MC/AC/HG MC Cables

[Alwayslearningelec]

I know the difference between MC and AC is MC has a full size ground and AC uses a thin bonding strip and the jacket as the ground. How does hospital grade differ from these two? THanks.

 

[jumper]

HG MC has a thin bonding strip like AC so the sheath is an EGC also. It also has a full sized wire EGC.

Here is a link to southwire specs:

http://www.southwire.com/ProductCatalog/XTEInterfaceServlet?contentKey=prodcatsheet278

 

[Alwayslearningelec]

HG MC has a thin bonding strip like AC so the sheath is an EGC also. It also has a full sized wire EGC.

Here is a link to southwire specs:

http://www.southwire.com/ProductCatalog/XTEInterfaceServlet?contentKey=prodcatsheet278

So it's basically a combo of both AC & MC?? Thanks Jumper

 

[jumper]

So it's basically a combo of both AC & MC?? Thanks Jumper

It is from what I can tell. Never installed the stuff myself, but I have seen it.

http://www.southwire.com/commercial/wiring-options-patient-care-areas.htm

 

[bradleyelectric]

patient care areas are required to have redundant ground. The outer sheath of Hospital grade MC is manufactured to be rated as a ground, therefore the full sized insulated grounding conductor is a redundant ground.

 

[Alwayslearningelec]

patient care areas are required to have redundant ground. The outer sheath of Hospital grade MC is manufactured to be rated as a ground, therefore the full sized insulated grounding conductor is a redundant ground.

Thanks.

 

[jmellc]

That could be used for IG circuits too, couldn't it? I think a specific IG version is available as well.

Does anyone still make steel wrapped BX cable? Not that I want any. Old BX is the hardest stuff I know to strip. A roto splitter barely scratches the sheath. I usually have to hacksaw a groove in it & twist it. That stuff usually has the most deteriorated wire insulation I've seen, & having to fight the sheath usually aggravates it.

 

[infinity]

Does anyone still make steel wrapped BX cable? Not that I want any. Old BX is the hardest stuff I know to strip. A roto splitter barely scratches the sheath. I usually have to hacksaw a groove in it & twist it. That stuff usually has the most deteriorated wire insulation I've seen, & having to fight the sheath usually aggravates it.

Yes they still make it but it's usage seems to be dwindling with the advent of MC-ap.

 

[yankj]

Does anone know if the green conductor has a yellow strip like IG conductors do?

 

[bradleyelectric]

It is a solid green conductor

 

[wbculley]

Reply for Hospital grade Mc cable

Reply for Hospital grade Mc cable

Actually what you should use is MC 12 cable with 2 ground wires
One is green and one is green with yellow.
One is used as the equipment ground and the other as the isolated ground.
This covers all provisions of the Codefor Medical settings. wbculley

 

[George Stolz]

Actually what you should use is MC 12 cable with 2 ground wires
One is green and one is green with yellow.
One is used as the equipment ground and the other as the isolated ground.
This covers all provisions of the Codefor Medical settings. wbculley

I think you are describing HG IG cable - which may or may not exist, I don't know. But in 2011, it would become extinct, as the allowance for isolated grounding goes away in the new cycle. Redundant grounding trumps real or perceived benefits from isolated grounding.

 

[roger]

Actually what you should use is MC 12 cable with 2 ground wires
One is green and one is green with yellow.
One is used as the equipment ground and the other as the isolated ground.
This covers all provisions of the Codefor Medical settings. wbculley

Just having two insulated EGC's does not meet the requirements of 517.13.

Roger

 

[jmellc]

Yes they still make it but it's usage seems to be dwindling with the advent of MC-ap.

I wondered. I don't recall ever seeing any new steel wrap. The 1 advantage I see in steel is that it didn't dimple easily. Missing the staple with a hammer wouldn't mash steel like it does aluminum.

I have wondered too, if the type of steel in the old BX had a chemical reaction with wire insulation. Many times, I've seen wire from it in worse condition than knob/tube wire which was 20 or 30 years older.

 

[bradleyelectric]

Actually what you should use is MC 12 cable with 2 ground wires
One is green and one is green with yellow.
One is used as the equipment ground and the other as the isolated ground.
This covers all provisions of the Codefor Medical settings. wbculley

I'd rather not pay for the extra copper at these prices if it's not necessary.