what is armor clad cable

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What is metal-clad armored cable?

Metal-clad (MC) armored cable constructions are a cost-effective alternative to traditional pipe and wire. These high-performing solutions offer significant cost savings by eliminating the need for electrical conduit and the labor required for installation.

What is the abbreviation for wire armored cable?

Steel wire armored cables are often abbreviated as SWA (Steel Wire Armour). Steel tape armored cables are often abbreviated as STA (Steel Tape Armor). Aluminum or aluminum wire armored cables are often abbreviated as AWA (Aluminum Wire Armoring).

What is the difference between armored cable and optical cable?

The armored cable has an additional layer of armor than the armored cable, which provides better protection for the cable, but at the same time, the price is relatively higher. Armored cables can withstand greater tension. Armored cable can be regarded as a kind of reinforced cable, which is stronger and stronger than standard optical cable.

What are the benefits of armored cables?

Armored cables eliminate the need for electrical conduit, provide higher mechancial protection and durability, and require fewer labor hours during installation. Contractors who use type MC report 50-75% combined labor and material savings versus pipe and wire.

What is clad cable?

(NEC Article 330) – Metal Clad cables are assemblies of one or more insulated circuit conductors with or without optical fiber members enclosed in an armor of interlocking metal tape, or a smooth corrugated sheath.

What's the difference between metal clad cable and armored cable?

Metal clad cables and armored clad cables are among the most confusing cables on the market. The reason for this is that construction-wise, these cables are more or less similar, and they both feature armor. The main difference between the two cables actually has to do with the grounding rather than the armor.

What is armor in cable?

An armored cable is a cable with a metal protective covering. Armored cable assemblies are suitable for lashed aerial applications where corrugated steel tape protects the fiber optic cable from rodents and provides additional stiffness for aerial lashing.

What is metal clad cable made of?

A Metal Clad Cable, also referred to as MC Cable, is a corrosion-resistant metal cable containing insulated copper or aluminum connectors.

Can metal clad cable be exposed?

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. They can be installed in a cable tray or in any raceway.

When should I use armoured cable?

To put it in context, typically armoured cables would be used when you require the cable to be buried directly underground, for outdoor installation or in tunnels. There may be instances where the ground is opened up again, and in the process, a spade or mechanical excavator may hit the buried cable by accident.

What is XLPE armoured cable?

XLPE cable stands for cross linked polyethylene cable. It is a hydronic tubing manufactured from polyethylene plastic. XLPE features a 3D molecular bond structure and shape memory characteristics.

What does XLPE mean in cables?

cross linked polyethylene1.2.1 Description of XLPE cable XLPE is an acronym for cross linked polyethylene. XLPE is a thermosetting polymer meaning that the material (polyethylene (PE)) is cured under heat and in that process forms bonds in all directions forming a three dimensional matrix.

What are the types of Armoured cables?

There are two types of armoured cables: aluminum wire armour and steel wire armour.

What is metal clad cable used for?

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 metal clad cable waterproof?

The metallic covering is impervious to moisture. A jacket resistant to moisture is provided under the metal covering. The insulated conductors under the metallic covering are listed for use in wet locations.

Can you bury armored cable?

Armoured cables and cables having an earthed metal sheath suitable for use as a protective conductor may be buried directly in the ground without further protection, except against corrosion, which may be negated by the provision of a plastic covering.

What is the difference between metal clad and metal enclosed switchgear?

Metal Clad is a subset of Metal Enclosed Switchgear and has the same features as mentioned above. The main difference is that internal components are individually clad in metal. As the main bonus, we can mention that if an error happens in one component, the overall system remains unaffected so increasing safety.

What are the types of armored cable?

There are two types of armoured cables: aluminum wire armour and steel wire armour.

What is the difference between armoured cable and flexible cable?

A big difference in the three designs is in how they are ground. BX are usually ground through the sheath; this is why BX cables most often need to be buried. Armored cables also ground through the sheath but can be exposed at certain areas without causing the system to ground.

Where can armored cable not be used?

You can't use armored cable where it's subject to dampness or physical damage [320.12]. Where flexibility is needed for: Applications exposing it to physical damage, you must add protection against physical damage. Damp applications, you'll have to use a different wiring method that isn't quite as strong.

When To Use Armoured Cable?

When transmitting data or conducting power in harsh environments, protecting your cables is crucial to safe and reliable operation. This is where armored cables come into play. They are used primarily in industrial applications, often in cable trays and raceways. They often not used in flexing applications.

