what is bx cable

What is the difference between BX and MC Cable?

What is the difference between BX cable and MC cable? BX has a bonding strip to allow the casing to be a grounding conductor. It does not contain a ground wire. MC cable has a full size ground wire the casing is not a grounding conductor. Click to see full answer.

What is BX wire used for?

What is BX wire used for? BX wire has a metallic protective covering used mainly in areas where the wire is outside a finished wall and acts as an electrical conduit. What is bx electrical wiring? – Related Questions

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What is a type B cable?

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What does BX cable mean?

There were originally two initial versions of armored cable. One was called “AX” and the other “BX,” with the “X” standing for “experimental.” The “BX” version became the one that eventually was produced, and hence the name “BX” became the common name.

What is BX wiring used for?

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.

What's 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.

When did they stop using BX cable?

BX wiring was used until the late 1940s, when it was replaced by early Romex (non-metallic sheathed cable).

Is BX cable still legal?

BX is accepted by the National Electrical Code (NEC). Older BX cables without an internal bonding strip are not accepted by NEC. NM cable is also accepted by the NEC.

Can you use BX in residential?

Armored Cables (AC) It was first called “BX” to abbreviate “product B – Experimental,” although AC is far more commonly used today. Like Romex cables, they cannot be used in residences higher than three stories, and the rules for protection and support of AC wiring are essentially the same as the rules for Romex.

Where is MC cable not permitted?

MC cables are not permitted to be installed where subject to physical damage.

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.

What kind of electrical wire can be buried underground without conduit?

Direct burial wireDirect burial wire is a type of outdoor electrical wire that is buried underground, usually without conduit.

What is the disadvantage of BX armored cable?

The main drawback is that BX is more expensive. It is about 35-40% more for the cable than BX. It is also slightly more difficult to install, as cutting the metal sheathing takes slightly more time, than cutting NM cable.

Do I need to replace BX wiring?

A: No, you don't. At minimum it needs to be put back how it was. For example, if the room with BX wiring only has 1 outlet, but would require 4 by todays code, only 1 needs to be done as that puts it back how it was. The only time this could change is if any room is gutted.

Is conduit safer than Romex?

The numerous codes within the NEC specify how to wire with safety in mind. Municipalities across the country adopt the NEC into their own ordinances and make changes to suit specific needs. The NEC makes no claim that conduit is safer than ROMEX®.

Do I need to replace BX wiring?

A: No, you don't. At minimum it needs to be put back how it was. For example, if the room with BX wiring only has 1 outlet, but would require 4 by todays code, only 1 needs to be done as that puts it back how it was. The only time this could change is if any room is gutted.

When should you use armored cable?

When Should You Use Armored Cable?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.

Is BX the same as AC cable?

Armored cable, referred to as Type AC cable or BX Electrical Cable is one of the original styles of flexible conduit used as an alternative to pipe and wire installations.

What is the difference between MC and BX cable?

In the electrical world, AC or BX cables do not come with a ground wire while MC cables do. So, if you’re looking to buy armored fiber then MC Armored Cable is not what you’re looking for. But since we’re here to sell fiber, not electrical cable, there is no significant difference. Both are essentially just names for armored cable. When fiber is armored, it has a conductive jacket because the material is made from metal, usually aluminum or steel. Because of this, the cable jacket will read OFCP or OFCR depending on your jacket’s fire rating. For more information, please read our Guide to Cable Jackets blog.

Why use outdoor cable?

A reason why you might typically use outdoor armored cable are for building to building runs on a school campus or facilities with larger distances between buildings. Outdoor armored fiber will ensure that your fiber is protected from most elements with little to no damage or latency to your signal.

What is armored fiber optic cable?

Now we can talk about the application for armored fiber cable. Let’s start with outdoor armored fiber optic cable. Outdoor cable consists of a black PVC jacket which contains the loose strands of fiber along with a ripcord. However, because this cable is an MC cable, surrounding the loose tube fiber is a steel tape. Because this cable is meant for direct burial, the steel tape is meant to add a layer of extra protection. This steel tape is meant to deter outdoor rodents such as moles and gophers from chewing on the cable jackets and ruining the fiber cores inside. Underneath the tape is a water blocking strip that absorbs water and keeps moisture from getting to the fiber cores within. This combination is specifically designed to protect from the harsh outdoor elements. The cable within the water blocking strip is typically a loose tube rather than a tight buffer because it’s cheaper to manufacture for long runs. Outdoor cable is usually OS2 or Single Mode fiber, which simply means that it’s meant to send one signal for significantly longer distances. If you’re looking for outdoor armored fiber cable, our best selling option is Taihan OSP Outdoor Armored Fiber. However, because the outdoor bx armored cable isn’t fire rated, you’re not allowed to run this cable more than 50 FT indoors. For that, you will need some indoor/outdoor fiber optic cable.

What is MC cable?

The first thing you need to know about these terms is that BX cable and MC cable are both referring to armored cable. BX cable is actually a branded name for AC or armored cable. The same way we refer to any medical adhesive strip as Band-Aids, BX cable is simply the name a company chose for their armored cable and it just stuck. MC cable is easier to remember because it’s an abbreviation for “metal clad” or “metallic-sheathed cable.”

Is armored cable better than regular cable?

So you’ve read this far and still aren’t convinced about the benefits of armored cable? Well, maybe this type of cable isn’t actually the best choice for you . There are plenty of benefits to other cables as well. Just remember that every cable will have it’s benefits and downsides. While regular outdoor fiber cable might be cheaper than armored, you also need to think about the conduit that your cable will be running through as it can’t be directly buried like armored cable can. For indoor cable, if rodents begin chewing on the cable jackets, you won’t have the benefit of the aluminum shielding of armored cable. Besides being a little more expensive, there is really no downside to purchasing armored cable over regular fiber cable. Here is a more robust pros and cons list.

