Where is mc cable not allowed?

Type MC (Metal Clad) Cable Assemblies - PDU Cables

(NEC Article 330) – Metal Clad cables are assemblies of one or more insulated circuit conductors with or without optical fiber members enclosed in an armor of interlocking metal tape, or a smooth corrugated sheath. A plastic overall jacket can also be provided.

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Advantages of MC Cable

• Smaller outer diameter
• Lighter weight

Disadvantages of MC Cable

• Risks in manufacturing process
• Limited standard conductor color options
• Lacking conduit color options
• Limited labeling options
• Dirty jacket residue

In appearance, type MC cables are very similar to type AC cables (armored clad). It is important to differentiate the two as they should not be confused. Type MC cables contain an equipment ground conductor while type AC cables have an internal bonding strip in contact with the armor. More importantly, type MC cables are suitable for outdoor use while type AC cables are not permitted for outdoor use (wet or damp locations).

Type MC cables are widely used in 600 volt and MV power, lighting, and fixture whip control applications. They are permitted for use on services, feeders, and branch circuits for power, lighting, control, and signaling circuits in accordance with Article 330 and 725 of the NEC. 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). MC cables are not permitted to be installed where subject to physical damage. MC cables must be supported and secured at intervals not exceeding six feet.

In many industrial applications, type MC cables routed in cable trays have proven to be an excellent economic alternative to wire in conduit.

When electrical wiring needs extra protection, metal-clad (MC) cable is a great solution and is often required by electrical codes. MC cable is easier to work with than rigid conduit, and it offers protection from fire, vibration, gnawing pests, and physical harm in general.

Metal-clad cable comes in several varieties, with the most common type being three insulated wires (two circuit conductors and a green equipment grounding conductor) protected by a flexible armor usually made from aluminum. MC cable is identified by the gauge of the wire, not the diameter of the armor. The most common sizes are 14-gauge, 12-gauge, and 10-gauge.

What You Can and Can't Do with MC Cable

There are a lot more uses both permitted and not permitted in Article 330 covering MC cable than what I mentioned. Here they are in totality (2017 NEC):

330.10 Uses Permitted

According to Article 330 of the NEC, Type MC cable shall be permitted as follows:

1. For services, feeders, and branch circuits.
2. For power, lighting, control, and signal circuits.
3. Indoors or outdoors.
4. Exposed or concealed.
5. To be direct buried where identified for such use.
6. In cable tray where identified for such use.
7. In any raceway.
8. As aerial cable on a messenger.
9. In hazardous (classified) locations where specifically permitted by other articles in this Code.
10. In dry locations and embedded in plaster finish on brick or other masonry except in damp or wet locations.
11. In wet locations where a corrosion-resistant jacket is provided over the metallic covering and any of the following conditions are met:
    • The metallic covering is impervious to moisture.
    • A jacket resistant to moisture is provided under the metal covering.
    • The insulated conductors under the metallic covering are listed for use in wet locations.
12. Where single-conductor cables are used, all phase conductors and, where used, the grounded conductor shall be grouped together to minimize induced voltage on the sheath.

Specific Uses

Type MC cable shall be permitted to be installed in compliance with Parts II and III of Article 725 and 770.133 as applicable and in accordance with 330.10(B)(1) through (B)(4). Note that the "Uses Permitted" list is not all-inclusive.

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Where MC Cable is Not Allowed

Type MC cables are versatile but are restricted from several uses as per the guidelines. MC cables are not allowed to be installed in places subject to physical damage. This restriction ensures the protection of the cable from incidents that may compromise its integrity or functionality.

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