My job flunked today because I didn't use anti short bushings on the MC-AP cable I was using. I did use the approved connectors with built-in insulated throats. I know bushings are required on AC cable, but I can't find anything in the code requiring them on MC. The cable manufacturer's rep insists they are not required, and are not included with the cable because of this. Any opinions?
anti short bushings
- Thread starter toomunsch
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mdshunk
Senior Member
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- Right here.
peter d
Senior Member
- Location
- New England
You should not have failed an inspection for this. Anti short bushings are optional with MC cable.
mdshunk
Senior Member
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- Right here.
Some guy even started an anti-short bushing blog with all sorts of entertainment: http://anti-shortbushing.com/bloga/2007/09/nicknames-for-the-anti-short-bushing/
peter d
Senior Member
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- New England
Pierre C Belarge
Senior Member
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- Westchester County, New York
The NEC or UL does not require the use of anti-short bushings for MC cable.
The connectors for MC cable are designed purposely to preclude the need to install the anti-short bushing, as the design of the assembly affords protection of the conductors within from contact with the metallic sheathing.
The connectors for MC cable are designed purposely to preclude the need to install the anti-short bushing, as the design of the assembly affords protection of the conductors within from contact with the metallic sheathing.
thanks for the responses. It's not the biggest job we're doing - it would probably take 2 hrs to add the unrequired bushings. The real problem is this just delayed the job til Fri or Mon (no reinspection til Fri) and now the GC is pissed. Just the usual 'should I fight it and have a POed inspector for the rest of the job or just do it.' I'll let the higher ups decide.
mdshunk
Senior Member
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You might still print out the NEMA bulletin to save face with the GC.
jwelectric
Senior Member
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- North Carolina
Why are you and the inspector going to fight? Have you been going over to his house when he wasn't home?
You are both adults and therefore should be able to have a civil discussion about the subject at hand.
Even if he was a little cranky about you questioning his call why would it matter?
You are planning on making a compliant installation are you not?
If you do decide to fight him remember to bob and weave and keep you hands up. Throw a lot of change ups to keep him off balance and keep your eyes on the center of his chest. Stay on your toes and throw then move, throw then move, throw then move.
I believe you can take him in maybe three rounds.
mdshunk
Senior Member
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- Right here.
In a perfect world. Certain realities prevail, and one of those realities is that making an inspector eat crow often backfires, and he's on your stuff for the rest of time. There are the odd people, like me, who don't really care about that.
e57
Senior Member
- Location
- San Francisco, CA
In SF it is in the local code that they are required - which was only put there because they did not like when it was changed and had people fight it..... So they had to re-write it back in....
Why would re-working EVERY junction of a job be a big deal? On a big job or competively bid job it could mean a portion of the profit on said job. And as mentioned - unless he was working down the street from me - he was compliant.
jwelectric
Senior Member
- Location
- North Carolina
don't forget to start the fight by throwing a handful of bushings in his eyes:grin:
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