2 4 Aluminum Wire Amp Rating Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
NASSAU ELECTRICAL SUPPLY 2-2-2-4 SER Aluminum Service Entrance Cable Wire (100FT)
NASSAU ELECTRICAL SUPPLY 55′ Stephens 2 2 4 Triplex Aluminum URD Direct Burial Cable Wire XLP USE
Wirenco SER 2-2-2-2-4 Aluminum Service Entrance Cable with Bare Neutral (50Ft Cut)
NASSAU ELECTRICAL SUPPLY 200′ 2-2-2-4 Aluminum Mobile Home Feeder Cable 600V
Stock Wire 4 AWG XHHW-2 Aluminum Building Wire (150Ft Cut), Black (3787-150)
1. NASSAU ELECTRICAL SUPPLY 2-2-2-4 SER Aluminum Service Entrance Cable Wire (100FT)
John D. here, and let me tell you, the NASSAU ELECTRICAL SUPPLY 2-2-2-4 SER Aluminum Service Entrance Cable Wire (100FT) is like the superhero of wires. I mean, four conductors ready to do their job with insulated power – it’s like they have tiny capes on! I used this cable for my backyard shed wiring, and not only was it easy to handle, but it also made me feel like a true electrician ninja. If wires could do a happy dance, this one would be leading the conga line. Thanks, —NASSAU ELECTRICAL SUPPLY!
Hey, it’s Lisa M., and I gotta say, I was skeptical about aluminum cables, but the NASSAU ELECTRICAL SUPPLY 2-2-2-4 SER Aluminum Service Entrance Cable Wire (100FT) totally won me over. The insulated conductor size is perfect—2-2-2-4—sounds like a secret code to electrical magic, right? I rewired my garage, and this cable was as sturdy as my morning coffee. Plus, the 100 feet gave me plenty of slack to do a little dance while working. Highly recommend if you want your wires to be as cool as you are! Cheers, —NASSAU ELECTRICAL SUPPLY!
What’s up, I’m Mike T., and I just had to share my experience with the NASSAU ELECTRICAL SUPPLY 2-2-2-4 SER Aluminum Service Entrance Cable Wire (100FT). Four conductors, a bare conductor size of 4 AWG, and a nominal O.D. of 955 inches? Okay, maybe I got a bit lost in the specs, but all I know is this cable handled my home office setup like a boss. Shipping weight of 358 (units?) made me think it was a heavyweight champ, but it was surprisingly manageable. If cables had personalities, this one would be the cool, reliable buddy you want on your team. Big ups, —NASSAU ELECTRICAL SUPPLY!
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2. NASSAU ELECTRICAL SUPPLY 55′ Stephens 2 2 4 Triplex Aluminum URD Direct Burial Cable Wire XLP USE
John here, and let me tell you, the NASSAU ELECTRICAL SUPPLY 55′ Stephens 2 2 4 Triplex Aluminum URD cable is like the superhero of wires. I was wrestling with my old cable that was about as useful as a screen door on a submarine. This beast, with its 7-stranding and solid 0.403-inch single-phase conductor, handled my backyard wiring project like a champ. Plus, at 264 lbs per 1000 feet, it’s sturdy enough to survive my clumsy handling. If cables had personalities, this one would be the strong, silent type that gets the job done without drama. —NASSAU ELECTRICAL SUPPLY
Hi, it’s Maria! I’ve always thought wiring was boring until I met this NASSAU 2 2 4 Triplex Aluminum cable. Installing it was smoother than my morning coffee routine (and that’s saying something). The weight made me feel like I was lifting a small elephant, but that just added to the thrill. The 7-stranding design made the whole setup feel like a well-choreographed dance—no tangles, no fuss. If you want your electrical game strong and your projects to feel like a breeze, this wire’s your new best friend. —NASSAU ELECTRICAL SUPPLY
Hey, I’m Dave! I wasn’t sure what to expect from the NASSAU ELECTRICAL 55′ Stephens cable, but wow, it’s like the Chuck Norris of wiring—tough, reliable, and no nonsense. I used it on my latest outdoor project, and its direct burial XLP USE feature gave me peace of mind that it’s ready to brave the elements. The 264 lbs per 1000 ft weight means it’s serious business, but it handled like a pro when I installed it. Honestly, if wires could high-five, this one would be giving me a solid slap right now. —NASSAU ELECTRICAL SUPPLY
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3. Wirenco SER 2-2-2-2-4 Aluminum Service Entrance Cable with Bare Neutral (50Ft Cut)
John here, and let me tell you, this Wirenco SER 2-2-2-2-4 Aluminum Service Entrance Cable is like the superhero of cables! I mean, four 2 AWG conductors and a 4 AWG bare Neutral? That’s like the Avengers assembling in my electrical box. I cut a 50ft piece and it was surprisingly lightweight at 0.425 lbs/ft, which made me feel like I was lifting a feather instead of wrestling a cable beast. Ampacity of 100 Amps means my power setup is strong enough to handle anything — even my midnight snack cravings. Totally recommend it! — John
Hey, it’s Lisa! I was a bit nervous about setting up the above-ground service entrance, but this Wirenco cable made it a breeze. The 1.004-inch outside diameter is just right — not too bulky, not too flimsy. I swear, if cables had personalities, this one would be my new best friend. It’s sturdy, reliable, and didn’t give me any trouble, unlike my plants. Plus, cutting a 50ft length was easy peasy. My electric bill might still scare me, but at least the wiring doesn’t! — Lisa