What is the difference between armored cable and non-armored cable?

The difference between armored cable and non-armored cable. The armored cable has an additional layer of armor than the armored cable, which provides better protection for the cable, but at the same time , the price is relatively higher. Armored cables can withstand greater tension.

What is a STA cable?

STA Cables is suitable for buried laying and can withstand mechanical external forces but cannot withstand large tensile forces. AWA Cables are used in power networks, underground, outdoor and indoor applications, as well as power and auxiliary control cables for cable ducts.

What is the conductor of a SWA cable?

The structure of the SWA cable is from the inside to the outside, the conductor (usually copper conductor or aluminum conductor), the insulation (XLPE or PVC) inner sheath (PVC) armor (wire or steel belt) outer sheath (PVC). Conductor: mainly acts as conductive, transmits power, the copper conductor is more conductive, ...

How many cores are there in steel wire armor?

Steel wire armor is divided into SWA, STA, AWA, etc. There are also 8 different cores and more than 20 different models. There are about 500 different prices, you can provide the cable details you need, we will provide you with the price for the first time.

How many cores are in a multicore auxiliary cable?

Multi-core auxiliary control cable is also available from seven cores to 48 cores.

Can unarmored cable be used in magnetic pipes?

Can withstand a certain amount of traction. but can not withstand the role of mechanical external forces. Single-core cables cannot be laid in magnetic pipes.

What is armored cable?

Armored cables are used in applications where cables will be exposed to mechanical or environmental damage under normal operating conditions. These applications include power circuits in industrial plants, commercial buildings, processing plants and central and substation utility applications.

Where to install armor cables?

Armored cables may be installed in trays, racks, hangers etc., eliminating the need for conduit. They are suitable for indoor and outdoor installation. Some armor cables can be used in Classes I, II and III, Division 1 and 2, hazardous locations.

What is cable armor?

Cable Armour as an Earthing Function. The metallic armouring is to provide tough protective covering, also overall cable strength. Armour may be used as a circuit protection conductor (CPC) and main protective bonding conductor. Author: R.Jagan Mohan Rao.

When to use Armoured Cable?

When transmitting power in harsh environments, cable protection is necessary for safe and reliable operation.

How many parts are in a SWA cable?

Generally, the construction of an aluminum or steel wire armoured cable contains six parts.

What is the purpose of an outside layer of armour wired or tapes?

The cable with an outside layer or layers of armour wired or tapes to provide tensile strength during the cable laying operation, and protection while resting underground. Care should be taken that the cables shall not be bent to a radius less than the minimum specified by the manufacturer.

Why is armour cable used?

The armoured cable is a common cable with an extra protective layer to keep it away from unwanted cut or damage. The armour increases cable life thus improves the performance, reliability, and safety of the cable core.

What is aluminum wire armour?

Aluminum Wire armour is used in single-core cable. Aluminium Wire Armoured cables are used in electrical power networks, underground installations, outdoor and indoor applications, as well as power and auxiliary control cables for cable ducts.

What is wire braid armor?

Wire braid armor is also known as basket-weave armour. It is used when light and flexible protection is needed. Wire braid is constructed much like a fibrous braid. The metal is knitted directly over the cable as the outer covering. Generally, the braid is made of galvanized steel, copper, bronze, or aluminium.

Why does the cable need armor?

The armor is made of metal in armored cables, such as steel, copper, or aluminum. The goal of the armor is to provide the cable with physical protection from the environment. It mainly protects the cord from physical damage. Therefore, armored wires are only used in environments where mechanical damage is probable.

What sets metal-clad and armored cables apart?

The main difference between the AC wire and the MC wire is that the metal-clad cable has a standard ground wire, whereas the AC cable relies on a jacket in combination with a wire or thin strip to secure the grounding. The metal armor can also act as a part of the earth grounding in combination with the bonding wire.

What is interlocked armor?

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. No specialty cutting or bending tools are needed for installation.

What is UL dual rated cable?

UL dual rated tray cable offers the voltage flexibility you need in newer constructions. With new 575V and 690V motors appearing, UL approved dual rated tray cable is a great cost-effective alternative. Discover the benefits of selecting 600V/1kV rated tray cable.

What is service wire?

Service Wire offers galvanized steel or aluminum interlocked armor. The armor is helically wound around the conductors and allows for ease of bending. Jackets are available in PVC, ServiceCPE ®, and EnviroPLUS ® (LSZH) .

