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1 members (Scott35),
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 62
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Is there a difference or just different names for the same thing? If so, then when did the name change occur? Just curious.
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Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 466 Likes: 1
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Although they look similar the MC cable will have a insulated ground wire, the AC or BX as commonly called relies on the metal jacket and the bond wire.
Red heads or anti-short bushing are required with AC but not MC.
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 60
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I had never heard that anti-shorts weren't required with MC. They always come with the rolls of MC from the manufacturers that we get and I know they are required in this area. (Digging out code book)
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 62
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Thanks, Jim, for the quick reply. It settled an argument. As for red heads, that's an ongoing discussion in another forum as well. I use them simply because it's not a lot of trouble and I had a cable blow up in my face once because it was nicked and didn't have a red head. Whoever installed it probably didn't use a Roto-splitter.
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Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 24
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I also use the red heads but I do believe it is not a code requirement until about 10 AWG. 12 and 14 AWG I don't think you have to.
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 4,294
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Good Job, Reel-Break!
I've been looking for something like this for a long time.
I've checked UL, not required.
I contacted AFC and AlFlex both about this; the answer was the same.
"The bushings, though not required, are supplied as an additional means of protection"
Good enough for me...I use 'em.
BX is AC Cable= Bushings always required
MC is MC Cable=Not required, but supplied for free.
You guys make your own decisions as to the value of your time.
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Anonymous
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When I started in the trade BX was not used and AC-MC was not yet on the market.
I have been "told" that BX casing can not be used for a ground and the fittings are not rated for grounding. As in retrofitting a ground pigtail in the back of a metal box to change old two wire receptacles to grounding type receptacles using the metal case as a grounding means....Any thoughts?
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 345
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When I started in the trade BX was not used and AC-MC was not yet on the market.
I have been "told" that BX casing can not be used for a ground and the fittings are not rated for grounding. As in retrofitting a ground pigtail in the back of a metal box to change old two wire receptacles to grounding type receptacles using the metal case as a grounding means....Any thoughts? If the cable in question does not have a bonding strip to insure the continuity of the spiral wound interlocking cable armor you cannot use the armor as an Equipment Grounding Conductor. -- Tom H
Tom Horne
"This alternating current stuff is just a fad. It is much too dangerous for general use" Thomas Alva Edison
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Anonymous
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Thanks Tom,
So then wouldn't "BX" be considered the non grounded armored cable made until some time in the 60's? early 70's? And, was it no longer recognized by the NEC because of the grounding issue? I don't remember seeing AC cable until some time 80's. I know that armored cable disappeared for years and if it was a grounding issue I wonder why they didn't just put a full size ground conductor in it and keep it on the market.
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Lostazhell
Bakersfield, CA (Originally Orange Co.)
Posts: 1,438
Joined: February 2004
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