Exposed MC cable

[SHEA 31979]

What is the code on how much exposed MC cable is allowed ? I have been told that the MC can be free air in an electric closet if it is up high enough and not exposed to physical damage. Any and all help and code articles are appreciated and welcomed. Thank you.

 

[John120/240]

Don't know of any code that says that MC cable must be covered. Tell whoever that you need chapter & verse where this specification is. I have run several thousand feet of MC cable exposed in a million sq ft warehouse. Of course this was 35ft in the air across bar joist secured with bangers to the red iron.

 

[electricalist]

330 is a good place to start reading....
I run mc exposed all the time....Although in an electrical room or when i can i run pipe,but thats because i like how it looks with emt vs mc.

 

[kwired]

MC must be protected from physical damage - but so must RMC - it just happens to have different level of physical abuse it can take, and how much abuse either can take is not really NEC described but is up to the AHJ to determine.

Otherwise there is no general rule prohibiting MC cable from being exposed.

 

[MasterTheNEC]

What is the code on how much exposed MC cable is allowed ? I have been told that the MC can be free air in an electric closet if it is up high enough and not exposed to physical damage. Any and all help and code articles are appreciated and welcomed. Thank you.

To directly answer your question...it can be Concealed or Exposed as long as it is secured and supported in accordance with Section 330.30 and as previously stated, in such a way that it is not subject to physical damage. Of course that will be subjective to the installer and the inspector...but I think you get that.

 

[MHElectric]

All day long!

All day long!

I recently wired up a 3000 sq ft warehouse with nothing but MC and zip ties. No problems. All exposed.

I've run exposed mc in stores, offices, work shops, sheds - wherever I can't get away with romex. Inspections haven't been a problem.