MC Cable Out Of Panel

[Alwayslearningelec]

Trying to propose allowing MC cable out of panel in lieu of EMT in some cases. What's the disadvantage of using MC out of a panel? Can pull any additional wires as you might be able to do with EMT is the only think I can think of.

Also, how often do you see same circuits from different panels( say normal lighting and power) in same conduit if same voltage?

 

[infinity]

You can come directly out of the panel with MC cable unless subject to physical damage. It's a design issue. Some places might require EMT if in an electric closet.

 

[Strathead]

Trying to propose allowing MC cable out of panel in lieu of EMT in some cases. What's the disadvantage of using MC out of a panel? Can pull any additional wires as you might be able to do with EMT is the only think I can think of.

Also, how often do you see same circuits from different panels( say normal lighting and power) in same conduit if same voltage?

In my opinion it is exclusively a cosmetic issue. Well run conduit looks good. Well run MC looks between OK and a little messy.

 

[Alwayslearningelec]

In my opinion it is exclusively a cosmetic issue. Well run conduit looks good. Well run MC looks between OK and a little messy.

MC is usually concealed.

 

[hillbilly1]

MC is usually concealed.

It’s about 50/50. Panels in electrical rooms are usually surface mounted.

 

[infinity]

MC is usually concealed.

It's not required by the code if not subject to damage.

 

[Eddie702]

Nothing wrong with MC out of a panel. We run NM-B out of panels all the time. Not a code thing, its just looks.

 

[Alwayslearningelec]

It’s about 50/50. Panels in electrical rooms are usually surface mounted.

Correct but all our specs always read that MC cable CAN'T be run exposed.

 

[hbiss]

Correct but all our specs always read that MC cable CAN'T be run exposed.

Ok, so there's that. The prerogative of the designer. Nothing otherwise says you can't run MC into a panel.

-Hal

 

[VirutalElectrician]

Trying to propose allowing MC cable out of panel in lieu of EMT in some cases. What's the disadvantage of using MC out of a panel? Can pull any additional wires as you might be able to do with EMT is the only think I can think of.

Also, how often do you see same circuits from different panels( say normal lighting and power) in same conduit if same voltage?

You could pull additional wires with FMC....

 

[hillbilly1]

Correct but all our specs always read that MC cable CAN'T be run exposed.

Pretty common in hotels where the panels are in dedicated electrical rooms. Depends on the locality too.

 

[Tyler C]

Where physical damage is a concern at lower heights in an electrical room I've seen EMT run out of the top of the panel for 3-4' and then switched over to MC using an EMT to MC transition fitting.

 

[marcosgue]

Where physical damage is a concern at lower heights in an electrical room I've seen EMT run out of the top of the panel for 3-4' and then switched over to MC using an EMT to MC transition fitting.

I've seen few time this transition, in this case the mc cable terminate in the fitting and the conductors run in the emt?the insulation of conductor in mc cables are not thhn, any concern on this? some limitation in this type of run beside the imposibility to add more circuits in the conduit?
I personally never used this transition and prefer run the mc cable from panel all way to first box or use emt with regular thhn insulation conductor.

 

[infinity]

the insulation of conductor in mc cables are not thhn, any concern on this?

Are you sure? Some MC cables do.

 

[hillbilly1]

Where physical damage is a concern at lower heights in an electrical room I've seen EMT run out of the top of the panel for 3-4' and then switched over to MC using an EMT to MC transition fitting.

I think it’s more for aesthetics and ability to add circuits. Residential has that problem when all of the knockouts are used up due to the number of cables. Hotels seldom add circuits after they are built, so not such a big deal there.