Can cable be buried in dry climates?

Great from protecting the cable from rodents, boxes falling on them and light foot trafficked areas. In some cases, it can even be buried in dry or covered climates.

Can you cut armored cable?

One of the common complaints that most people have with using armored cable is that they can’t figure out how to cut it open, or strip it once it’s cut. While you may be able to get away with cutting a copper wire cable with a hacksaw, fiber cable requires a little more care. Cutting fiber with the wrong tools could crack the glass and ruin it’s usability. The jacket and armor itself can be cut off with a cable stripping tool but for the fiber itself, it’s recommended that you use a special cutter called a cleaver. Fiber cleavers ensure that the fibers are cut to the desired length without the fear of broken or damaged glass cores. These may be a bit on the pricier side, but will save you time and money trying to find an alternative.

How to use BX cable?

1. Ensure that the local authorities permit the use of BX cable in your application . There are many types of armored cables -- not all of them may be acceptable for use in all circumstances. Make sure you have the proper connectors for the selected type of cable. Some types may work for several cables types, others may be prohibited.

What is electrical cable?

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.

Why do inspectors want to see the label on cable?

Many inspectors will want to see the "listing label" for your cable so they can verity that it conforms to the code requirements and standards for cable construction. Retain the label or package for later inspection. ...

What type of wire is used for assembly occupancies?

Article 518 of the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70, 2019: 514.A) requires all "assembly occupancies" to be wired using "metal raceways, flexible metal raceways, nonmetallic raceways encased in not less than 50 mm (2 in.) of concrete, Type MI, MC, or AC cable." Certain wiring outside of fire-rated construction may use non-metallic-sheathed cable, AC, or non-metallic rigid conduit. 518.4 (B,C). Local jurisdictions may interpret such rules differently.

How to secure a connector to an electrical box?

Secure the connector to the electrical box with the threaded ring.

Can you use BX in wet locations?

The National Electrical Code prohibits use of BX ( technically named Armored Cable/AC ) in wet locations. Use metal-clad (MC) with a metal sheath specifically listed as impervious to water, or underground feeder/branch circuit cable (UF), either by itself or in a conduit system approved for use in wet locations (if you desire additional protection from physical damage to the cable).

What is BX wire?

BX Wiring. BX wiring (also known as armored cable) is the 2nd generation of wiring used in homes. It first appeared in the 1903 National Electrical Code (NEC) book. It became popular in the 1920s, and it was the main wiring type by 1932. BX wiring was used until the late 1940s, when it was replaced by early Romex (non-metallic sheathed cable).

When was BX used?

BX wiring was used until the late 1940s, when it was replaced by early Romex (non-metallic sheathed cable).

What is type AC cable?

Edwin Greenfield and Gus Johnson developed basic armored cable in the early 1900s. The abbreviation BX has stuck to all metal-jacketed cables for decades. Type AC cable, as constructed today, is a significantly improved product. Section 320.2 defines Type AC cable as a fabricated assembly of insulated conductors in a flexible, interlocked metallic armor. The definition sends the NEC user to Section 320.100, Construction, for information. Type AC cable is required to have an armor of flexible tape with an internal bonding strip of copper or aluminum in intimate contact with the armor for the entire length. This internal, electrically conductive bonding strip, in intimate contact with each wrap of metal armor, is necessary to ensure a low impedance path on the metal jacket to allow it to function as an equipment grounding conductor (EGC). Section 250.118 (8) permits the armor of Type AC cable to be used as an EGC in accordance with 320.108, which requires an adequate path for fault current.

What type of cable is required to have an armor of flexible tape with an internal bonding strip of copper or aluminum?

Type AC cable is required to have an armor of flexible tape with an internal bonding strip of copper or aluminum in intimate contact with the armor for the entire length.

Is BX cable recognized today?

Older Type BX cables are not recognized in the NEC today. These cables are not constructed with an internal bonding strip to ensure an adequate path for fault current and are not recognized in 250.118 as an EGC.

What is BX cable?

The “BX” version became the one that eventually was produced, and hence the name “BX” became the common name.BX became the registered trade name of AC Cable distributed by General Electric who had acquired Sprague Electric. So “BX” is defined as “AC” cable (armored clad ) and “MC” is defined as Metal Clad cable.

What is greenfield cable?

Some will refer to this cable as Greenfield cable. Armored cable (AC) first appears in the 1903 NEC. There were originally two initial versions of armored cable. One was called “AX” and the other “BX,” with the “X” standing for “experimental.”.

What is the difference between AC and MC 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. The bonding wire is unique to AC cable and this allows the outer metal armor in conjunction with the bonding wire to be used as an equipment ground.

When was armored cable invented?

Armored cable was first listed with Underwriters Laboratories Inc. in 1899 for the Sprague Electric Co. of New York. It was originally called “Greenfield Flexible Steel-Armored Conductors,” after one of its inventors, Harry Greenfield.

Do PVC cables have outer jackets?

As you can see they do not have a protective PVC outer jacket that would allow the use on exterior applications. Knowing when and where a type of cabling system can and cannot be used is very important in electrical installations and is often a mark that a professional has not done the work.

Can AC cable be used in damp locations?

Note: Early AC cable often does not have this bonding wire. Now AC cable cannot be used in exterior or damp locations. Where MC Cable may be used in exterior applications but must be suitable for exterior or direct burial. This type of MC Cable will have a continuous PVC outer jacket.

Overview

• 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.

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