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.
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.
Thereof, Is BX cable the same as MC 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. … Those are the only differences between the two cables.
Also to know is, Can I use MC cable in residential? 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.
Subsequently, question is, How often does MC cable need 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.
Also, 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 do you use an 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.
What is a BX cable?
What Are BX Cable and Wire? Going under alternative names such as metallic sheathed cable, type AC, MC, Greenfield, or armored cable, BX cable is a collection of plastic-coated insulated wires (typically 14- or 12-gauge), bundled together and protected by a ribbon-like metal sheathing.
Is BX cable 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. … Modern BX wiring, properly installed, is safe. It is acceptable to the latest version of the National Electrical Code (2017 NEC Article 320).
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.
Can MC cable be used in residential?
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.
What is the difference between BX and MC?
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.
What is the difference between BX and MC 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. … Those are the only differences between the two cables.
Are anti shorts required for MC cable?
According to NEC® Article 320.40, an insulated (anti-short) bushing is required when installing Type AC cable. It is installed at the time of termination and designed to protect the conductors from damage. AFC provides bushings in bags packaged with the cable.
Can BX cable be used outdoors?
No, you cannot use this cable outdoors. … 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).
Where can MC cable be used?
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.
Can you mix Romex and BX?
The cable and connector is the ground with BX. As a side note to Speedy, Here in my area you cannot run romex directly to the furnace you must use bx at the furnace. So you can run bx all the way to the main panel with a switch in between or like I do, romex to a box and then bx to the furance as you have.
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