The MC cable or metal-clad armored cable is considered a cost-effective and high-performing option compared to the traditional electric conduit. In today’s article, we will discuss if we can run MC or metal-clad cable in an electric conduit.
Can you run MC cable in conduit?
The mc cables are convenient and efficient options for electric wiring. because they are permitted for service no matter if they are indoors or outdoors, exposed or concealed. It can also be installed in a cable tray, racks, hangers, and conduits, which is cost-effective as per the electric code.
When you use MC cable in conduit, you need to secure the MC cable with ties. For that, you would need a listed connector at the box. This will eventually make the connections more efficient and convenient.
However, the MC or metal glad cable is not approved for use in any other raceways without being in the metal-clad jacket. The metal-clad is recommended for every type of service that includes indoor, outdoor, exposed, or concealed.
But it is not recommended to use in all classified locations. In addition to that. The MC cable is available with an outer PVC jacket, so you can use it in parking decks or conduit pours.
You can also directly bury a metal-clad cable. It is suitable for conduit encasement, so there is no risk of any. Issues. Below is a brief discussion on whether you can use MC cable in PVC conduit or MC conduit:
In PVC conduit:
No, it is not recommended to put MC cable on PVC conduit. Because this doesn’t make it suitable for wet locations, if you use MC cable inside PVC conduit it will cause a serious electric issue.
It is not possible to run in non-waterproof wire or cable in a conduit.
In EMT conduit:
You cannot run an MC cable inside an EMT conduit. Because it is not coded compliant. In addition to that. it is not recommended to use the MC cable without being in the MC jacket. That is why you cannot run MC cable in the EMT conduit.
Is it ok to run mc cable in conduit?
Yes, it is completely fine to run MC cable in conduit. Generally, the MC cables can be installed in cable tray racks or hangers which makes them a cost-effective replacement for conduit and wire which are specified by the National Electrical Code.
In addition to that, it is allowed in any Raceway it does not have to be secured to the box. You can run MC cable by installing it underground as long as it is run through a conduit to prevent decay.
However, for connections that are above the ground, you can use an MC cable without a conduit. This will not cause you any problem.
So, when putting a metal-clad cable in a conduit, you need to keep in consideration that the armor has to be stripped off and do not put it in wet locations because it is in the non-waterproof cable. This is how you can securely run an mc cable in a conduit.
Does mc cable need conduit?
Every cable needs some conduit, depending on some conditions. If you use the MC cable for underground applications, also known as direct burial, you will need to use a conduit with it.
But for above-the-ground applications, you can use the metal clad cable without a conduit. The conduits are used to provide extra protection for electrical wires and cables.
That is why the conduit is recommended use when you use the MC cable in an underground application. The conduit protects humans and the electrical wiring to prevent any type of loose connections from causing shock risks.
That is why the metal-clad cable needs a conduit. It is highly recommended to use conduit when you’re using it for underground applications because it will prevent the wires or cables from damaging due to digging and moisture of the ground.
Using conduits when using the mc cable will also extend the life span of the mc cable significantly.
3 reasons why you can run mc cable in conduit
When you consider using MC or metal-clad cable for your electrical applications, you need to consider a few things that will help to extend the life span of the cables.
The first thing you need to understand is if you use a conduit for covering the metal clad cables, it will help to prevent the cable from Catching Fire or getting damaged due to vibration.
In addition to that, it is highly recommended to use conduit when you run MC cable for underground applications. That will simply protect the cable from any type of external damage.
Below is a brief discussion on a few reasons why you can run MC Cable in a conduit:
It will extend the lifespan of cable:
There is a lot of benefit to using MC cable in a conduit. If you use conduit when applying the impeccable, it will protect the cable from external damages. This will eventually extend the life span of the MC cable.
It protects from fire and vibration:
The conduit helps the cable from Catching Fire or get damaged due to vibration. This will help to keep the cable intact from external damages and reduce the fire risk.
It prevents the pests from cutting the wire:
When you use MC cable with a conduit, it reduces the chance of getting cut or damaged by the pests. That is why it is safe to use MC cable with a conduit. This will prevent the pests or insects from cutting the cable.
How to connect mc cable to conduit?
Using MC cable to connect with the conduit is a very convenient and efficient way. Daily recommended using conduit with MC cable for underground applications. This will protect the cable from any external damage or fire.
In addition to that. Using MC cable through a conduit will help it to extend its life span. So, it will also save you money.
Most house owner nowadays considers using MC cable through a conduit because it is a much safer and cost-effective option to secure the wires and cables.
In addition to that, MC cable is run through the conduit widely because it is one of the safest options that you can choose. This technique is applied in most electrical applications. Simply follow the steps to connect MC cable to conduit:
Twist and pull the MC cable:
First of all, you need to twist and pull the MC cable to put it inside the conduit. This is very easy and will take minimum effort for the job.
Put the cable inside the conduit:
Once the MC cable is ready, it’s time to put it inside the conduit. Simply put the cable inside the conduit. This will secure the cable.
Screw the straps around the cable:
Once you use the conduit pipe to connect it with the ground box, you need to screw the straps around the cable to securely fitted to the wall.
Where can I use type MC armored cable?
The MC armored cable has a wide range of applications, so you can use it almost anywhere you want to use it.
It is completely fine to use the MC armored cable in cable tray racks, hangers, or any other way to use as a cost-effective replacement for conduit and wire.
The benefit of using armored metal-clad cables is that the cables will provide the protection and durability required without the need for an electrical conduit, which will increase the value of MC armored cable significantly.
In addition to that, the MC armored cable helps to resist any type of corrosion. This will make it suitable for areas that are repeatedly exposed to moisture.
Finally, the application of MC armored cable is very easy because no cutting or bending tools are required for the installation. That is why you can choose to use the MC cable in any type of electrical application for maximum safety.
What type of conduit is for mc cable?
There is various type of conduit that is suitable for MC cable. The conduits are used to protect the cable from external damage or fire.
In most cases, due to direct earth burial, the MC cables can become damaged due to the presence of insects.
They can cut through the wire and damage the connection. That is why the conduit is recommended to use for MC Cable. The list below mentions what type of conduit is suitable for MC cable:
- Liquid-tight flexible metal conduit
- Liquid-tight non-flexible metal conduit
- Electrical metallic conduit
- Rigid metal conduit
Final Thoughts
You can run MC Cable in conduit because it is a cost-efficient and safer way for your electrical applications. It’s recommended for direct earth burial because it will prevent the cable from getting damaged due to external pressure. That is why using MC cable to run in conduits is the ideal option.