Table of Contents
What do you cut MC with?
Method 1: Rotary cable cutter Rotary cable cutters are a standard tool used to install Type MC and AC Cables and can be found in most electrical supply stores. The blade depth can be adjusted to prevent cutting too deep into the armor and damaging the conductors within.
How do you cut armored wire?
Place a saw blade at a 45-degree angle to the armor and begin sawing. You should place the saw blade on the armor where it’s beginning to pop up. Then gently pull the blade back and forth across the armor until it just cuts through. Be careful not to cut through the wires.
Can you run MC cable in conduit?
Type MC armored cable can be installed in cable tray, racks, hangers, or as a cost-effective replacement for conduit and wire where specified per the National Electrical Code (NEC).
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 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 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.
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.
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.
What is 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”.
What is the difference between MC cable and BX?
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.
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 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 used with plastic boxes?
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 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 paint MC cable?
Can I paint my conduit? The quick answer is “yes,” but let’s cover some of what you’ll need to know first. Painting the armor does not violate the National Electric Code (NEC), however, this process can be time consuming and also create more cleanup on the job-site utilizing pre-painted armor saves time and labor.
Can you run MC 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.
