MC Cable Armor

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Aluminum but I would much prefer the MC that we used to get 20 years ago that seemed a lot more robust than this light weight stuff offered now
 
If you're the guy pulling it aluminum is preferable for the weight but steel goes through metal studs much easier.
 
Alwayslearningelec said:
That seems contradictory.
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Well there is more than one type of pulling. Pulling within studs steel is better because it doesn't grab on the studs as easily, for pulling long homeruns aluminum is better because it's lighter. Given that it's easier to skin and lighter overall I would prefer aluminum.

And when given a choice always use MC-ap.
 
If pulling thru drop ceilings prefer whatever metal jacket had the least amount of oil on it. Usually steel. After pulling a few hundred feet of oily cable have stained ceiling tit!es.
 
I prefer steel. Yes, I know, heavier. However, I've never turned the armor into a Slinky when pulling. Stripping is just as easy in my opinion if using a good rotary cutter (maybe easier). I won't use the AL stuff anymore.

Mark
 
busman said:
I prefer steel. Yes, I know, heavier. However, I've never turned the armor into a Slinky when pulling. Stripping is just as easy in my opinion if using a good rotary cutter (maybe easier). I won't use the AL stuff anymore.

Mark
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Not sure if you are aware, but there is a correct direction for pull mc, especially through metal studs.
 
I learned to bend and snap the sheath about an inch long, grab it with the tip of my pliers, and twist back and forth until it breaks. Then trim to final length and restore the shape of the spiral.

I also make sure the outside end of the sheath is in the connector with poorer grip or towards the end with greater stress.
 
rambojoe said:
Not sure if you are aware, but there is a correct direction for pull mc, especially through metal studs.
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I was not; learning something new everyday. I guess I always figured you were stuck installing it in the direction it comes off the roll. But then again, I almost never come to metal studs. I would think with wood, the holes are symmetric.

Is there a document somewhere on this, or is it just trade knowledge that I somehow missed?

Thanks,

Mark
 
winnie said:
Does anyone make a rotary cutter that cuts at an angle to leave a less sharp knife point after stripping?

-Jon
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No. Have 3 or 4 Roto strip brands that I prefer over at least 3 other companies that I used. We always cut all aluminum & steel jackets at a 45 degree angle and install at least one red anti short bushing no matter what the connector states. Have seen cable companies supply think it's 35 in a bag undersized bushings that do not cover the entire interior cable wall so that's when we install two anti short bushings 180 degrees apart. Wonder how many of the young sparkies ever came across the old paper fabric anti short bushings that would fall apart when cable was in damp locations. Think they stopped making them back in the 1960's.
 
Feed the outside wrap first.

I also learned to cut the sheath almost straight across the cable with a hacksaw and twist to snap.
 
More importantly, if we are talking metal studs, there is a smooth direction and a burred direction. I've destroyed Mc either way...
Memories of schlepping armored gec comes to mind.. :(
 
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