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BX became the registered trade name of AC Cable distributed by General Electric who had acquired Sprague Electric. The biggest difference between the two cable systems is that MC has full size ground wire while AC uses a combination of the jacket and a thin bonding strip or wire to function as the equipment ground.
Is MC and BX cable the same?
BX cable is actually a branded name for AC or armored cable. The same way we refer to any medical adhesive strip as Band-Aids, BX cable is simply the name a company chose for their armored cable and it just stuck. MC cable is easier to remember because it’s an abbreviation for “metal clad” or “metallic-sheathed cable.”.
Where can BX cable be used?
Electrical cable encased in metal sheathing is often used in basements and other areas where the wire is not encased in a finished wall. It is handled differently than standard Romex® (non-metallic sheathed) cable. It is often used in fire-rated occupancies as an alternative to metallic conduit.
What is a MC cable?
MC Cable Definition MC Cable, by most common definition, is a factory assembly of one or more insulated circuit conductors enclosed in an armor of interlocking metal tape or a smooth or corrugated metal sheath. The smaller cables should be unsheathed by using an armored cutter like the famous “Roto-Split”.
When Should 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 BX cable legal?
BX is accepted by the National Electrical Code (NEC). Older BX cables without an internal bonding strip are not accepted by 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.
What is the disadvantage of BX armored cable?
The main drawback is that BX is more expensive. It is about 35-40% more for the cable than BX. It is also slightly more difficult to install, as cutting the metal sheathing takes slightly more time, than cutting NM cable.
Is BX safer than Romex?
Romex cables are light and have a slippery coating that easily pulls through holes. BX cables are safer and protect against any accidental penetrations. Romex cables have vinyl sheathing that you can penetrate easily. A BX cable usually is grounded through an internal plastic-coated ground wire or metal armor.
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.
What does BX cable mean?
Armored cable (AC) first appears in the 1903 NEC. There were originally two initial versions of armored cable. One was called “AX” and the other “BX,” with the “X” standing for “experimental.” The “BX” version became the one that eventually was produced, and hence the name “BX” became the common name.
What is a BX connector?
BX Connector. Use: BX connectors are used to terminate steel Armored. Cable to a 1/2″ knock-out in a dry. location box or enclosure.
Can you run MC wire 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.
Can you use zip ties to strap MC cable?
Yes, cable ties are permitted. Section 330.30(A) provides the general requirements and permits cable ties. Type 2S or Type 21S cable ties are now recognized as capable of providing “securement and support” for cable assemblies and flexible conduit.
How far does MC have to be supported?
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.
Can you run MC cable to a plastic box?
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.
Is BX wiring safe?
The actual name for it is “Armored Cable” or AC, but many people call it by its original trade name “Greenfield” or just BX. Modern BX wiring, properly installed, is safe. It is acceptable to the latest version of the National Electrical Code (2017 NEC Article 320).
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.
Is MC cable shielded?
Instrumentation Cable MC-HL Aluminum Armor The overall shield provides protection from external interference but not between group interference. It may be installed indoors or outside, in wet or dry locations and is sunlight resistant and can be direct buried.
What is better than Romex?
Conduit has one big advantage over ROMEX® wiring and that is flexibility. While ROMEX® is available in a number of sizes, the insulated wires are all white, black and red. Using conduit, it is possible to use any color wire and implement color coding schemes not possible with ROMEX®.
Is BX wire copper or aluminum?
Copper/Aluminum BX Cable Scrap is made up of plastic insulated copper wire that is coated with aluminum casing.
