If you're planning an outdoor electrical installation, you may be wondering: Can MC cable be used outdoors? The short answer is yes—but only when properly rated. Not all Metal-Clad (MC) cables are approved for exterior use. In this article, we break down when and how MC cable can be used outdoors, what to look for, and code-compliant alternatives to ensure a safe and durable electrical system.
can mc cable be used outdoors
✅ Quick Answer
Yes, MC cable can be used outdoors—but it must be rated for exterior and wet-location use, such as jacketed MC cable or MC-HL cable. Standard bare MC cable is not suitable for wet or buried installations.
🔍 What Is MC Cable?
MC cable (Metal-Clad cable) is a type of armored electrical cable commonly used in commercial, industrial, and residential installations. It features:
-
THHN or THWN-2 insulated conductors
-
A full-size bare or insulated ground wire
-
Interlocked aluminum or steel armor
-
Optional outer jackets for moisture and corrosion resistance
🌧️ When Can MC Cable Be Used Outdoors?
According to NEC Article 330, MC cable is allowed outdoors only if it is marked and listed for wet or damp locations.
Outdoor Use Requires:
| Feature | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Wet-location rated insulation | THWN-2 (not just THHN) |
| Corrosion protection | PVC jacket or steel armor |
| Marking on cable | “Suitable for Wet Locations” |
| Secure support | Proper clips or fasteners |
| Fittings | Wet-rated MC connectors |
🚫 When NOT to Use Standard MC Cable Outdoors
Unjacketed MC cable with bare aluminum armor is not recommended for outdoor use because:
-
It lacks protection against UV rays
-
Moisture can enter through the armor seams
-
It is susceptible to corrosion
-
It is not rated for direct burial
🛠️ Best Types of Outdoor MC Cable
1. PVC Jacketed MC Cable
-
Added protection against moisture, chemicals, and physical damage
-
UV and corrosion resistant
-
Suitable for outdoor conduit or surface mount
2. MC-HL Cable (Hazardous Location)
-
Extra sealed against moisture
-
NEC-approved for Class I, Division I environments
-
Suitable for outdoor industrial use
3. Stainless Steel MC Cable
-
High corrosion resistance
-
Suitable for marine and coastal environments
📜 NEC Code Reference
According to NEC 330.10(A)(11):
“Type MC Cable shall be permitted for use in wet locations where listed for that use.”
Also, NEC 300.6 requires corrosion-resistant materials when wiring in damp or outdoor locations.
🧰 Installation Tips for Outdoor MC Cable
-
Use weatherproof fittings and enclosures
-
Seal connectors with threaded or gasketed terminations
-
Maintain proper support intervals (per NEC 330.30)
-
Protect exposed sections with conduit sleeves when needed
-
Avoid direct burial unless MC cable is dual-rated or run inside conduit
🔄 Alternatives to MC Cable for Outdoor Use
-
UF-B cable: Rated for direct burial, but no armor
-
PVC conduit with THWN-2 wire: High flexibility and full protection
-
EMT conduit with THWN-2: Excellent for exposed outdoor runs
-
SE cable: For service entrance, if permitted by code
💬 FAQs
Q: Is all MC cable waterproof?
A: No. Only jacketed MC cable or MC cable explicitly labeled for wet locations is waterproof.
Q: Can I run MC cable through outdoor conduit?
A: Yes, but only if the cable is wet-rated and conduit is properly sealed.
Q: Can MC cable be buried underground?
A: Only if the MC cable is direct burial rated, such as MC-HL or special-order products.
🔗 Related Searches
-
Outdoor-rated MC cable
-
MC cable wet location code
-
PVC jacketed MC cable
-
Direct burial armored cable
-
Wet-rated MC cable connectors
-
MC cable in conduit
📦 Shop Outdoor MC Cable
Looking for reliable outdoor-rated MC cable? We stock:
Contact us for volume pricing or custom specifications for your next outdoor electrical job.
