Can MC cable be run exposed?

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Type MC Cable without an outside nonmetallic jacket can be installed in an “other space used for environmental air” in accordance with Section 300.22(C). 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.



Keeping this in consideration, can armored cable be exposed?

This casing needs to be attached to metal boxes. 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).

Also Know, where is MC cable allowed? 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. Type MC Cable that is listed and marked for Direct Burial is also suitable for concrete encasement.

Similarly, you may ask, can you surface mount MC cable?

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 put MC cable in EMT?

The individual conductors, in MC, are not approved for use in other raceways without being in the MC jacket. They make mc to emt connectors. Its a set screw, dont run the mc assembly through the pipe.

37 Related Question Answers Found

Can you use MC cable in a damp location?

PVC coated, sunlight resistant, direct burial rated MC cable can be used in a wet location.

Can you run MC cable into a plastic box?

Plastic boxes do not have the proper clamps to secure MC cable. 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 MC cable through conduit?

So if your running an mc cable into a conduit it has to exit the conduit and terminate into the enclosure with an approved mc fitting.

What is the difference between MC and BX cable?

For those who are not familiar with the difference between the two, BX has a mechanical ground as part of the armored cable wall or jacket, where MC has an "extra" green wire that is used for grounding purposes.

Is Mc considered conduit?


Article 330 defines Type MC (metal clad) cable as “a factory assembly of one or more insulated circuit conductors with or without optical fiber members enclosed in an armor of interlocking metal tape, or a smooth or corrugated metallic sheath.” Article 354 covers Nonmetallic Underground Conduit with Conductors.

How far can you run 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.

What is the difference between armored cable and MC cable?

Armored cable (AC) first appears in the 1903 NEC. There were originally two initial versions of armored cable. 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.

Does armored cable need to be grounded?

If the fiber-optic cable in a system needs extra protection, there is an alternative to using conduit or a bonded and grounded conductive cable, such as an all-dielectric armored cable. Because all-dielectric armored cable has no metallic components, there is no need to ground or bond the cable.

How many MC Can you bundle together?

There are roughly ten 12-2 MC cables installed in bundled configuration using nylon tie wraps. These cables are the homeruns for 20-ampere branch circuits. Appreciate your insight. Section 310.15(B)(3)(a)(5) says that if they exceeded 20 current carrying conductors the derating is 60%.

Is MC cable considered flexible metal conduit?


Flexible metal conduit (FMC) is commonly called “Greenfield.” The main difference between MC cable and FMC is that FMC doesn't have the insulated wires pre installed; you have to pull them through instead. It also allows you to add wires in the future, something you can't do with MC cable.

Does MC cable required anti Short bushings?

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.

How often should MC cables be strapped?

It must be secured at least every 6 ft. Additionally, MC cable containing four or fewer conductors of size 10 AWG or less is required to be secured within 12 in. from every box, cabinet, or fitting. Both requirements are illustrated in Exhibit 330.2.

Is MC cable weatherproof?

MC can be used outdoors, wet (if conductors so rated), and direct buried (if cable so rated).

What type of wire is in MC cable?

MC cable contains conductors from 18 AWG through 2000 kcmil for copper and 12 AWG through 2000 kcmil for aluminum. Typical branch circuit Type MC cables have copper conductors with THHN, THHN/THWN or XHHW insulation and are suitable for circuits up to 600 volts.

What type of wire is used for outdoor outlets?


Note: The new circuit cable and GFCI receptacle must have the same amperage rating as the existing circuit. Use 12-gauge cable and a 20-amp receptacle for a 20-amp circuit; use 14-gauge cable and a 15-amp receptacle for a 15-amp circuit.

What must be done when cables are bundled together for more than 24 inches?

The rule applies only to bundles exceeding 24 inches in length, the assumption being that conductors beyond the 24 inches would act as heat sinks to conduct and dissipate the heat from the inner conductors.

What does CLX cable stand for?

NAMES. C-L-X® Continuous-Lightweight-Exterior. Welded and corrugated, impervious metallic sheathed cables.