Table of Contents
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.
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 MC cable be used in residential?
MC Cable Permitted Uses Commercial, industrial, and residential/commercial buildings.
What is MC cable vs conduit?
Metal-clad armor resists corrosion, making it suitable for areas exposed to moisture. Interlocked armor is flexible, unlike conduit or even continuously welded armor, ensuring damage will not affect inner conductors. It is also more easily installed where complex, close-spaced bends would be difficult for conduit.
What does MC cable stand for?
Q: What is MC-PCS? A: Type MC-PCS cable stands for Metal Clad Cable – Power Control Signal. These are Metal Clad cables that contain traditional copper conductors for power, along with a jacketed twisted pair used for control wiring that is used in dimming systems.
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.
Is MC cable allowed to be exposed?
Section 330.15 states: Exposed runs of cable, except as provided in 300.11(A), shall closely follow the surface of the building finish or running boards. Exposed runs shall also be permitted to be installed on the underside of joists where supported at each joist and located so as not to be subject to physical damage.
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.
Is MC safer 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 MC cable be used in damp locations?
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.
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 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 MC cable underground?
The Metal Clad Cable includes a grounding wire and can be used in outdoor applications. It can go into concealed and unconcealed spaces, and even buried underground. The National Electric Code (NEC), it is also approves it for difficult locations that involve exposure to moisture and hazardous elements.
How often does MC need to be strapped?
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 into a plastic box?
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.
Is MC waterproof?
STAYING SAFE WITH THICK BITUMINOUS COATINGS FROM MC With MC’s thick bituminous coatings, you are always on the safe side. They adapt perfectly to the substrate or soil and, with polymer-modified bitumen, even protrusions, light shafts and abutments can be waterproofed – quickly, simply and reliably.
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.
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 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.
Is tie wire UL listed?
Not all cable ties are created equal. Some have only been evaluated to secure or position a cable. UL considers a cable tie a “cable positioning device” and certifies them to UL 62275.
Can you support conduit from conduit?
A conduit body, not exceeding 100 cubic inches in size, can be supported by either rigid metal or intermediate metal conduit, when the installation complies with Section 370-23(e). The raceways are secured within 3 feet of the conduit body. This installation is Code compliant, and therefore acceptable.
Are Type 21 cable ties plenum rated?
Agency Approvals & Self Certifications Products which are UL Listed as noted in the Typical Data section meet UL Standard 62275 for Cable Management Systems, TYPE 21 or TYPE 21S, and are suitable for use in Air Handling Spaces (plenums) in accordance with Section 300.22 of the National Electric Code.