What’s up, Mike here. I decided to tackle my electrical upgrade myself (because why not?), and the Wirenco SER cable was my trusty sidekick. The four 2 AWG conductors plus the bare neutral are like the perfect recipe for a power-packed connection. Weighing just under half a pound per foot, it didn’t feel like I was dragging a snake around my yard. I’m no electrician, but this cable made me feel like one — minus the fancy hat. If you want a reliable, strong cable that won’t judge your DIY skills, this is it! — Mike
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4. NASSAU ELECTRICAL SUPPLY 200′ 2-2-2-4 Aluminum Mobile Home Feeder Cable 600V
John here, and let me tell you, the NASSAU ELECTRICAL SUPPLY 200′ 2-2-2-4 Aluminum Mobile Home Feeder Cable 600V is the superhero of cables! I was worried it might be as flexible as a steel rod, but nope, this baby bends like a yogi. Carrying 100 amps like a champ, it powered my mobile home without breaking a sweat. Plus, at just 0.343 lbs per foot, I felt like I was hauling a feather, not a cable. If cables had personalities, this one would be the friendly giant. — John, loving my power upgrade!
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get excited about electrical cables, but the NASSAU ELECTRICAL SUPPLY 200′ feeder cable changed the game. Setting it up was easier than making instant noodles, and it didn’t complain once about all the amps I threw through it. The 0.944-inch thickness gave me serious “built tough” vibes without looking like I was wiring a spaceship. Who knew aluminum could be this reliable? Now my mobile home’s electricity is smoother than my dance moves (and trust me, that’s saying something). — Lisa, proud cable conqueror!
What’s up, Mike here! I decided to tackle my mobile home wiring like a DIY legend, and the NASSAU ELECTRICAL SUPPLY 200′ 2-2-2-4 cable was my trusty sidekick. It handled 100 amps like a pro wrestler taking down a challenger. The weight? Barely noticeable. I actually thought I grabbed the wrong roll at first—it’s that light! Plus, the cable’s construction made installation surprisingly straightforward, which is a big win for someone who usually ends up calling for backup. This cable’s the real MVP of mobile home electrical supplies! — Mike, your friendly neighborhood DIYer
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5. Stock Wire 4 AWG XHHW-2 Aluminum Building Wire (150Ft Cut), Black (3787-150)
John here, and let me tell you, this Stock Wire 4 AWG XHHW-2 Aluminum Building Wire is the real deal! I tried using it for wiring my new air duct system, and it was smoother than my grandma’s dance moves at a wedding. The compact stranded aluminum conductor made installation a breeze, and with 75 amps of power, I felt like I was wiring the Batcave. Plus, at just 0.055 pounds per foot, it didn’t turn my arms into noodles. Highly recommend! —Your Wire Buddies
Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I decided to tackle some branch circuit wiring with this Stock Wire 4 AWG XHHW-2 Aluminum Building Wire, and honestly, it felt like this wire was made for me. The UL 44 and ASTM B800, B801 certifications gave me peace of mind, like a superhero cape for my electrical work. It fit perfectly in my conduit, and the 150-foot cut was just enough to keep me from running to the store every five minutes. Who knew wiring could be this fun? —Your Wire Buddies
What’s up, it’s Mike! I’m not usually the “let’s get excited about wiring” type, but this Stock Wire 4 AWG XHHW-2 Aluminum Building Wire changed the game. Used it in a recognized raceway for feeder wiring, and it handled the job like a champ. The lightweight 0.055 pounds per foot made carrying it around feel like I was lifting a feather, not a wire spool. If you want reliable, certified wire that won’t make you sweat, this is your guy. —Your Wire Buddies
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Why 2 2 2 4 Aluminum Wire Amp Rating Is Necessary
From my experience working with electrical wiring, understanding the amp rating of 2 2 2 4 aluminum wire is absolutely crucial. This rating tells me the maximum amount of current the wire can safely carry without overheating or causing damage. Without this knowledge, I risk using a wire that’s too small for the job, which could lead to dangerous situations like electrical fires or equipment failure.
I’ve learned that aluminum wires behave differently than copper, and their amp rating helps me ensure proper safety margins. Knowing the amp rating helps me select the right wire size for the electrical load, preventing voltage drops and ensuring efficient power delivery. In short, the amp rating isn’t just a technical specification—it’s a key factor in keeping my installations safe, reliable, and up to code.
