Mobile Home Feeder Cable Power
A plain-English guide to mobile home feeder cable: what it does, how it is sized, what the electrical code requires, and which parts of the job belong to a licensed electrician.
What Is Mobile Home Feeder Cable Power?
Essential Power Connection
Mobile home feeder cable power systems provide the critical electrical connection that carries power from your mobile home power pole to the main electrical panel inside your home.
This specialized cable must handle the full electrical load of your mobile home while meeting National Electrical Code requirements for manufactured housing.
Unlike standard house wiring, mobile home feeder cables must be suited to the unique challenges of manufactured housing, including outdoor exposure and flexible installation requirements. For those considering energy independence, proper feeder cable sizing is also critical for off-grid mobile home installations.
Feeder cable connection from power pole to mobile home
Mobile Home Feeder Cable Options
The two common choices are aluminum and copper conductors. Your electrician will confirm the type and size that fit your service.
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Aluminum Mobile Home Feeder Cable
- AA-8000 series aluminum alloy
- Lightweight and cost-effective
- Corrosion resistant
Copper Mobile Home Feeder Cable
- Copper conductors
- Higher conductivity than aluminum
- Heavier and more expensive
Mobile Home Feeder Cable Sizing Guide
Get the right size cable for your mobile home’s electrical service requirements.
| Service Size | Aluminum AWG | Copper AWG | Typical Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 Amp | 1/0 AWG | 3 AWG | $200-$300 | Older Mobile Homes |
| 125 Amp | 2/0 AWG | 1 AWG | $250-$350 | Standard Mobile Homes |
| 150 Amp | 3/0 AWG | 1/0 AWG | $300-$450 | Larger Mobile Homes |
| 200 Amp | 4/0 AWG | 3/0 AWG | $400-$600 | New/Modern Mobile Homes |
Feeder Cable Installation Process
Basic steps for a safe, code-compliant mobile home electrical connection.
Cable Selection
Choose the correct AWG size based on your mobile home’s electrical service requirements. Consider distance, amperage, and voltage drop calculations. Proper sizing is also essential for mobile home generators and emergency power connections.
Installation Planning
Plan the cable route from power pole to mobile home panel. Ensure proper support and protection from environmental factors.
Professional Connection
Have a licensed electrician make all connections. Proper grounding and bonding are critical for safety and code compliance.
Technical Specifications & Standards
Cable Construction Features
Aluminum Conductors: AA-8000 series aluminum alloy provides good conductivity while remaining lightweight and cost-effective for mobile home applications.
Insulation Properties: XHHW-2 insulation is rated for 90°C in dry and wet locations, which makes it versatile for outdoor mobile home installations.
Understanding these specifications helps you get a cable that will give reliable service for many years while meeting safety and code requirements.
What the Electrical Code Requires
Four conductors: Under NEC 550.33(A), a mobile home feeder is made up of four continuous, insulated, color-coded conductors: two hots, a neutral and an equipment grounding conductor. The neutral and the ground are kept separate at the home — they are not bonded together in the mobile home’s panel.
Service equipment location: Under NEC 550.32(A), the service equipment goes outside the mobile home, in sight of it, and no more than 30 feet from its exterior wall. It is not mounted in or on the home itself.
Installation Requirements
Conductor Size: Must be properly sized for the electrical load and distance to prevent voltage drop and ensure safe operation.
Grounding: Proper grounding conductor sizing is critical for safety — see our complete How to Ground a Mobile Home guide.
Environmental Protection: Cables must be protected from physical damage and environmental factors that could compromise electrical safety.
Would You Rather Sell Than Repair?
If a new feeder, power pole or panel is one more big job on top of other repairs, selling the home as-is is one option to compare. I buy mobile homes that need work, and you don’t have to fix anything first.
Mobile Home Feeder Cable FAQ
Common questions about mobile home feeder cable selection and installation.
What size feeder cable do I need for my mobile home?
The feeder cable size depends on your mobile home’s electrical service rating. Many newer mobile homes have 200-amp service; the table above lists 4/0 AWG aluminum or 3/0 AWG copper for that size. Check your electrical panel rating, and have a licensed electrician confirm the size for your load and run length.
Should I choose aluminum or copper feeder cable?
Aluminum is the most popular choice for mobile home feeder cables due to its cost-effectiveness and lighter weight. AA-8000 series aluminum provides good conductivity and corrosion resistance. Copper offers superior conductivity but costs significantly more and is heavier to install.
Can I install mobile home feeder cable myself?
While you can run the cable yourself, electrical connections at both ends must be made by a licensed electrician in most areas. The installation must also pass electrical inspection. Professional installation ensures safety and code compliance.
How much does mobile home feeder cable cost?
Mobile home feeder cable costs $200-$600 depending on size, length, and material. Aluminum cables range from $200-$400, while copper cables cost $300-$600.
Where can I buy mobile home feeder cable?
Electrical supply houses, some home improvement stores and online retailers carry it. Whatever you buy, make sure it is the right type and size for your service, and check with your electrician before you order.
How long do mobile home feeder cables last?
Properly installed and protected feeder cable can last for many years. Aluminum cable with XHHW-2 insulation holds up well when it is protected from physical damage and weather. Have it checked if you see damaged insulation, corrosion at the terminals or signs of overheating.