Bx wire

What is the difference between MC and BX cable? Going under alternative names such as metallic sheathed cable, type AC, MC, Greenfiel or armored cable, BX cable is a collection of plastic-coated insulated wires (typically 14- or 12-gauge), bundled together and protected by a ribbon-like metal sheathing. These work fine for installing BX cable into metal outlet boxes.

I did use the nylon inserts in the cable before installing the cable. They are quickly installed just with pressure or a small hammer. I did not find any sharp edges in the wire openings that might cut into the wires. BX wiring (also known as armored cable) is the 2nd generation of wiring used in homes.

Remove the threaded ring from the connector to use inside the electrical box. The abbreviation BX has stuck to all metal-jacketed cables for decades. Type AC cable, as constructed today, is a significantly improved product. Get free shipping on qualified Armored Cables or Buy Online Pick Up in Store today in the Electrical department. There are no current code requirements that require this kind of cable in residential construction and it has almost all but been replaced with NM.

Shop Simpson Strong-Tie Connectors. Contact us to request a bulk pricing quote and dedicated rep support for your business. The uninsulated ground wire is not counted in the number of wires. The armor acts as conduit to protect the THHN building wires. BX cable has no ground wire , is common in older homes, and is still available in some areas.

MC cable has a green-insulated ground wire , used like the bare ground wire in NM cable. Ideal Industries Replacement Blades for Rotary BX Cable Cutter (Pack of 5) 4. BX is also known as Armor Clad or Flexible Metal Conduit cable. BX is sheathed in a flexible metal spiral made either from aluminum or galvanized steel. The “BX” version became the one that eventually was produce and hence the name “BX” became the common name. BX became the registered trade name of AC Cable distributed by General Electric who had acquired Sprague Electric.

So “BX” is defined as “AC” cable (armored clad) and “MC” is defined as Metal Clad cable. Attach flexible metal conduit and types AC and MC armored cable to a knockout in an outlet box or enclosure. Wye adapters join two pieces of conduit or armored cable to one knockout. The snap-in end has tabs that snap into the knockout without locknuts or tools.

The screw-clamp end tightens around conduit with a screw. Search within. Wire size is the physical size of the wire as sized by the American Wire Gauge (AWG) system. Skip to main content.

A AWG (American Wire Gauge) bare aluminum bond wire is used along with the armor as the ground path. BX is not defined as a term by the NEC and is technically called AC (armored cable). The biggest difference between the two cable systems is that MC has full size ground wire while AC uses a combination of the jacket and a thin bonding strip or wire to function as the equipment ground. Easily handles all common BX , MC and flex cables.

Securely holds cable in place and releases quickly. For a more in-depth look, check out or Electrical Wire and Cable Buying Guide. Whether you just need to pick up a coaxial cable or butt connector or need to learn how to run electrical wiring in a new home or addition, we’ve got all of the supplies, tools and knowledge you need to safely do the job.

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