Type MC cable
Power cable
A power cable is an assembly of one or more electrical conductors, usually held together with an overall sheath. The assembly is used for transmission of electrical power. Power cables may be installed as permanent wiring within buildings, buried in the ground, run overhead, or exposed.
What is the difference between securing and supporting MC cables?
Securing and supporting is different but sometimes, the way an MC cable is secured can also be the support. Section 330.30 (B) is all about securing an MC cable while 330.30 (C) is about ensuring the cable is properly supported.
What are the regulations for MC Cable?
Type MC cable installed outside of buildings or structures or as aerial cable shall comply with 225.10 , 396.10, and 396.12. Type MC cable shall not be used under either of the following conditions:
What's new in MC cables?
Code Change Summary: New code language was added to allow 250 kcmil and larger, vertically installed MC cables, to be secured every 10 ft. Securing and supporting is different but sometimes, the way an MC cable is secured can also be the support.
Can MC Cable be unsupported and unsecured?
Type MC cable shall be permitted to be unsupported and unsecured where the cable complies with any of the following: 330.30 (D) (1) Is fished between access points through concealed spaces in finished buildings or structures and supporting is impractical.
How often does MC cable need to be secured?
6 feetAccording 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 use zip ties to secure MC cable?
Yes, cable ties are permitted. Section 330.30(A) provides the general requirements and permits cable ties.
How far apart does MC need to be strapped?
Screw the Straps Around MC Cable Install a strap within 12-in. of each box. All subsequent straps need to be within 6-ft. of each other.
Can you use staples to secure MC cable?
2:233:16Are DeWalt Cable Stapler Staples Legal for MC Cable by 2020 NEC?YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSay the answer is yes these staples and this cable stapler can be used with mc cable.MoreSay the answer is yes these staples and this cable stapler can be used with mc cable.
What is code for securing MC cable?
Article 330.30According 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.
Where is MC cable not permitted?
MC cables are not permitted to be installed where subject to physical damage.
What are 3 acceptable ways to support cable runs?
Three acceptable ways to support cable runs include cable trays, conduit wiring systems, and ladder racks.
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.
Do you have to staple MC cable?
MC staples are not required to be listed. What did you use? 330.30 Securing and Supporting. not to damage the cable.
What staples for MC cable?
BX Staples are used to secure Romex®, BX, or MC cable to wooden studs. They are the ideal choice for securing 14/3, 12/3, 10/3 cable to wooden studs. They are manufactured from low carbon steel and zinc plated for corrosion resistance.
Are anti shorts required for MC cable?
Anti-short bushings that may be supplied by MC Cable manufacturers are for optional use by the installer, however they are not required.
Can you phase tape MC cable?
Senior Member. You are permitted to phase tape MC or AC cable conductors. You can re identify any size black conductor as a ungrounded conductor. For example you can tape a black wire in an MC cable red or blue.
Can you support EMT with zip ties?
Only the AHJ can approved the securing and supporting means. IMHO, provided that the zip tie is listed for the environment and the weight of the conduit I would not have a problem with a zip tie used to secure and support EMT.
Can you strap MC cable to EMT?
you can tie wire FMC and MC to emt I would think if your going to stap it like that you have chosen a path for your home runs and you have built it in a way that you have planned for the extra weight. If you have a pipe run that just runs from point a to point b with min strapping you can not strap to it.
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.
What is PVC jacketed MC?
PVC-jacketed MC has a coating over the length of it that makes the inside of the conductor impervious to moisture. It also allows for the conductor to be in direct contact with the earth for use in direct-burial applications.
How many times the diameter of a conductor?
Twelve times the overall diameter of one of the individual conductors or seven times the overall diameter of the multiconductor cable, whichever is greater.
How long is 330.30 D?
330.30 (D) (2) Is not more than 1.8 m (6 ft) in length from the last point of cable support to the point of connection to luminaires or other electrical equipment and the cable and point of connection are within an accessible ceiling.
What is 330.30 D?
330.30 (D) (3) Is Type MC of the interlocked armor type in lengths not exceeding 900 mm (3 ft) from the last point where it is securely fastened and is used to connect equipment where flexibility is necessary to minimize the transmission of vibration from equipment or to provide flexibility for equipment that requires movement after installation.
Is MC cable the same as AC?
MC cable typically has either an insulated or bare FULL SIZED equipment grounding conductor inside of it – or sometimes both depending on the purpose of the MC. AC has a small #16AWG equipment grounding conductor in it. The codes in the 2017 NEC have variations in them between MC and AC on things such as bushings as well as the bonding conductor requirements, that is all to say, they are not the same thing. Think Metallica and Megadeth or Audioslave and Soundgarden. Essentially the same…but different.
Can MC cable be used indoors?
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. However if you look into the UL listing for MC cable it is designed to be a dry-environment cable assembly. Use your discretion on this, but it’s always better to err on the side of caution when interpreting code. For wet and dry environments there is an MC cable assembly that is listed and approved for both.
Do you need to use anti short bushings with MC cable?
As of 2017 there is no requirement in the National Electric Code for MC to use anti-short bushings in MC cable installations. There is, however, a code which calls for them with the use of AC cable (320.40). Most wire-manufacturers include bundles of these bushing with every roll of MC cable they sell, as an courtesy in the event you choose to use them. You do not need to with MC. I find this a little bizarre, since AC and MC are fundamentally the same thing. The same problems exist in both instances, so I still prefer to use them. The national electric code is a minimum standard, which means you can go above and beyond them…you just can’t fall short.
What Is MC Cable Used For?
In other words, MC is useful for wiring your main electrical panel from your service head, your sub panel (if applicable) to your main electrical panel, and your individual outlets and lighting circuits from your main electrical panel. MC cable can be used inside and outside, in wet locations when specified, and in concealed or non-concealed areas.
What is MC wire?
Metal clad cable can be installed for service, feeder, and branch circuitry. In other words, MC is useful for wiring your main electrical panel from your service head, your sub panel (if applicable) to your main electrical panel, and your individual outlets and lighting circuits from your main electrical panel.
Is cable flexible?
Cable is flexible. Cable cuts easily. Many varieties useful for different applications (wet locations where corrosion can take place, direct burial, hospital settings, etc.) Indoor and outdoor use! Permitted in buildings with an unlimited height requirement. Commercial and residential use.
