Product Overview
Type MC (Metal Clad) Cable with an insulated THHN ground is a versatile and cost-effective armored cable solution for modern electrical installations. Featuring a lightweight aluminum interlocked armor that protects individual 90°C rated THHN/THWN copper conductors, this cable includes a dedicated green insulated grounding conductor. It is engineered to meet rigorous standards including UL 1569 and the National Electrical Code (NEC), offering significant installation savings and flexibility for commercial, industrial, and institutional projects.
Key Applications
This Type MC Cable is suitable for use in:
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Branch, feeder, and service power distribution in commercial, industrial, institutional, and multi-residential buildings.
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Power, lighting, control, and signal circuits.
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Environmental air-handling spaces per NEC 300.22(C), and in Places of Assembly (NEC 518.4) and theaters (NEC 520.5).
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Installation in cable tray, approved raceways, and under raised floors for IT equipment per NEC 645.5(D).
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Hazardous Locations: Class I Division 2, Class II Division 2, & Class III Division 1.
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UL Classified 1, 2, and 3-Hour Through-Penetration Firestop Systems (See listed design numbers in Features).
Standards & Compliance
This cable meets or exceeds the requirements of:
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UL 83 (Conductor Insulation - THHN/THWN)
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UL 1569 (Metal-Clad Cables)
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UL 1685 (Vertical-Tray Fire-Propagation & Smoke-Release Test)
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FT4 / IEEE 1202 (70,000 Btu/hr Vertical Tray Flame Test)
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National Electrical Code (NEC)
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Federal Specification A-A-59544
Features & Benefits
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Cost & Labor Efficient: Can reduce installation costs by up to 50% compared to traditional pipe and wire methods.
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Lightweight: Aluminum armor is up to 45% lighter than steel-armored MC cable, easing handling and installation.
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Superior Fire Performance: Rated VW-1 for flame resistance and passes the stringent FT4/IEEE 1202 flame test. Listed for use in multiple UL-classified firestop systems.
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Simplified Installation: Anti-short bushings are not required per NEC and UL. Cable is reverse-wound on reels for easier pulling.
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Integrated Grounding: Includes a dedicated green insulated equipment grounding conductor for reliable safety.
Specifications
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Voltage Rating: 600V
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Temperature Rating: 90°C (Dry), THHN/THWN insulated conductors.
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Conductor Material: Soft-drawn Copper
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Armor Type: Interlocked Aluminum Tape
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Conductor Sizes: 14 AWG through 2 AWG
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Flame Test Rating: VW-1, FT4 (IEEE 1202)
Construction
The cable is constructed with THHN/THWN insulated copper conductors, cabled together with a printed binder tape. A green insulated grounding conductor is included. The core assembly is protected by an interlocked aluminum armor.
Technical Parameters & Ampacities
| Conductor Size (AWG) | Conductor Type | Grounding Conductor (AWG & Stranding) | Overall Diameter (inches) | Weight (lbs/1000 ft) | Ampacity (Amperes) at 60°C / 75°C / 90°C |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14-2 | Solid | 14-1 | 0.433 | 100 | 15 / 15 / 15 |
| 12-2 | Solid | 12-1 | 0.469 | 129 | 20 / 20 / 20 |
| 12-3 | Solid | 12-1 | 0.501 | 157 | 20 / 20 / 20 |
| 12-4 | Solid | 12-1 | 0.537 | 187 | 20 / 20 / 20 |
| 10-2 | Solid | 10-1 | 0.537 | 181 | 30 / 30 / 30 |
| 10-3 | Solid | 10-1 | 0.577 | 225 | 30 / 30 / 30 |
| 10-4 | Solid | 10-1 | 0.622 | 270 | 30 / 30 / 30 |
| 8-3 | Stranded (7) | 10-7 | 0.706 | 320 | 40 / 50 / 55 |
| 8-4 | Stranded (7) | 10-7 | 0.754 | 408 | 40 / 50 / 55 |
| 6-3 | Stranded (7) | 8-7 | 0.785 | 471 | 55 / 65 / 75 |
| 6-4 | Stranded (7) | 8-7 | 0.862 | 580 | 55 / 65 / 75 |