MC cable straps

[Jim W in Tampa]

While we are on this straping issue what says we cant just use duct tape ?

 

[Cavie]

Not listed? not approved for?

 

[Jim W in Tampa]

Would it do the job ?

 

[Cavie]

I 'spose so

 

[infinity]

Trevor. If i hand the "red book" to HIM and tell him to read it, He will likely hand it back and tell me where I can put it. then he will take out the "Black book" and tell ME to read it. The NEC, in there infinite wisdom, has seen this problem and corrected it in the 2005 code. In Florida we are still under the 2002 sooo...... he IS tecnically correct. I for one have no problem with it as it is gonna change in July so cable ties are ok with me.

If you look at the 2002 NEC article 324 there is no prohibition mentioned as to using cable ties to support MC cable. If it doesn't say that you can't than you can. Besides, type AC cable and type NM cable specifically list cable ties as a means of support. Why should MC cable be any different?

 

[lectriclee]

Look at Sec. 410.28(E) 2005 N.E.C.

 

[luckyshadow]

There is a county in Maryland that is extremely picky as to when and how tie wraps ( cable ties) can be used.
They enforce the method of tie wraps can hold mc "down" but not "up".
Example : you have mc running through the bar joist - tie wraps are OK - they are holding the mc "down".Now you run the mc under the bar joist and tie wrap it to the bottom - NO GOOD - tie wrap is holding mc "up".
Same goes for when going from fixture to fixture - better use bat wings tie wrap are no good - they are holding cable " up".
Their Reason - They want the manufacturers to rate the tie wraps with a weight rating.
I went through all types of poop over this on a school job. They won :x
do not even think of using that black 16awg tie wire either !

 

[tonyi]

Some T&B tie wraps I've used recently came with weight (50lb) and temp (150F) rating.

 

[infinity]

They won
do not even think of using that black 16awg tie wire either !

IMO the tie wire is stronger than any tie wrap. I agree that most places won't allow it, but if you've ever worked in New York City black tie wire to support cables is standard operating procedure. It's used everywhere.

 

[Jim W in Tampa]

That tie wire will not break loose by simply pulling hard,try that with plastic cable ties.They just lack one thing and thats being listed.Wire will pass here.