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William & Patti Feldman
A relatively new Type MC interlocked armored cable capitalizes on the advantages of conventional MC cable and can serve as an all purpose metal clad cable that can minimize time and labor on installation of branch circuits. This innovative cable, MCAP (All Purpose) Cable, costs the same as conventional MC cable and can be used in both MC and AC cable applications including those requiring multi-neutrals.
MCAP cable is constructed with THHN insulated circuit conductors wrapped in Mylar and encased in interlocked armor. A full size bare aluminum grounding conductor runs the length of the armored cable. The armor of MCAP cable is UL® listed and is in NEC® compliance for use as a suitable equipment grounding path.
A #10 aluminum grounding conductor is outside the Mylar tape and in direct contact with the interlocked armor. Installation of the ground is quicker than with green ground wires - the grounding conductor is bent back, cut off flush with armor and then secured with a connector rated (MCI-A). The ground path is made by inserting the connector into a self-grounding box. This eliminates the time spent stripping green grounding connectors and fastening them to devices or splicing multiple green conductors together. It frees up space in the box providing more room to install devices and simplifying connection to luminaires, electrical boxes, panel boards, and load centers, says Richard Temblador, Director, MC AP Sales, Southwire Company.
A healthcare facility version is labeled HCF MCAP cable. Both types are available in 14-10 AWG conductor sizes and offered with solid or stranded conductors in 120V and 277V conductor colors and with multi-neutrals. HCF MCAP cable offers a 350% better ground than traditional Type HCF AC cable.
Photo courtesy of Southwire
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