Non metalic box used with type AC wire.

[mopowr steve]

Is it OK to terminate AC type cable to a non-metalic box (will be feed thru) the AC cable does have insulated ground wire within? Is it neccassary to somehow bond the connectors together to provide continuity for the jacket of the cable, again it does have insulated ground wire within? Reason I ask is if this type of cable jacket is not listed to be used for ground then does it in itself have to be grounded?

 

[Dennis Alwon]

AC cable with the bare wire strip is acceptable as a ground however some ac cable is not. MC cables are similar but the jackets of both need to be bonded to the system. I suppose a bonding jumper would work but I am not sure how you would be able to clamp the wire to the box.

 

[Hendrix]

Is it OK to terminate AC type cable to a non-metalic box (will be feed thru) the AC cable does have insulated ground wire within? Is it neccassary to somehow bond the connectors together to provide continuity for the jacket of the cable, again it does have insulated ground wire within? Reason I ask is if this type of cable jacket is not listed to be used for ground then does it in itself have to be grounded?

Wouldn't the non-metalic box have to have a ko ? Then you could use a connector suitable for two cables. Not sure how you would use three.:huh:

 

[fmtjfw]

Is it OK to terminate AC type cable to a non-metalic box (will be feed thru) the AC cable does have insulated ground wire within? Is it neccassary to somehow bond the connectors together to provide continuity for the jacket of the cable, again it does have insulated ground wire within? Reason I ask is if this type of cable jacket is not listed to be used for ground then does it in itself have to be grounded?

314.3 Nonmetallic Boxes. Nonmetallic boxes shall be permitted
only with open wiring on insulators, concealed knob-and-
tube wiring, cabled wiring methods with entirely nonmetallic
sheaths, flexible cords, and nonmetallic raceways.
Exception No. 1: Where internal bonding means are provided
between all entries, nonmetallic boxes shall be permitted
to be used with metal raceways or metal-armored
cables.
Exception No. 2: Where integral bonding means with a
provision for attaching an equipment bonding jumper inside
the box are provided between all threaded entries in
nonmetallic boxes listed for the purpose, nonmetallic boxes
shall be permitted to be used with metal raceways or metal-armored
cables.

 

[hillbilly1]

314.3 Nonmetallic Boxes. Nonmetallic boxes shall be permitted
only with open wiring on insulators, concealed knob-and-
tube wiring, cabled wiring methods with entirely nonmetallic
sheaths, flexible cords, and nonmetallic raceways.
Exception No. 1: Where internal bonding means are provided
between all entries, nonmetallic boxes shall be permitted
to be used with metal raceways or metal-armored
cables.
Exception No. 2: Where integral bonding means with a
provision for attaching an equipment bonding jumper inside
the box are provided between all threaded entries in
nonmetallic boxes listed for the purpose, nonmetallic boxes
shall be permitted to be used with metal raceways or metal-armored
cables.

As for exception #1, I havn't seen a plastic box that has that provison from the factory, but that doesn't mean someone doesn't make one, so I would ventureto say bond bushings would have to be used, which kinda makes it expensive to use a plastic box!

 

[fmtjfw]

I read internal bonding means and integral bonding means and I'm not sure if there is an intent for these to be different or just a typo?

internal bonding means appears to mean the bonding must be inside the box.
integral bonding means appears to mean the bonding must be part of the box.


Further the 2012 UL White Book has a cross reference from NEC 314.3 to QCMZ Nonmetallic Outlet Boxes The text of QCMZ has no reference to metallic sheathed cables.


I have seen plastic cabinets (for computerized furnace controls) that had a metal plate on the top and bottom where conduits enter, fulfilling the 314.3 requirement.

 

[mopowr steve]

mc cable vs non-metailic box

mc cable vs non-metailic box

Wouldn't the non-metalic box have to have a ko ? Then you could use a connector suitable for two cables. Not sure how you would use three.:huh:

Thanks for the reply I like the "thinking outside the box" by using a cable connector which allows for 2 cables to be installed! It does provide continuity of the bonding path.
I was wanting to install Arlingtons "IN Box" for exterior recepticals on an office building which is non-metalic but have mc cable ran.

 

[mopowr steve]

314.3 Nonmetallic Boxes. Nonmetallic boxes shall be permitted
only with open wiring on insulators, concealed knob-and-
tube wiring, cabled wiring methods with entirely nonmetallic
sheaths, flexible cords, and nonmetallic raceways.
Exception No. 1: Where internal bonding means are provided
between all entries, nonmetallic boxes shall be permitted
to be used with metal raceways or metal-armored
cables.
Exception No. 2: Where integral bonding means with a
provision for attaching an equipment bonding jumper inside
the box are provided between all threaded entries in
nonmetallic boxes listed for the purpose, nonmetallic boxes
shall be permitted to be used with metal raceways or metal-armored
cables.

Thanks for finding the code relating to this issue!

 

[mopowr steve]

As for exception #1, I havn't seen a plastic box that has that provison from the factory, but that doesn't mean someone doesn't make one, so I would ventureto say bond bushings would have to be used, which kinda makes it expensive to use a plastic box!

Thanks for finding the code relating to this issue!
I was using Arlingtons " IN Box" for exterior recepticals which is non-metalic, which I like to use; but ran mc cable during rough in.

 

[hillbilly1]

Thanks for finding the code relating to this issue!
I was using Arlingtons " IN Box" for exterior recepticals which is non-metalic, which I like to use; but ran mc cable during rough in.

I like those, much cleaner look, but have not used them on a commercial job due to the bonding problem. Could use smurf tube though. (ent for those not familiar with the "Smurf" term)