Type AC (BX) Steel Interlocked Armored Cable – THHN Conductors, UL 4 & NEC Compliant

Metal Clad (MC) Cables
Description

Product Overview

Type AC Cable, commonly known as BX Cable, is a versatile and robust steel interlocked armored cable designed for reliable electrical distribution. It features galvanized steel armor protecting individual THHN insulated copper conductors, an integral aluminum bonding wire, and a copper grounding conductor. Rated for 600 volts and 90°C, it is a standard solution for a wide range of commercial, industrial, and institutional building applications, fully compliant with UL Standard 4 and the National Electrical Code (NEC).

Key Features & Benefits

  • Robust Mechanical Protection: The interlocked galvanized steel armor provides excellent physical damage protection without the need for separate conduit in many applications.

  • Code-Compliant & Listed: Meets or exceeds UL 4 (Armored Cable) and UL 83 (THHN) standards, ensuring safety and acceptance for inspections.

  • Integrated Grounding: Utilizes a combination of the armor itself and a 16 AWG aluminum bonding wire, supplemented by a separate copper equipment grounding conductor, for a reliable grounding path.

  • Wide Applicability: Suitable for power, lighting, control, and signal circuits in various installation environments as defined by the NEC.

Applications

Type AC Cable is approved for use in:

  • Branch circuit, feeder, and service power distribution in commercial, industrial, institutional, and multi-residential buildings.

  • Dry locations only, for both exposed and concealed work.

  • Installed fished or embedded in plaster.

  • Environmental air-handling spaces per NEC 300.22(C).

  • Installation in cable tray and approved raceways.

  • Under raised floors for information technology equipment per NEC 645.5(D).

Construction & Specifications

  • Armor: Interlocked Galvanized Steel Strip

  • Conductors: Solid or Stranded Copper

  • Conductor Insulation: THHN (90°C, Dry Locations)

  • Inner Wrap: Moisture-Resistant, Fire-Retardant Paper

  • Grounding: 16 AWG Aluminum Integral Bonding Wire combined with Armor; Separate Copper Equipment Grounding Conductor.

  • Voltage Rating: 600V

  • Temperature Rating: 90°C (Type ACTHH)

Technical Parameters & Ampacities

The following table provides key physical and electrical data for standard configurations.

Conductor Size (AWG) & Configuration Conductor Type Aluminum Bond Wire (AWG) Outside Diameter (in.) Weight (lbs/1000 ft) Ampacity (Amperes) at 60°C / 75°C / 90°C
14/2 Solid 16 Solid 0.464 86 15 / 15 / 15
14/3 Solid 16 Solid 0.484 105 15 / 15 / 15
14/4 Solid 16 Solid 0.517 126 15 / 15 / 15
12/2 Solid 16 Solid 0.498 107 20 / 20 / 20
12/3 Solid 16 Solid 0.521 134 20 / 20 / 20
12/4 Solid 16 Solid 0.557 163 20 / 20 / 20
10/2 Solid 16 Solid 0.560 142 30 / 30 / 30
10/3 Solid 16 Solid 0.588 184 30 / 30 / 30
10/4 Solid 16 Solid 0.632 228 30 / 30 / 30
8/2 Stranded 16 Solid 0.686 211 40 / 50 / 55
8/3 Stranded 16 Solid 0.749 311 40 / 50 / 55
8/4 Stranded 16 Solid 0.810 387 40 / 50 / 55
6/2 Stranded 16 Solid 0.783 318 55 / 65 / 75
6/3 Stranded 16 Solid 0.827 424 55 / 65 / 75
6/4 Stranded 16 Solid 0.896 535 55 / 65 / 75
4/3 Stranded 16 Solid 1.095 625 70 / 85 / 95
4/4 Stranded 16 Solid 1.150 797 70 / 85 / 95
3/3 Stranded 16 Solid 1.175 746 85 / 100 / 110
3/4 Stranded 16 Solid 1.244 1003 85 / 100 / 110
2/3 Stranded 16 Solid 1.190 898 95 / 115 / 130
2/4 Stranded 16 Solid 1.310 1155 95 / 115 / 130

Standards: UL 4, UL 83, National Electrical Code (NEC).