Collection: TYPE MC CABLE

What is an MC Cable?

MC stands for Metal Clad, referring to the aluminium interlocked armour that serves as a jacketing material instead of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC). An MC Cable features a unique structure where the metal clad wraps around the conductors, acting as a conduit for indoor applications and allowing outdoor and conduit underground use. Note that direct burial is only possible with an MC Cable that includes an additional PVC jacket.

Benefits of Aluminum Conductor MC Cable

Cost-Effective: Transitioning from pipe and wire setups to MC cables reduces installation costs by up to 50%.
Pre-Assembled and Tested: MC cables come ready for quick installation and safety, eliminating the need for conduits.
Lightweight and Flexible: The aluminium construction provides unlimited bends for easy adjustments during installation.
No Special Tools Needed: Standard cable ties secure the cable, and ducts can route it if necessary.

Components of an Aluminum Conductor MC Cable

Conductor: Made from compact stranded 8000 series aluminium alloy, available in sizes from 6 AWG to 750 KCMIL. The neutral conductor for 120Y/208 volts circuits is white, while for 480Y/277 volts, it is grey. A binder tape identifies and separates the conductors.
Insulation: Provides protection using either cross-linked polyethene (XHHW-2) or Thermoplastic High Heat-Resistant Nylon (THHN) or THWN-2. The colour-coded insulation allows easy identification and suitability for both wet and dry environments. Ground insulation comes either bare or in green for visibility.
Armour: The aluminium armour offers comprehensive protection for both the conductor and insulator, ensuring durability.

Aluminum Cable Construction: Insulation, Conductor, and Jacket

These cables are designed with robust construction:

Conductor: Compact stranded soft drawn 8000 series aluminium, in line with ASTM standards (B-800 or B-801), allowing flexibility and efficient current transmission.
Insulation: Features cross-linked polyethene (XLP) insulation for chemical and mechanical protection, safeguarding the conductor from external damage and maintaining longevity.
Jacket: Equipped with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) jackets for additional protection against external elements like sunlight, water, and abrasion, enhancing the cable’s durability in outdoor applications.

Specifications and Standards

Aluminium conductor MC cables comply with the following standards:

NEMA WC70
Federal Spec A-A59544
IEEE 1202 70,000 BTU vertical flame test
ICEA S-95-658
UL 44, UL 1569 for type MC cables
NFPA 70 Article 330 for MC cables
RoHS compliant
Meets OSHA and HUD requirements
Rated for use in cable trays and environmental air-handling spaces as per NEC.

Applications of Aluminum Conductor MC Cable

Hazardous Locations: Suitable for use in Class 1 Division 2, Class 2 Division 2, and Class 3 Division 1 environments where hazardous conditions may be present. (NEC Article 501, 502, 503)
Power Distribution: Ideal for service, branch, and feeder power distribution in residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional facilities where high temperatures are expected.
Signal, Power, Lighting, and Control Circuits: Often used in these applications, particularly when flexibility and a reduced need for conduits are required.
Aerial Cable Applications: Can be used as an aerial cable supported by a messenger.
Concealed or Exposed Installations: Suitable for installation in concealed spaces (e.g., behind walls) or exposed areas where additional protection is required.
Under Raised Floors for IT Equipment: Approved for use under raised floors for IT equipment as per (NEC 645.5(D)(2) and 645.5(D)).
Raceways and Cable Trays: Commonly installed in approved raceways and cable trays as per (NEC Article 392).
Places of Assembly and Theaters: Suitable for installations in places of assembly per (NEC 518.4) and theatres as per (NEC 520.5).
Environmental Air-Handling Areas: Approved for use in environmental air-handling areas per (NEC 300.22(C)).
Fished or Embedded in Plaster: Suitable for these installation types when necessary.

Where to Buy Aluminum Conductor MC Cable

Purchase aluminium conductor MC cables at reputable electrical stores. It's important to verify that the cables meet international standards to ensure safety and reliability. Avoid low-cost alternatives that may compromise quality and fail to adhere to regulations.

Why Choose Nassau National Cable?

Nassau National Cable adheres to strict international standards, providing customers with high-quality cables backed by expert knowledge and experience. Contact us for further details or live chat on our website.

Can aluminium conductor MC cables be used for direct burial?

No, standard aluminium conductor MC cables are not suitable for direct burial unless they come with an additional PVC jacket for added protection against moisture and soil conditions.

What insulation types are used in aluminium conductor MC cables?

Aluminum MC cables typically use insulation such as Cross-Linked Polyethylene (XHHW-2) or Thermoplastic High Heat-Resistant Nylon (THHN/THWN-2) to provide durability and performance in both wet and dry environments.

What NEC Articles govern the use of MC cables?

MC cables are governed under several NEC Articles, including:

NEC Article 330: General requirements for MC cables.
NEC 300.22(C): Air-handling spaces installations.
NEC 518.4: Places of assembly.
NEC 645.5 (D)(2) and 645.5 (D): Raised floor installations for IT equipment.

Are MC cables suitable for use in hazardous locations?

Yes, aluminum MC cables are approved for use in hazardous locations, such as Class 1 Division 2, Class 2 Division 2, and Class 3 Division 1 environments, as specified by the NEC.

Can MC cables be used in concrete encasement?

Yes, but only if the MC cable has a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) jacket. This extra layer of protection ensures the cable can withstand the concrete environment without damage.

Can MC cable be exposed?

Yes, thanks to their metal armor, metal-clad (MC) cables can be exposed as per the National Electrical Code (NEC). The armor serves as an equipment grounding conductor. MC cables can be exposed in dry, damp, or wet locations depending on the MC cable type, but they should not be installed in areas subject to physical damage unless further protected.

Can you use an MC cable outside?

Yes, you can use Metal-Clad (MC) cable outside, but it has to be a subtype with a waterproof and UV-resistant jacket. If corrosion is a concern, the armor must be corrosion-resistant.

Can you run the MC cable in conduit?

While MC cable's metal sheath already provides protection, you can run MC cable in conduit in certain circumstances for additional protection, particularly when transitioning between different environments.

How do you cut MC cable?

To cut MC cable, use a rotary cutter designed for armored cables. Clamp the cable, rotate the cutter around it until the armor is cut, and then twist off the armor before separating the wires.