MC Cable Permitted Uses
Commercial, industrial, and residential/commercial buildings. Environmental Air Plenums, Article 300.22. Hazardous Locations, Article 500. Health Care Facilities, Article 517.
What type of cable is used in commercial buildings?
Metal-clad cable (type MC) per NEC 330 is one of the more commonly used cable types in commercial construction. MC cable is a set of conductors assembled within a metallic sheath of either steel or aluminum interlocking armor where the sheath is not used as a ground path.
Where is MC cable not allowed?
330 of the NEC mentions that MC cable can be used indoor and outdoor but does not make mention of it being allowed or disallowed for use in damp environments. It does state that when used in wet locations there must be a corrosion-resistant jacket to protect the conductors.
Where is MC cable required?
Type MC cable installed on the bottom of floor or ceiling joists must be secured at every joist and not be subject to physical damage [Sec. 330.15].
Is MC cable better than Romex?
Safety: Compared to Romex, MC cable is safer to install due to its metallic sheath. This sheath helps protect against accidental shearing and penetration, reducing the risk for accidental wire exposure. Romex sheathing is easily penetrated or sheared, making it less safe unless run through protective conduit.
Can I use MC cable instead of conduit?
Type MC armored cable can be installed in cable tray, racks, hangers, or as a cost-effective replacement for conduit and wire where specified per the National Electrical Code (NEC).
How are commercial buildings wired?
In a commercial location, wiring is contained in tube-like conduits or in ceiling rafters for protection and ease of use. Because commercial locations change more often, the wiring is usually in areas where it is accessible to service. Residential and commercial buildings also require different loads of electricity.
Can you use PVC conduit in a commercial building?
A common method of electrical wiring in a commercial setting is by use of conduit. Conduits can be made of a variety of materials including steel, aluminum, or PVC depending on the application. For underground conduit runs or conduit embedded in concrete slabs, PVC conduit is used, as it will not rust or corrode.
What is the commercial wiring?
Commercial electrical wiring generally uses three-phase power instead of single-phase power. In simple terms, this means cables have four or five wires instead of only two. This consists of three live cables, a neutral cable and an earth cable.
Is MC cable protected?
A. Type MC cable installed through or parallel to framing members or furring strips must be protected against physical damage from penetration of screws or nails by maintaining a 1¼ in. separation, or by installing a suitable metal plate in accordance with Sec.
Is MC cable allowed to be exposed?
Section 330.15 states: Exposed runs of cable, except as provided in 300.11(A), shall closely follow the surface of the building finish or running boards. Exposed runs shall also be permitted to be installed on the underside of joists where supported at each joist and located so as not to be subject to physical damage.
Can you bury MC in concrete?
Can I install Type MC in concrete or against concrete or mortar? A. Yes, if the cable is listed for the application. Type MC cable is available with an outer PVC jacket and is permitted to be installed in parking decks, concrete pours and for direct earth burial if it is identified for such use.
Where can MC be used?
Type MC cables may be installed indoors or outdoors, in wet or dry locations, hazardous locations (Class I, Division I), in cable tray, as aerial cable on a messenger, in any approved raceway, direct burial (where identified), or encased in concrete (where identified).
Can Mc be used outdoors?
MC can be used outdoors, wet (if conductors so rated), and direct buried (if cable so rated).
Can MC cable be installed in wet locations?
General use MC cables cannot be used in wet locations but there are some types of specialty MC cables that can. The most common is the PVC coated, sunlight resistant, direct burial listed MC cable in the image.
What type of wire is in MC cable?
MC cables have 2 or more solid or stranded conductors in sizes 18 AWG and larger. The number of conductors allowed in an MC cable is not restricted by UL. The conductors may be of copper, aluminum or copper-clad aluminum. The metal armor may be a smooth tube, a corrugated tube, or an interlocked metal armor.
Can you use Romex in commercial applications?
Romex is allowed in commercial buildings, as long as they are type 3,4,& 5 construction. You can even install romex in type 1 & 2 construction if it”s installed in conduit. Conduit is typically required where wiring is exposed or where it might be subject to damage.
What does MC cable stand for?
Q: What is MC-PCS? A: Type MC-PCS cable stands for Metal Clad Cable – Power Control Signal. These are Metal Clad cables that contain traditional copper conductors for power, along with a jacketed twisted pair used for control wiring that is used in dimming systems.
