two screw conector can it be used with mc or bx and if n

[dickeyd]

I have been told that one screw or quick snap connectors can be used on mc or bx. but not two screw. but I can not find it?

[ November 08, 2003, 02:41 PM: Message edited by: dickeyd ]

 

[iwire]

Re: two screw conector can it be used with mc or bx and if n

There is no new BX unless working on an old building you have MC or AC.

You can use whatever connector you want as long as it is UL listed for the cable.

In other words if the box says MC connectors that is what you can use it for.

For MC Cable

330.40 Boxes and Fitting.
Fittings used for connecting Type MC cable to boxes, cabinets, or other equipment shall be listed and identified for such use.

For AC Cable

320.40 Boxes and Fittings.
At all points where the armor of AC cable terminates, a fitting shall be provided to protect wires from abrasion, unless the design of the outlet boxes or fittings is such as to afford equivalent protection, and, in addition, an insulating bushing or its equivalent protection shall be provided between the conductors and the armor. The connector or clamp by which the Type AC cable is fastened to boxes or cabinets shall be of such design that the insulating bushing or its equivalent will be visible for inspection. Where change is made from Type AC cable to other cable or raceway wiring methods, a box, fitting, or conduit body shall be installed at junction points as required in 300.15.

 

[roger]

Re: two screw conector can it be used with mc or bx and if n

Look on the packaging the connectors come in. If there is no packaging tell the supplier he must furnish you with the information.

This a listing issue and only pertains to the NEC in the wording of "listed".

Roger

 

[roger]

Re: two screw conector can it be used with mc or bx and if n

Sorry Bob, I guess I opened my reply window when you were posting yours.

Am I getting to be a little to concise?

Roger

 

[iwire]

Re: two screw conector can it be used with mc or bx and if n

Originally posted by roger:
Am I getting to be a little to concise?

Nope I am just long winded.

 

[hbiss]

Re: two screw conector can it be used with mc or bx and if n

You have to make the distinction also between aluminum and steel armor.

Generally a connector for aluminum AC or MC will incorporate some kind of clamp in its design since a setscrew alone (like the usual "BX" connector) will cut through the armor because it is soft. I've seen alot of designs for this, some with only one screw and some with two.

Steel AC has no such problem and can be used with setscrew only connectors. Some setscrew connectors can be used with steel MC, others not. When in doubt use a clamp type connector since they can be used with everything.

Also, I hope you are not confusing NM two screw connectors with these.

This is a rule of thumb only and connectors will have their listed uses printed on the box.

 

[tonyi]

Re: two screw conector can it be used with mc or bx and if n

Originally posted by hbiss:
Also, I hope you are not confusing NM two screw connectors with these.

FWIW, Arlington has some two-screw compression strap type dual-listed connectors that are OK for NM as well as MC/AC. The L15A single screw saddle connector is also listed for certain NM as well as MC/AC.

 

[scott moran]

Re: two screw conector can it be used with mc or bx and if n

The "two screw" connectors you are talking about are not listed for greenfield or bx. They are rated for flexible cord usage in dry areas. The "one screw" connectors are what you are looking for. But you even have to watch those, based on the design you may need to use the anti-short bushings. These are also known as red heads.

Scott

 

[scott moran]

Re: two screw conector can it be used with mc or bx and if n

dickeyd, the NEC does not "list" any components. Listing of components is done by UL, CSA, and other independant testing labs. You will need to look to these for what is listed for what use.

 

[a.wayne3@verizon.net]

Re: two screw conector can it be used with mc or bx and if n

Originally posted by scott moran:
The "two screw" connectors you are talking about are not listed for greenfield or bx. They are rated for flexible cord usage in dry areas. The "one screw" connectors are what you are looking for. But you even have to watch those, based on the design you may need to use the anti-short bushings. These are also known as red heads.

Scott

Are you saying that with the connectors with a plastic throat on the end that you don`t use antishort bushings ????

 

[scott moran]

Re: two screw conector can it be used with mc or bx and if n

Do to the installation methods in the Chicago area, no NM all EMT, we dont use anything that is plastic so I am not familiar with what you are talking about.

 

[russ]

Re: two screw conector can it be used with mc or bx and if n

http://www.aifittings.com/e_1.htm#8408

http://www.aifittings.com/e_3.htm#MC38DC

http://www.aifittings.com/b_9.htm#860

http://www.aifittings.com/c_1.htm#840ST

http://www.aifittings.com/e_4.htm

It can be very confusing (and costly) figuring out which flex connector can be used with what flex or cable.
Don't count on the supply house to know the difference either.
I had to order FMC connectors four times before they got the order right.

http://www.aifittings.com/e_5.htm#4201

They sent out the Arlington L420 twice and the third time sent out the same thing only made by Regal. Finally I had to look up the catalog number for the Arlington L42 before they got it right.
This was A pretty good size supply house also.

[ November 02, 2003, 08:40 AM: Message edited by: russ ]

 

[iwire]

Re: two screw conector can it be used with mc or bx and if n

Originally posted by scott moran:
The "two screw" connectors you are talking about are not listed for greenfield or bx. They are rated for flexible cord usage in dry areas. The "one screw" connectors are what you are looking for.

Scott I do not know what you mean.

All of these are listed for FMC, AC, MC and I would use anyone of them on BX if I run into some.

 

[scott moran]

Re: two screw conector can it be used with mc or bx and if n

These are what are commonly called around here "take all". These are not at all what is accepted or generally used. As I dont know how to post a picture here I cannt show you what is accepted. These are more commonly used for flexible cords. I am sure that they may be used for NM, but since NM is outlawed here we dont have to worry about that.

 

[russellroberts]

Re: two screw conector can it be used with mc or bx and if n

The one in the middle is what is mostly used here for ac or mc or the old bx.

Russell

 

[Guest]

Re: two screw conector can it be used with mc or bx and if n

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[iwire]

Re: two screw conector can it be used with mc or bx and if n

Originally posted by scott moran:
These are what are commonly called around here "take all". These are not at all what is accepted or generally used.............These are more commonly used for flexible cords. I am sure that they may be used for NM, but since NM is outlawed here we dont have to worry about that.

Hi Scott I believe you are under Chicago's code so what I say may not apply in your area.

The three fittings I posted are not to be used with flexible cords or NM because they have reduced throats to be used with MC, AC, FMC and they are very common around here for those products.

This fitting

while from this angle looks the same as the others is an NM and cord connector if you could see the other side you would notice that the throat is not reduced so it can not be used with AC, MC or FMC.

 

[hbiss]

Re: two screw conector can it be used with mc or bx and if n

A dead givaway that a connector can be used for AC is the "throat" on the rear like in the last two connectors pictured. This is to retain the "red head" antishort bushing.

 

[bill addiss]

Re: two screw conector can it be used with mc or bx and if n

The three fittings I posted are not to be used with flexible cords or NM because they have reduced throats to be used with MC, AC, FMC and they are very common around here for those products.

Bob,

On the Arlington site the 3 connectors are said to be used For NM, SE, MC, and AC steel and aluminum jacketed cables. I think the idea is to break out the 'reduced throats' if necessary.

Look >> here

Bill

 

[iwire]

Re: two screw conector can it be used with mc or bx and if n

I have some of the 8400s on the job I will look at the box.

In the mean time disregard my statement.

Bob