Why use armored cable?

Contractors can easily identify opportunities for armored cable because it can be used in any application where typical pipe and wire is installed. This includes industrial, utility, and commercial projects.

What is MC cable?

It is permitted for indoor or outdoor service, feeder, or branch circuits and can be exposed or concealed. COST-SAVINGS ALTERNATIVE. Metal-clad (MC) armored cable constructions are a cost-effective alternative to traditional pipe ...

Is thermoset XLPE better than PVC?

Thermoset XLPE insulation is superior to the thinner PVC insulation used in thermoplastic products (like THHN/THWN-2). Learn more about the differences between THHN and XHHW-2.

Where to install MC cable?

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).

What Is Metal-Clad Cable?

Metal-clad cable comes in several varieties, but the type you’ll find most commonly is three insulated wires (two circuit conductors and a green equipment grounding conductor) protected by a flexible armor usually made from aluminum. MC cable is identified by the gauge of the wire, not the diameter of the armor. The most common sizes are 14 gauge, 12 gauge, and 10 gauge.

What is anti short bushing?

Plastic anti-short bushings protect the wires from being damaged by the sharp edge of the armor when the cable gets clamped down into a connector. And even if the connector you’re using has its own bushing, make sure to add a bushing like the one shown here. It’s a cheap and easy way to achieve an extra level of protection. Some manufacturers supply a bag of anti-short bushings when you buy the cable, or you can buy a pack for a couple of bucks.

What is a greenfield cable?

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. This requires more work but gives you the option of pulling, and protecting, more than one circuit in the same conduit.

How long are whips?

Whips are usually available in 4-ft., 6-ft. and 8-ft. lengths.

How to cut MC cable?

If you just have one or two cuts to make and don’t want to invest in a cutting tool, bend the MC cable sharply until the armor pops open, and then use that opening to start the cut with a side/diagonal cutter. You only need to cut through one section in the armor. This method will leave a jagged edge that will need to be trimmed after the armor is separated and the cut ends of the MC cable will be sharp, so be sure to wear gloves.

What is liquid tight conduit?

Install liquid-tight flexible conduit wherever the wiring will be subjected to wet conditions. Liquid-tight flexible conduit is water resistant and is available without the wires installed and in short lengths (whips) that come prewired. There are two common types: liquid-tight flexible metal conduit and liquid-tight flexible nonmetallic conduit. Ask an electrical inspector which type is approved for your project.

What is the most common size of FMC cable?

It also allows you to add wires in the future, something you can’t do with MC cable. FMC is identified by its diameter; the most common sizes are 1/2-in., 3/4-in. and 1-in. 4 / 12.

What is armored cable?

Armored cable is an electrical wiring solution where the ground, the neutral, and the Hot wires are encased in a flexible metal sheathing. It is much more durable and damage resistant than nonmetallic or Romex wire and is approved for use in many more types of construction applications. Although armored cable is tougher than NM cable, ...

Why use anti short bushings on electrical wire?

The rounded edges of the anti-short bushings help to avoid nicks and cuts in the electrical wire inside the sheeting and also help to better insulate the wiring to prevent arcs or shorts. Never attempt to install armored cable without using anti-short bushings.

What happens if you cut armored wires?

When the armored cable is cut with a hacksaw or other cutting tool, it can result in rough or jagged edges that could damage the insulation in the armored cable or even nick the electrical wires inside the metal sheeting. Nicked wires inside armored cable create a dangerous fire hazard.

How much to cut armored cable?

If you want to make clean cuts on armored cable, you should invest about $30 to $40 and purchase a specialized armored cable cutting tool. Although this will add slightly to the overall cost of your project, it will allow you to quickly cut the tough metal casing on armored cable and help reduce the amount of time needed to install the cable considerably.

How far away should you put a support strap from a junction box?

You should also place a support strap within about 12 inches of the junction box. The last thing you want is for the weight of the armor cable to cause the connector to fail and allow the cable to fall out of the junction box. Electrical. Wiring.

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To ensure our content is always up-to-date with current information, best practices, and professional advice, articles are routinely reviewed by industry experts with years of hands-on experience.

Is armored cable harder than NM cable?

Although armored cable is tougher than NM cable, it is also harder to work with. Therefore, here are some dos and don'ts for working with an armored cable that will make the job easier and more successful. Continue reading below Our Video of the Day.

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