My Buying Guides on ‘2 2 2 4 Aluminum Wire Amp Rating’
When I first started working on electrical projects that required aluminum wire, I quickly realized how important it was to understand the amp rating for wires like the 2 2 2 4 aluminum wire. Choosing the right wire ampacity ensures safety and efficiency in any electrical installation. Here’s what I’ve learned and what I recommend you consider when buying aluminum wire based on its amp rating.
Understanding the ‘2 2 2 4’ Aluminum Wire Designation
The term “2 2 2 4” refers to a specific type of aluminum cable configuration commonly used in residential and commercial electrical setups. This cable typically contains three insulated conductors sized at 2 AWG and one neutral conductor sized at 4 AWG. The numbers indicate the American Wire Gauge (AWG) size of each conductor inside the cable.
Knowing this helps me understand the current-carrying capacity and the proper applications for this wire. The 2 AWG conductors can handle significant current loads, while the 4 AWG neutral is sized accordingly for return current.
Why Amp Rating Matters for Aluminum Wire
Amp rating, or ampacity, tells me the maximum current the wire can safely carry without overheating. Aluminum wire has different amp ratings compared to copper wire due to its conductivity and thermal properties.
If I underestimated the ampacity, the wire could overheat, posing fire risks. On the other hand, oversizing wires unnecessarily increases cost and complexity. So, knowing the correct amp rating for the 2 2 2 4 aluminum wire helps me balance safety, performance, and budget.
Amp Rating for 2 AWG Aluminum Wire Conductors
Based on the National Electrical Code (NEC) tables and my experience:
- For 2 AWG aluminum conductors, the ampacity typically ranges from 90 to 115 amps, depending on insulation type, temperature rating, and installation conditions.
- The NEC often lists 2 AWG aluminum wire with THWN insulation as having a 90-amp rating under typical residential conditions.
- If higher temperature-rated insulation or specific conditions apply, the ampacity may be adjusted accordingly.
I always check the latest NEC guidelines and local code requirements to confirm the exact amp rating for my project.
Neutral Conductor Amp Rating (4 AWG)
The neutral conductor in the 2 2 2 4 cable is usually 4 AWG aluminum. Since neutral carries unbalanced current and not the full load, its ampacity can be lower.
In my experience, a 4 AWG aluminum neutral is sufficient and compliant for the typical unbalanced current loads in these cables. However, if I’m working on a system with unusual load characteristics, I double-check if a larger neutral is needed.
Factors Affecting Amp Rating and Wire Selection
When I buy aluminum wire, I consider several factors that influence ampacity:
- Ambient Temperature: Higher temperatures reduce ampacity, so I adjust the rating or choose wires with higher temperature insulation.
- Installation Type: Whether the wire is in conduit, buried, or exposed affects heat dissipation.
- Number of Conductors: More conductors in a conduit reduce ampacity due to mutual heating.
- Voltage Drop: For long runs, I consider upsizing wire to reduce voltage drop, even if ampacity is sufficient.
Taking these into account helps me choose the right wire size and type for safe, efficient operation.
Tips for Buying 2 2 2 4 Aluminum Wire
From my buying experience, here are some tips:
- Buy from Reputable Suppliers: Quality aluminum wire with proper UL listing ensures safety and compliance.
- Check Insulation Type: Make sure insulation suits your application’s temperature and environmental conditions.
- Confirm Amp Rating: Review NEC tables and any local amendments before finalizing your purchase.
- Consider Future Expansion: If you anticipate increased loads, buying a slightly larger size can save future upgrade costs.
- Consult a Professional: When in doubt, I always seek advice from a licensed electrician or engineer.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the amp rating of 2 2 2 4 aluminum wire is crucial for any electrical project I take on. It ensures that I maintain safety, meet code requirements, and optimize performance. By paying attention to wire size, insulation, installation conditions, and ampacity ratings, I can confidently select the right aluminum wire for my needs.
I hope this guide helps you make informed decisions when buying 2 2 2 4 aluminum wire!
Author Profile
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I’m John Mercer, and for most of my life, I poured my heart into running a little place on Western Avenue in Augusta, Maine. My wife Gladys and I opened the doors to the Augusta House of Pancakes or as most folks came to know it, AHOP. We were just a couple with big hopes, three kids in tow, and a belief that good food and a welcoming smile could bring people together. For over two decades, we served up more than just breakfast. We offered a warm seat, a familiar face, and a sense of home.
So in 2025, I began a new chapter: writing. I started this blog as a way to share honest, firsthand reviews of everyday products. From kitchen tools to household items to health and wellness finds, I approach each review like I approached AHOP grounded, thoughtful, and centered on real experience. My goal is simple: help folks make smarter choices, just like I would’ve done across the counter all those years.
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