MC Cable: What It Is, Types, and Applications
MC cable (Metal Clad Cable) is a versatile and durable electrical cable widely used in commercial, industrial, and residential wiring. Featuring a robust metal armor, MC cable is designed to provide superior mechanical protection, making it ideal for power distribution, branch circuits, and lighting installations in both indoor and outdoor environments.
What Is MC Cable (Metal Clad Cable)?
MC cable, also known as Metal Clad Cable, is an electrical cable with a metallic armor (typically aluminum or steel) that protects the insulated conductors inside. According to NEC Article 330, MC cable consists of:
THHN/THWN-2 insulated copper or aluminum conductors
An equipment grounding conductor (bare or green insulated)
Interlocking metal armor (usually aluminum)
This construction eliminates the need for conduit in many applications, reducing both labor and material costs. MC cable is approved for concealed, exposed, dry, damp, and certain wet locations, making it one of the most versatile cable types available.
Why Choose MC Cable?
Time-Saving: No need for separate conduit installation.
Code-Approved: Meets NEC and UL standards.
Durable: Metal armor offers strong protection against damage.
Flexible: Easier to bend and route compared to conduit systems.
Versatile: Suitable for dry, damp, exposed, and concealed locations.
Types of MC Cable We Offer
We supply a complete range of MC cable types and sizes for all kinds of electrical projects:
- PVC Jacketed MC Cable / PVC Coated MC Cable – Outdoor & Corrosion-Resistant Metal Clad Cable
- Aluminum MC Cable
- Fire Alarm MC Cable
- Feeder MC Cable
- MC-HL Cable – Metal Clad Hazardous Location Cable for Harsh Environments
Popular MC Cable Configurations
- 14/2 MC Cable – Two-Conductor 14 AWG Metal Clad Cable for Light-Duty Branch Circuits
- 14/3 MC Cable – Three-Conductor 14 AWG Metal Clad Cable for Multi-Way Switching and Lighting Circuits
- 12-2 MC Cable - Metal Clad Electrical Wire for Commercial & Residential Use
- 12-3 MC Cable - Heavy Duty Metal Clad Cable for Demanding Electrical Applications
- 12-4 MC Cable - Versatile Metal Clad Cable for 3-Phase and Multi-Circuit Power
- 12-2-2 MC Cable - Dual Circuit Metal Clad Cable with Shared Neutral for Space-Efficient Wiring
- 12-3-3 MC Cable - Dual Circuit Metal Clad Cable with Dedicated Neutrals
- 10-2 MC Cable - Rugged Metal Clad Cable for 30 Amp Circuits
- 10-3 MC Cable - Durable Metal Clad Cable for 120/240V Multi-Circuit Power
- 10-4 MC Cable - 4-Conductor Metal Clad Cable for 240V Equipment and Multi-Circuit Applications
- 8-2 MC Cable - Heavy Duty Metal Clad Cable for High Load Circuits
- 8-3 MC Cable - High Capacity Metal Clad Cable for 120/240V Systems
- 8-4 MC Cable - Heavy Duty 4-Conductor Metal Clad Cable for Industrial and High Power Applications
- 6-2 MC Cable - Heavy Duty Metal Clad Cable for 240V Power Applications
- 6-3 MC Cable - Heavy Duty Metal Clad Cable for High Load 120/240V Circuits
- 6-4 MC Cable - High Capacity Metal Clad Cable for Demanding Power Distribution
- 4-2 MC Cable - Two-Conductor Metal Clad Cable for Heavy Duty Power Circuits
- 4-3 MC Cable - Compact 3-Conductor Metal Clad Cable for 3-Phase and High Power Wiring
- 4-4 MC Cable - Four-Conductor Metal Clad Cable for High Demand Power Circuits
- 3-3 MC Cable - Three-Conductor Metal Clad Cable for 3-Phase Power Distribution
- 3-4 MC Cable - Four-Conductor 3 AWG Metal Clad Cable for Multi-Circuit Applications
- 2-3 MC Cable - Three-Conductor 2 AWG Metal Clad Cable for Heavy Duty Power Circuits
- 2-4 MC Cable - Four-Conductor 2 AWG Metal Clad Cable for 3-Phase + Neutral Power Distribution
- 1/0-3 MC Cable - Three-Conductor 1/0 AWG Metal Clad Cable for High Capacity Three-Phase Power Distribution
- 1/0-4 MC Cable - Four-Conductor 1/0 AWG Metal Clad Cable for High Capacity Three-Phase + Neutral Power Distribution
Total Products: 23 MC Cable Configurations
Wire Gauge Range: 12 AWG to 1/0 AWG
Conductor Options: 2, 3, 4 conductors + ground
Applications: Residential, Commercial, Industrial
Need a custom configuration? Contact us for tailored solutions.
MC Cable Sizes and Ampacity
Choosing the correct MC cable size is crucial for safety and performance. Below is a quick reference chart:
| MC Cable Size | AWG | Typical Amps | Common Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14/2 MC Cable | 14 | 15A | Lighting circuits |
| 12/2 MC Cable | 12 | 20A | Outlets, general branch circuits |
| 10/2 MC Cable | 10 | 30A | Water heaters, A/C units |
| 8/3 MC Cable | 8 | 40A | Electric ranges, heavy appliances |
| 6/3 MC Cable | 6 | 55A | Sub-panels and large equipment |
MC Cable Construction
Inner Conductors – Copper or aluminum conductors with THHN/THWN-2 insulation.
Metal Armor Sheath – Interlocking aluminum (standard) or steel (for specialized needs).
Equipment Grounding Conductor – Bare or green-insulated grounding wire for safety.
How to Install MC Cable?
MC cable installation is simpler than conduit wiring. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Cut the armor using a rotary MC cable cutter.
Insert the proper MC cable connector to secure the cable end.
Strip insulation and connect conductors following NEC guidelines.
Secure MC cable with straps or staples at required intervals.
Ensure proper grounding with the green or bare equipment grounding conductor.
MC Cable vs. BX Cable
| Feature | MC Cable | BX (AC) Cable |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Wire | Separate ground | Armor used as ground |
| Insulation | THHN/THWN-2 | Paper/fiber wrap |
| Flexibility | High | Moderate |
| Modern Standard | Yes (preferred) | Mostly outdated |
MC cable is the modern standard, offering better grounding and durability compared to older BX cables.
Common Applications of MC Cable
Interior branch circuits and power distribution
Lighting systems and controls
Commercial and industrial buildings
Healthcare facilities
Outdoor installations (PVC jacketed MC cable)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is MC cable used for?
MC cable is used for power distribution, lighting, and branch circuits in residential, commercial, and industrial wiring.
Q2: Is MC cable suitable for outdoor use?
Yes, PVC jacketed MC cable is approved for outdoor and wet locations.
Q3: Can MC cable be buried underground?
Not directly. It must be installed in a suitable conduit or rated for direct burial (MC-DB type).
Q4: How do you cut MC cable?
Use a rotary MC cable cutter or a hacksaw, taking care not to damage the inner conductors.
Q5: What is the difference between MC and Romex (NM) cable?
Romex is only for dry indoor walls, while MC cable has metal armor, making it suitable for exposed and commercial applications.
Your Reliable MC Cable Supplier
As a leading MC cable supplier, TOT Wire & Cable offers:
High-quality MC cables meeting NEC and UL standards
Bulk pricing & fast delivery
Expert technical support
📞 Contact TOT Wire & Cable today to get a competitive quote for your MC cable needs!
