Armor Cable, MC, AC, BX etc.

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dfortman55

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Help, I am starting to get confused. Does anyone have a clear definition preferably with graphics and spec that would assist in clearly identifying
the different types of armor cable, mc cables and bx cable and there uses and or limitations such as wet locations.

I understand the code language, but even at my local suppliers there is confusion as what product is what. If I ask for armor cable, I will virtually always get a roll of MC cable. ( MC is labeled on the packaging ).

Also, just to be clear is it correct to say that either MC or AC cable can be used for equipment ground/ bonding if a separate ground conductor is in the cable whether it is a separate green ground conductor or the cable that has the additional bare strap for bonding ?

Thanks,



:confused:
 
AC refers to armour clad cables.

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.
MC can also be listed for wet location use where BX can not.

MC is also availible as HFC cable which has a bonding strip as well as a full sized ground. This cable can be used in a patient care area or for an isloated ground circuit.

Does this clear thing up?:)
 
I believe if you check the 2008 mc cable is no longer listed for wet locations even though the wire is thhn/thwn. I have purchased a roll of pvc coated mc cable to use for wet locations however the connectors for it are $12 each!
 
BX Cable

BX Cable

I told AC and MC both are BX cable. The only difference for me is that when they make the ground test ,the cover of the AC cable pass the test and the cover of the MC not that's why Mc cable come with a ground wire inside!!!!!
BX is the identification of the first cable with the same characteristic of the usual cable today.
 
AC was invented in 1899, and probably called BX as the 'B' version of the eXperimental cable. AC was first in the NEC in 1903. Until 1959 AC=BX did not have a bonding strip. I think in the '50's we started seeing the strips as small as 20 AWG and by 1959 required to be no smaller than a #16.

These days, I try to officially only call the pre-bonding cable BX, modern stuff I don't since it has a strip.

If it is AC, it will have 'fiborous' (paper) covering surrounding the insulated conductors. It will have a bonding strip.

If it is MC, it may have a bonding strip (Southwire's AP), and there are three sheath types allowed, besides the various coverings we now see.

shepelec said:
. . . BX has a bonding strip to allow the casing to be a grounding conductor. It does not contain a ground wire. . . MC is also availible as HFC cable which has a bonding strip as well as a full sized ground. This cable can be used in a patient care area or for an isloated ground circuit. . .
Click to expand...
In the case of HCFC, AC will have an insulated grounding conductor.
DARUSA said:
I told AC and MC both are BX cable. The only difference for me is that when they make the ground test ,the cover of the AC cable pass the test and the cover of the MC not that's why Mc cable come with a ground wire inside!!!!!
BX is the identification of the first cable with the same characteristic of the usual cable today.
Click to expand...
They are not both 'BX'. AC can rightly be called that, in slang, but MC cannot.
LarryFine said:
AC is the new BX. :cool:
Click to expand...
You know it!! :grin:
 
BX is trade jargon for a type of cable, usually means AC, but BX is not a chapter 3 wiring method, IE you can't find it listed. AC an MC are.
What I would suggest is going to AFC's website for AC, and now they make a MC, and southwires for MC, download cut sheets and go from there. You'll know more than the wholesale houses.
 
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