Armor clad wire?
- Thread starter Blazinzuk
- Start date
Shiftless
Well-known member
Indoors or outdoors?
It's inside my shop.
I have a need to do this type of thing several times. So if there are cleaner connections I would love to know what they are called
Either a handy box extension or my personal favorite 4 square extension to handy box, makes a better transition to the box in the wall.
I'm such a newb on electrical stuff lol. I have seen those even. Thanks man
Zeke
Well-known member
Or...
Not where subject to damage. Same rules as NM-B. That probably should be done in EMT or wiremold.
Zeke
Well-known member
Same rules apply for AC and NM cable. I think fastened to the sides of framing members and above the bottoms of joists, etc. should fly. It has to run parallel to framing but is allowed to span perpendicular to rafters and joists if pulled though or fastened to the bottom at each. The key is it in a protected space and secured properly. If you don't think it would pass with NM, it probably won't with AC.
PhysicsDude
Well-known member
Most electricians will prefer to use an extension ring. Its generally not ideal to have an electrical connection on the cover of the box, just makes it harder to stuff the wires in the box, service it, etc. Not against code or anything like that.
If it were me in my shop just to hook up a couple lights, I think the way you're doing it is fine.
If it were me in my shop just to hook up a couple lights, I think the way you're doing it is fine.
ctgoodman
Well-known member
When using the armored cable the cladding must be grounded to a metal box. You cannot put that into a plastic box. I also think the clamp on the cover is for romex and not the proper one for mc. I know here anti short bushings are required with mc and that clamp is not correct type to use with an anti short bushing. Just had my shop wired. I'll try to post a pic or two tomorrow.
wyliesdiesels
Well-known member
Manufacturers do not require anti-shorts with MC cable
Last I know, It was a NO GO.
I think there is a reference of that here or there some years back I don't remember the exact post.... I just remember when I upgraded the meters and panels, the inspector came and check, ***** about those expose AC/MC wires by the panel and the electricians had to fix that real quick in 45 minutes or so... before they would pass the inspections..
I think there is a reference of that here or there some years back I don't remember the exact post.... I just remember when I upgraded the meters and panels, the inspector came and check, ***** about those expose AC/MC wires by the panel and the electricians had to fix that real quick in 45 minutes or so... before they would pass the inspections..
Nor does the NEC.
The OP's cable is Metal Clad, MC.
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I do question the connector used by the OP, is it a MC or NM connector?
ctgoodman
Well-known member
No this is just a local thing with our county inspectors. I think it had something to do with a large development in the area that had some fires caused by damaged wire and these where not used. I like the idea of using them to keep the wires from rubbing the cut mc or the connector and shorting out. My contractor said he always uses them as a CYA measure.
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ctgoodman
Well-known member
No that cable does not have to be in conduit. I’m not sure if this cable is even allowed in a conduit. You may have to transition it in a box if you have a need to use conduit. I do know it is never to be used in wet location. So it cannot be underground even in a conduit.
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alfredeneuman
Well-known member
Romex 2 screw connectors have open throats.
2 screw connectors for AC and MC cables have closed throats, with a small hole in the center for the wires to go through, with scalloped edges on the edges so you can see the anti-short bushings through them.
If you look at them from the outside, you can't tell the difference.
MC cable has a wrap of mylar around the wires, AC does not.
They're required with AC cable.
I phoned the tech folks at Southwire some years ago, and asked why the include the bushings with rolls of MC cable, if they're not required.
The answer was "just as an added degree of protection above and beyond what's required".
I see these used under eaves and parking lot lights all the time. May have been a special cable called teck?
How high are these cables located? Last I checked you are allowed to run nm cable mounted high enough in a garage, where it would be considered in a protected location. Could be subject to AHJ interpretation though.
How high are these cables located? Last I checked you are allowed to run nm cable mounted high enough in a garage, where it would be considered in a protected location. Could be subject to AHJ interpretation though.
alfredeneuman
Well-known member
Southwire uses red and black stripes on the armor of it's 12-3 MC cable.
2 wire uses only black .
4 wire uses black, red, and blue.
From the looks of it, it's 3 wire MC cable.
TEK cable isn't available or listed in the US.
So mc is allowed in the open like parking garage and security lights but AC is not?
The key here is subject to damage. Just because it is ran on the surface does not mean it's subject to damage.
Horizontal run 4' high along a garage wall is probably subject to damage. 6-7'+ is less likely to be but as always it depends on the situation.
Horizontal run 4' high along a garage wall is probably subject to damage. 6-7'+ is less likely to be but as always it depends on the situation.
alfredeneuman
Well-known member
Both MC and AC are allowed, but neither escapes the physical damage rule.