Metal-clad or mc cable can be a great addition if you are confused about the safety measures of normal wiring that you have in your home. Because mc cables can give you extra protection from environmental risks as well as from fire and pest infestation. In addition, mc cable is corrosion-resistant, therefore, people prefer mc cable if there is a need for wiring under the floor or above the ceiling.
However, people get confused about whether to leave the mc cable exposed or not. Therefore, in this article, we are going to discuss whether the mc cable can be exposed or not.
Can the mc cable be exposed?
MC cable can be exposed in any conditions unless there is no risk of physical damage. Usually, the mc cable is equipped with a conduit, therefore, there is no chance of decay or external damage when it is exposed. The metal locking armoured mc cable can be exposed in any condition.
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Mc cables are the perfect solution if you are looking for wirings that provide full safety. Because mc cables come in equipped with conduit as well as metal locked armoured, therefore, the mc cables can be exposed in any conditions. However, sometimes in damp conditions, there is an element of risk if the cable is not PVC coated or armoured coated.
Mc cable is not allowed to be exposed if the cable doesn’t go through the conduit. In addition, it is also not allowed to be exposed if it doesn’t cover with a steel armoured lock. Also, in damp conditions, the mc cable is not allowed to be exposed.
Because it will be easily corroded, therefore, the anticorrosion jacket can be used if you want to avoid such hassle. However, the mc cable can be exposed to rain because the mc cable is concealed tightly which is why raim water will not be able to enter inside the cable.
Therefore, it can be said mc cable can be exposed to any conditions. It cannot be exposed behind the washing machine or freeze or any other because there is a chance of physical damage to the mc cable. Also, exposed cables should also be running under joists because on the underside of the joist there is no chance of physical damage.
In the garage:
Well, the mc cable can be exposed in a garage in one condition. If the cable is covered nonmetallic jacket then you can expose the cable in your garage. Otherwise, you have to run the cable either down the surface or above the ceiling in your garage.
Does MC cable need conduit?
Yes, mc cable does need conduit as conduit protects mc cable from any type of external damages. Also, the conduit protects the mc cable from pest infestation, vibration, fire, etc.
Well, there are can different types of conduits available. But mainly there are two types and they are metal conduit and non-metallic conduit. Both conduits are watertight which means any type of liquid cannot enter the mc cable. These two types of conduits are used in different conditions.
You can use the non-metallic watertight conduit in damp conditions. It will not let the water get inside the mc cable. Also, the metallic conduit can be used when the cable is run through the backside of an appliance or outside. The metallic conduit will protect the mc cable from any kind of physical damage. Also, it will protect the mc cable from any sort of vibration or fire risk.
3 reason why mc cable can/cannot be exposed
Well, exposing mc cable fully depends on the condition. Also, exposing the mc cable without any covering is very dangerous. But with proper covering, you can expose the mc cable in every condition. Therefore, we have described every possible reason why you can expose:
Conduit:
A conduit means a metallic or non-metallic covering that covers the mc cable. If this covering is equipped on mc cable then it can be exposed to any conditions. The non-metallic liquid-tight mc cable can be exposed in damp conditions. Also, the metallic mc cables can be exposed outside protecting them from any sort of physical damage. In addition, the conduit can protect the mc cable from vibration, fire risks and other sorts of environmental risks.
With non-metallic jacket:
With a non-metallic jacket equipped on you can expose the mc cable in any sort of conditions. However, it is not allowed to expose the mc cable with only a non-metallic jacket on in damp conditions. Because there is a chance of a short circuit if the water somehow enters the mc cable.
Comes with different coats:
Even though mc cables come with strong conduit mc cables also come with different coatings like PVC coating and sunlight coating. This coating is a basic form of defence for the mc cable. But it is not completely safe to use the mc cable with these coating on.
What happens when the mc cable is exposed?
Worst case scenario can only happen if the mc cable is exposed without a strong conduit. If the mc cable is exposed without conduit then it can be very dangerous. If the mc cable is equipped in a damp condition there is a high chance of a short circuit. If the mc cable is covered with a strong conduit then there is no chance the water will be able to enter inside the mc cable.
Also, when it comes to physical damage if the mc cable is not covered without an outer covering and exposed behind any electric appliance. Then there is a high chance that the mc cable will be physically damaged. If the mc cable is covered with metallic rigid conduit then the mc cable will be protected from physical damage.
Therefore, mc cable can be exposed in any conditions but the mc cable must be covered with metallic or non-metallic conduit.
Where to use mc cable?
Mc cables can be equipped in any sort of condition. However, you have to make sure that the mc cable is covered with a strong conduit. Because it’s the conduit that will protect the mc cable from any sort of environmental risk.
Otherwise, the mc cable will be highly destroyed if it gets into any risk. The rigid conduit doesn’t let any sort of particles or things get inside of the mc cable. Therefore, with a strong conduit, mc can be used in any type of condition. The places where you can use mc cable is described below:
Indoor:
Well, you can use mc cable indoors let it be underground of the house or on top of the ceiling of the house. You can also use the mc behind the appliances and also behind the drywall. But in case of using it in a damp place make sure it has run through conduit.
Outdoor:
You can also use mc cables for outdoor wiring. But make sure it is armoured with metallic locked covering. Because in outside the wirings faces the largest amount of danger. You can use mc cable garden lighting, street lighting, gate lighting, water motor wiring etc.
How to use mc cable?
You can use mc cable in different ways. But down below we have described the easiest way through which you can install the mc cable in the easiest way. The steps are given below:
The junction box:
Prepare the junction box by using a screwdriver and then push the tab on the junction box with the help of the screwdriver. The cable will be installed here on the tabs.
Take measurement:
Now you have to take a measurement of the cable. You have to measure the distance from the switch box to the circuit breaker and then trim out the extra wire from the mc cable. Make sure that you keep extra wiring at the end of the mc cable.
Install every other piece of equipment:
Now you have to connect every other piece of equipment like anti-short bushing and connectors. Make sure that you have equipped these types of equipment carefully and it doesn’t cause any obstruction to the mc cable.
Connect the cable with the junction box:
Now you have to connect the cable inside the junction box. Make sure you have taken the mc cable carefully behind the wall. Also, make sure that there is a damp area around the wire if your mc cable is not gone through a conduit. Now carefully open the tab of the junction box and then push the mc cable inside the tab. Then with the help of screwdrivers secure the thin wire of the mc cable inside the tab.
Final Thoughts:
Mc cable can be exposed to any conditions only if the mc cable is gone through a rigid conduit. Because the conduit will protect the mc cable from any sort of danger. In addition, the conduit makes the mc cable to be protected from outer danger and rodent invasions.