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Topic: Mc/ac wiring

User: Alwayslearningelec, Location: NJ

Asked on: Monday, May 2, 2011 at 10:10 pm EDT
Answered on: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 4:53 am EDT

Question: Ok the difference between the the two is that ac uses a bonding strip which enables the jacket to be used as a ground and mc has a full size ground. In commercial work wouldnt it make sense to wire branch circuits receptacles sect with ac and not mc???? Thanks

Yes, it would generally make sense to wire branch circuit receptacles in commercial work with AC (armored cable) rather than MC (metal clad) cable, primarily due to the following reasons

Grounding Considerations:
AC cable uses a bonding strip to connect the jacket to the ground wire, providing a continuous and reliable ground path for the circuit. MC cable, on the other hand, has a full-size ground wire that is separate from the jacket. This can make it more challenging to ensure a proper ground connection at outlets and devices, especially in high-power or sensitive electronic applications.

Ease of Use

AC cable is generally easier to pull and terminate than MC cable. The bonding strip on AC cable allows for easier splicing and grounding than the separate ground wire in MC cable.

Cost Considerations

AC cable is typically less expensive than MC cable, especially in larger sizes. The use of a bonding strip in AC cable eliminates the need for separate ground wires, which can further reduce material costs.

Flexibility:
* AC cable has a higher degree of flexibility than MC cable, making it more suitable for installations where bends and turns are required.In commercial settings, where reliability and safety are paramount, the use of AC cable for branch circuit receptacles provides a number of advantages over MC cable. The superior grounding performance, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness make AC cable a preferred choice for wiring receptacles in these applications. Flag for review

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