Table of Contents
How do you secure a MC cable?
Type MC cable must be supported and secured by staples, cable ties, straps, hangers, or similar fittings, designed and installed so as not to damage the cable. Type MC cable, with four or less conductors sized no larger than 10 AWG, must be secured within 12 in.
Can you use MC cable in residential?
MC Cable Permitted Uses Commercial, industrial, and residential/commercial buildings.
Can MC cable be surface mounted?
New for the 2017 NEC Code-cycle is section 330.15, entitled “Metal-Clad Cable: Type MC Exposed Work.” This new Code section requires an exposed run of MC Cable to closely follow the surface to which it is mounted while enjoying a new permission that allows the MC cable to be installed on the underside of floor joists.
Can you use zip ties to support MC?
Yes, cable ties are permitted. It is also important to note that, where cable ties are used in other spaces used for environmental air (for example, the space above a hung ceiling used for return air), they must be also listed as having low smoke and heat-release properties as required in Section 300.22(C).
Does MC cable need conduit?
Above Ground or Underground Romex should never be installed underground — the only NM cable that can be installed in this way is a UF-B cable. MC cable can be installed underground as long as it is run through a conduit to prevent decay. For above-ground applications, MC cable can be installed without a conduit.
Where is MC cable required?
Type MC cable installed on the bottom of floor or ceiling joists must be secured at every joist and not be subject to physical damage [Sec.
Can you run MC cable outside?
These cables can be installed either indoors or outdoors and in exposed and concealed locations. They can be direct buried, where identified for such use. Type MC cable with a nonmetallic jacket can also be used in a wet location.
What are the strapping requirements for MC cable?
According to NEC Article 330.30, MC cable must be supported and secured at intervals of 6 feet or less (unless routed through a framing member) and cables containing four or fewer conductors sized no larger than 10 AWG must be secured within 12 inches of every termination.
Where is MC cable not allowed?
330 of the NEC mentions that MC cable can be used indoor and outdoor but does not make mention of it being allowed or disallowed for use in damp environments. It does state that when used in wet locations there must be a corrosion-resistant jacket to protect the conductors.
Can I run MC cable through drywall?
Armored cable is fine in drywall – indeed, it’s superior to NM cable, and required in many/most commercial occupancies if not using conduit.
Can you use a plastic box with MC cable?
MC Cable Is for Metal Boxes Only! Plastic or fiberglass electrical boxes aren’t designed to be used with MC cable. Even if you’re able to rig up a connection to a plastic box, you will fail the electrical inspection.
How often do you strap Romex?
General Cable Support Runs of NM cable must be supported at least every 54 inches. 1 They also must be secured within 12 inches of an electrical box that includes a cable clamp or within eight inches of a box or enclosure without a cable clamp.
Can MC cable get wet?
PVC coated, sunlight resistant, direct burial rated MC cable can be used in a wet location. General use MC cables cannot be used in wet locations but there are some types of specialty MC cables that can. The most common is the PVC coated, sunlight resistant, direct burial listed MC cable in the image.
Can you use J hooks to support MC cable?
Conclusion. J Hooks are one of the most cost-effective solution for supporting horizontal cabling, providing a broad base for cable support, reducing stress and bending.
When can MC cable be unsupported?
MC cables may be unsupported when (1) fished through concealed spaces in finished buildings, (2) when not more than 6 ft. in length from the last point of cable support to the point of connection to a luminaire or other equipment, and (3) when not more than 3 ft.
How far can you run MC cable?
Sometimes, wiring methods require flexibility or movement. If installing an MC cable because flexibility is needed after installation to allow for equipment movement or vibration, supporting the cable rigidly in place would defeat the purpose. Now MC cable, of the interlocking type, can remain unsupported up to 3 ft.
Can you sleeve MC cable in PVC conduit?
Oh, separately, do not put MC inside of PVC or EMT conduit. This doesn’t make it suitable for wet locations. You can’t take a non-waterproof wire or cable and run it in a conduit to make it waterproof; that’s not allowed.
Can MC cable be embedded in concrete?
Can I install Type MC in concrete or against concrete or mortar? A. Yes, if the cable is listed for the application. Type MC cable is available with an outer PVC jacket and is permitted to be installed in parking decks, concrete pours and for direct earth burial if it is identified for such use.
When should you use MC cable?
Type MC cables are widely used in 600 volt and MV power, lighting and fixture whip control applications. They are permitted for use on services, feeders and branch circuits for power, lighting, control and signaling circuits in accordance with Article 330 and 725 of the NEC.
How deep should MC cable be buried?
In general, bury metal conduits at least 6 inches below the soil surface. You may also run them at a depth of 4 inches under a 4-inch concrete slab. Under your driveway, the conduits must be below a depth of 18 inches, and under a public road or alleyway, they must be buried below 24 inches.
