TEMCo 10 AWG Solar Cable 500 ft - Made in USA, Direct Burial

In this review of TEMCo 10 AWG PV wire the bottom line is straightforward: this is a durable, American-made solar cable best suited for installers and DIYers who need a bulk spool of reliable, pure copper conductors for outdoor photovoltaic runs. The single biggest reason to buy is the combination of 19-strand pure copper construction and UL 4703 certification, which delivers consistent conductivity and a confidence-inspiring insulation system rated for direct burial and 600 VDC service.

Key Features

• Made in the USA: Manufactured domestically to consistent quality standards, offering traceability and material integrity for critical solar connections.
• 19-Strand Pure Copper: The multi-strand copper core provides reliable electrical conductivity and enough flexibility for routing and connector crimping.
• 600 VDC/50 A Rating: Electrical ratings support typical PV string and combiner applications without upscaling concerns.
• XLPE Insulation: Cross-linked polyethylene insulation gives weather and temperature resilience, suitable for outdoor and buried runs between -40C and 90C.
• Direct Burial Rated: Designed to be installed underground without additional conduit in many installations, simplifying long runs.
• Nominal Size: At 0.230 in OD and about 17.54 ft per lb, the cable balances size and manageability on a large spool.

Who It's For

This cable is aimed at solar contractors, off-grid installers, and serious DIY PV builders who need a dependable bulk length of 10 AWG PV wire that meets industry safety standards. Its UL 4703 rating and direct burial capability make it a practical choice for array-to-combiner and combiner-to-inverter runs where durability matters.

It is less well suited for tiny, highly flexible indoor patching or applications where ultra-flexible tinsel conductors are required; some customers note the wire is not hyper-flexible and can be bulky when uncoiled. If you need very short jumper leads or micro-connections, consider pre-terminated leads instead.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Made in the USA build quality and pure copper strands for reliable conductivity.
• UL 4703 certified and XLPE insulated for outdoor and direct burial use.
• Electrical ratings of 600 VDC and 50 amps cover most residential and small commercial PV needs.
• Good value for bulk purchases when long runs are required.

Cons

• Not extremely flexible; handling can be stiff compared with softer connector leads.
• Large spools may come tightly coiled and can tangle if not carefully managed during uncoiling.

Specifications

Gauge	10 AWG
Conductor	19-strand pure copper
Voltage Rating	600 VDC
Current Rating	50 amps
Temperature Range	-40C to 90C
Outer Diameter	0.230 in (nominal)
Length per Pound	17.54 ft per lb

Our Verdict

For anyone wiring solar arrays who values certification and copper content, this TEMCo 10 AWG solar cable is a practical, cost-effective choice. The UL 4703 rating, XLPE insulation and direct burial approval make it suitable for most outdoor PV runs, and its pure copper construction offers long-term reliability, making it good value for bulk wiring needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this cable suitable for direct burial?
Yes. The wire is XLPE insulated and direct burial rated per the product description and UL 4703 standard.

Can this be used with common solar MC4 connectors?
Yes. The 10 AWG, 19-strand pure copper conductor is compatible with most crimp-style PV connectors rated for 10 AWG.

How flexible is the cable for routing?
The 19-strand copper provides reasonable flexibility for routing, but it is not ultra-flexible; handle large spools carefully to avoid tangling when uncoiling.