Need some help with MC cable

[Pudge87]

Trying to run some electrical in my new shop and running into an issue. My problem is trying to screw the connector into the sleeve. The leading edge goes in with fairly no problems, but the trailing edge is a nightmare. Is it me, is there a trick or does these connectors just plain ****?

Connector I'm trying to use
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Sigma-Elec...Conduit-Compatible-Conduit-Fitting/1000152481

 

[sberry]

You got to snip the flex right, not sure I can splain it here but used boxes of those at one time. I like a pair of red snips really.

 

[Pudge87]

Was using the snip method and went today and bought a roto cutter hoping that helped, nope. Maybe it is in the way you snip it, but I'm even starting to question is that connector even made for my cable?

What I'm running
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Southwire-Armorlite-250-ft-12-2-Solid-Aluminum-MC-Cable/50189129

 

[sberry]

I know they make a cutter, never used one. Normally,,, use female connector with set screw now. Used some a while back and finally found the anti shorts but dont really use them , can kind off flare it so to speak doesnt cut the wire and done it enough I dont even think about it. Almost automatic.

 

[Pudge87]

This what you use now?
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Sigma-Elec...al-Conduit-Compatible-Conduit-Fitting/3389608

 

[Gummi Bear]

Skip those, they’re a pain in the neck.


Get some saddle clamps, that’s about all we use





Don’t forget to use your red devils (anti-short bushing)



I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately...

Henry David Thoreau

 

[cybrdyke]

Pudge,
That's an MC conduit fitting, not an MC cable fitting.
CD

 

[Bert_]

Yea, those connectors are for 3/8 flex. The kind that doesn't come with wires in it. Get some connectors made for MC. Either the snap in kind or the set screw kind are fine and common.

The anti shorts aren't required for MC cable.

 

[Pudge87]

Thanks for all the replies, looks like I'm going with the saddle style.

 

[Gummi Bear]

The anti shorts aren't required for MC cable.

Inspectors around here look for them.

They are a part of the UL listed installation. That’s why a baggie of them come with each roll of MC




I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately...

Henry David Thoreau

 

[Norcal]

Inspectors around here look for them.

They are a part of the UL listed installation. That’s why a baggie of them come with each roll of MC




I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately...

Henry David Thoreau

The NEC does NOT require them, I use them but they are not required.

 

[mcbane]

Inspectors around here look for them.

They are a part of the UL listed installation. That’s why a baggie of them come with each....

Keep a copy of this doc for the inspector next time:

https://www.mikeholt.com/documents/mojofiles/NEMAEngineeringBulletin90.pdf


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[alfredeneuman]

They are a part of the UL listed installation. That’s why a baggie of them come with each roll of MC

I phoned Southwire many years ago and they told me although not required because of the mylar jacket (They're required with AC cable, which has paper) they included the bag just as an added degree of protection.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Trying to run some electrical in my new shop and running into an issue. My problem is trying to screw the connector into the sleeve. The leading edge goes in with fairly no problems, but the trailing edge is a nightmare. Is it me, is there a trick or does these connectors just plain ****?

Connector I'm trying to use
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Sigma-Elec...Conduit-Compatible-Conduit-Fitting/1000152481

wrong connector. no wonder youre struggling.

That is for FMC/flexible metal conduit/greenfield

These are what i use

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Snap-2-It-3-8-in-Connectors-5-Pack-38AST-5/100132643

Don’t forget to use your red devils (anti-short bushing)

NOT required by NEC code or manufacturer.

This topic is debated multiple times a week in the electrical code discussion groups on facebook but the end result is theyre not required. We even get electricians, who are on the CMPs, that chime in and correct those who think theyre required.

Inspectors around here look for them.

They are a part of the UL listed installation. That’s why a baggie of them come with each roll of MC

the inspectors are morons and NO theyre not part of the UL listing.

Ya know why southwire includes them? Because they were tired of getting so many phone calls about missing baggies of anti-shorts. Numerous people in my electrical groups have called and this is what they were told.

Theyre not required by anyone but if it gives you the warm fuzzies to use them, then by all means....

I phoned Southwire many years ago and they told me although not required because of the mylar jacket (They're required with AC cable, which has paper) they included the bag just as an added degree of protection.

interesting. theyve told other people that they were tired of all the phone calls about missing baggies of anti-shorts...

 

[alfredeneuman]

We even get electricians who are on the CMPs who chime and correct those who think theyre required.

My call to Southwire was the result of a long retired LA area inspector, also a member of several CMPs and a monthly contributor to ECM magazine's "What's Wrong Here" series claiming that they were required on another forum (I'm a mod there) I made the call about 2003.

Edit: I prefer the saddle connector that snaps into the knockout over the "Shark bite" one that Wylie posted because it covers a wider range of sizes

 

[nadogail]

Find yourself a Roto Split, I got turned onto one before I retired and found it to be a time saver and it does a neat job. Try an electrical wholesale house. I would be amazed if you saw one in a big box store.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Find yourself a Roto Split, I got turned onto one before I retired and found it to be a time saver and it does a neat job. Try an electrical wholesale house. I would be amazed if you saw one in a big box store.

The big box stores here sell them.

 

[Norcal]

The Roto Split models are the best, bought a Klein & not really all that happy with it, was glad to find my Roto Split that was misplaced.

 

[alfredeneuman]

The Roto Split models are the best, bought a Klein & not really all that happy with it, was glad to find my Roto Split that was misplaced.

I agree.
I bought 2 of them at different times and the both disappeared (were stolen) on big jobs with several trades working at the same time, never to be seen again.
I bought a Greenlee after that and it's a POS compared to the Roto Split.
EDIT: The original maker of the Roto Split, Seatek, has been bought by Southwire and they're still available

 

[Pudge87]

Once again thanks for the help. I went with the saddle clamps and they made my life so much easier. Also purchased a roto split and its well worth the money. Unfortunately I'll probably never use it again, but hey its garagejournal, we buy tools just because lol. Besides being quick, I also like it for the simple fact you're not putting an unnecessary bend in the wire just to get the jacket to split.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

I agree.
I bought 2 of them at different times and the both disappeared (were stolen) on big jobs with several trades working at the same time, never to be seen again.
I bought a Greenlee after that and it's a POS compared to the Roto Split.
EDIT: The original maker of the Roto Split, Seatek, has been bought by Southwire and they're still available

Damn i better buy a couple before southwire changes the design and ruins them. Southwire tools are horrible.

Once again thanks for the help. I went with the saddle clamps and they made my life so much easier. Also purchased a roto split and its well worth the money. Unfortunately I'll probably never use it again, but hey its garagejournal, we buy tools just because lol. Besides being quick, I also like it for the simple fact you're not putting an unnecessary bend in the wire just to get the jacket to split.

I use an Ideal Sir nickless that works great and actually does bend the jacket slightly to get the wires to move away from the blade. It works great

https://idealind.com/shop/35-782.html

 

[jeffmoss26]

has anyone tried the US made pliers Southwire has now? I am skeptical.

 

[Pudge87]

has anyone tried the US made pliers Southwire has now? I am skeptical.

That is what I picked up from Lowes, it's doing great and feels solid for what it is. Granted, the only thing I have to compare it to is the bend and snip with dykes method. Then I won't be able to give a long term update just because once I'm done with the shop, it'll probably never see the light of day again.