Besides the NEC restrictions, are there opinions or links which discuss applications/pros/cons of AC cable versus MC cable for branch circuits. I have always thought of AC(BX) and NM(Romex) cables limited to residential work, while MC is useful almost everywhere. Since I prefer insulated ground wires, am I wrong in assuming that MC is "better" than AC? What do you prefer and why?
AC versus MC cable ?
- Thread starter cosmos
- Start date
- Status
- Location
- New Jersey
- Occupation
- Journeyman Electrician
I would use this stuff:
It's terminates like AC cable without the additional insulated EGC of the old style MC cable. Given a choice between the old MC and AC cable I would use AC simply because you save the labor on terminating an EGC at each end of the cable.
http://appprod.southwire.com/ProductCatalog/proddetail.jsp?htmlpreview=true&token=277&desc=Armorlite%20MC-AP%20Type%20MC%20All%20Purpose
It's terminates like AC cable without the additional insulated EGC of the old style MC cable. Given a choice between the old MC and AC cable I would use AC simply because you save the labor on terminating an EGC at each end of the cable.
http://appprod.southwire.com/ProductCatalog/proddetail.jsp?htmlpreview=true&token=277&desc=Armorlite%20MC-AP%20Type%20MC%20All%20Purpose
Hi,
Never heard AC only for residential. Always see it in commercial applications.
I always preferred the AC over MC for Labor saving, because no monster ground splices and bonding every box. However, you are depending on a perfect connector installation for the ground..
The new MC all-purpose looks like the cable of the future.. lightweight no grounds to splice, easier skinning armor especially for those long skins.. Manufacturer claiming only needs supports at 6 foot intervals..
Curious about the price comparisons..
Jay
Never heard AC only for residential. Always see it in commercial applications.
I always preferred the AC over MC for Labor saving, because no monster ground splices and bonding every box. However, you are depending on a perfect connector installation for the ground..
The new MC all-purpose looks like the cable of the future.. lightweight no grounds to splice, easier skinning armor especially for those long skins.. Manufacturer claiming only needs supports at 6 foot intervals..
Curious about the price comparisons..
Jay
lordofpi
Senior Member
- Location
- New Jersey
How exactly is this stuff better than Type-AC cable, anyhow? It seems the same.
goldstar
Senior Member
- Location
- New Jersey
- Occupation
- Electrical Contractor
Trevor,infinity said:
I haven't seen this yet but from the photo you posted it appears that there in a #10 EGC embedded inside the armor for this size wire. Is that EGC cut off at each end and just left inside the jacket ? It seems like it would be difficult to wrap around the armor like you would with the shunt wire in normal AC cable. Do you still have to use "red heads" ? Also, with a # 10 copper inside the armor I would think is a bit more expensive than MC or AC cable.
Thanks,
Phil
- Location
- Massachusetts
goldstar said:
Yes, a 10 AWG aluminum conductor.
Cut off or just folded back.
I wrap it on AC cable as well but there is no requirement to do so, they can be just cut off flush.
No red heads required with MC cable which is what the new cable is listed as.
- Location
- Massachusetts
lordofpi said:
The 'new stuff' is UL listed as MC cable as such it can be used in more locations then AC cable, MC cable only needs supports every 6', MC does not require red heads, and no grounds to make up all things that can make this product more attractive to use.
People should keep an eye out for job specifications that allow MC cable but also require a copper EGC to be run with all circuits. I can see an EC losing their shirt over this.
AC versus MC cable ?
Is the armor permitted to be terminated by the same means as AC MC, or are special connectors required ?
infinity said:I would use this stuff:
It's terminates like AC cable without the additional insulated EGC of the old style MC cable. Given a choice between the old MC and AC cable I would use AC simply because you save the labor on terminating an EGC at each end of the cable.
http://appprod.southwire.com/ProductCatalog/proddetail.jsp?htmlpreview=true&token=277&desc=Armorlite%20MC-AP%20Type%20MC%20All%20Purpose
Is the armor permitted to be terminated by the same means as AC MC, or are special connectors required ?
dcspector
Senior Member
- Location
- Burke, Virginia
romeo said:
Connectors listed for use with MCap only.
- Location
- Bremerton, Washington
- Occupation
- Master Electrician
The claim for MCap is it saves 30% on installation and I can believe that. Is it actually available now in the wholesale houses? My local house hasn't heard of it.
peter d
Senior Member
- Location
- New England
If I ever do commercial much work again, I would like to use the MCap. It sounds like a great product to me.
I just wonder when AFC and the other companies are going to try to copy it.
I just wonder when AFC and the other companies are going to try to copy it.
peter d
Senior Member
- Location
- New England
One of the selling points of MCap is the ability to eliminate the bonding jumper between the receptacle and the box when using a self-grounding receptacle.
How many of you omit the jumper and use the self-grounding feature on receptacles?
How many of you omit the jumper and use the self-grounding feature on receptacles?
curious george
Member
By self grounding you mean having the yoke straps contact to the metal box by removing the cardboard which holds the screw in the yoke?
I am not familiar with the term self grounding. Please enlighten me.
I am not familiar with the term self grounding. Please enlighten me.
- Location
- Massachusetts
This is a self grounding receptacle it happens to be decora but they come in standard duplex as well
Notice the extra metal around the 6-32 and it will have no card board.
This is listed to ground itself to a grounded metal box.
Notice the extra metal around the 6-32 and it will have no card board.
This is listed to ground itself to a grounded metal box.
Awg-Dawg
Senior Member
- Location
- Dayton Ohio
peter d said:
I never omit it. I guess I just feel better by adding it.
I also don't step on cracks and my mother still walks upright.
Paranoia runs deep in my family.:grin:
- Location
- Windsor, CO NEC: 2017
- Occupation
- Hospital Master Electrician
I thought all the standard MC connectors were relisted for use with MCap? IIRC, they had to approach all the connector manufacturers (ie Arlington, Bridgeport, etc) and get them to relist their connectors for use with it...?
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