Table of Contents
Can you use MC cable in a house?
The interlocking metal tape armor Type MC cable is required to have a bare or insulated equipment grounding conductor in addition to any other conductors within the cable. These cables can be installed either indoors or outdoors and in exposed and concealed locations.
How do you support 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.
When Should MC cable be used?
A. Type MC cable can be used for service-entrance conductors, feeders and branch circuits in many applications. Section 330.10 of the National Electrical Code includes the general uses permitted for Type MC cable. Many other uses are permitted in other articles for specific applications.
Does MC cable need to be bonded?
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 can MC cable be used?
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.
Is MC cable better than Romex?
Safety: Compared to Romex, MC cable is safer to install due to its metallic sheath. This sheath helps protect against accidental shearing and penetration, reducing the risk for accidental wire exposure. Romex sheathing is easily penetrated or sheared, making it less safe unless run through protective conduit.
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.
Can you support MC with zip ties?
Are cable ties (or “Ty-Raps”) allowed for supporting Type MC cable in a ceiling? Yes, cable ties are permitted. Section 330.30(A) provides the general requirements and permits cable ties.
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.
Is MC cable suitable for wet locations?
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.
What is the difference between BX and MC cable?
They’re very similar in most regards, but there is one big difference between the two cables. In the electrical world, AC or BX cables do not come with a ground wire while MC cables do. Both are essentially just names for armored cable.
Is MC cable grounded?
MC-Stat® MCI-A cable has a full-sized insulated copper conductor as a second equipment grounding means for healthcare applications.
Can you run BX exposed?
What Are BX Cable and Wire? Another distinction is that some types of BX cable can be installed in exposed locations, either indoors or outdoors. NM cable and wiring must always be installed in an enclosed location (typically within a wall, ceiling, or under a floor).
Can you run MC cable in PVC conduit?
The fact it is allowed in any raceway means it is allowed in any raceway. When it is in a raceway it does not have to be secured to the box, it is secured to the raceway.
Can MC cable be used with plastic boxes?
thanks! Its against code to run MC cable into a plastic box. Plastic boxes do not have the proper clamps to secure MC cable.
Can you run armored cable outside?
Type AC “armored cable” cannot be used outdoors. Type MC “metal-clad cable” may be used outdoors, if the manufacturer has rated it for outdoor use and marked the packaging as such.
Why is Romex more expensive than MC?
It may be simply that the OP’s HD moves more Romex®, then MC, so it has not been restocked yet, when it is restocked it will reflect the newer prices.
Is Romex MC cable?
Romex is called NMB (non metallic is the generic name) in the code. BX is a MC (metal clad) cable. There is also a AC, or armored cable. AC’s cladding can be used as the ground, it also has a bonding strip which helps with using the jacket as a ground, where as MC will have a separate green ground wire.
Why is Romex so expensive 2021?
After a 22% price increase in 2020, Goldman Sachs analysts say that 2021 could soon see a record high for copper prices. These price increases are due to factors such as China’s economic recovery from the pandemic, sustainable green energy stimuluses, and supply disruptions.
Are Anti short bushings required on MC cable?
Anti-short bushings are not required for Type MC cable in accordance with the listing for the product. NEMA supports the uniform adoption and enforcement of the NEC and recommends that local Authorities Having Jurisdiction follow the requirements of NEC Section 330.40, Boxes and Fittings for MC Cable.
