how to connect armoured cable to plastic junction box

\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Many inspectors will want to see the "listing label" for your cable so they can verity that it conforms to the code requirements and standards for cable construction. you need to specify if the cable has an earth wire for a definate answer. If the box at one end is grounded, it would ground the armor but I think but am not sure that the code enforces grounding of both ends for bonding purposes. for plastic cable accessories. Duh, don't know why I thought I could do that :-). Step 4. I may change the cable anyway since I'm thinking of putting the family room receptacles on their own breaker and upgrading the wiring to 12 ga, 20A. Some types may work for several cables types, others may be prohibited. Hexus: please explain the difference between MC and Flex since they sound the same to me :-). Therefore, it maintains an "internal" bond to itself. Jeez. Looking for Conduit Clamps that Stand Off from Wall? Electrical caulk for MC PVC cable connectors. You can do that as long as you use the correct cable clamp to secure the cable to the box. Junction Box Waterproof ABS Plastic Accessories Cable Connecting Dustproof. Notching in the bottom substantially increases the compression in the top, creates a point of . Furthermore, you'll need to pry out or punch out a 1/2" trade size (7/8" actual diameter) knockout either in the top or a free side of the box, then use a type AC/MC connector (straight for a top feed, 90 aka right-angle for a side feed) to bring the cable into the box. % of people told us that this article helped them. White wires are neutral, meaning they carry power back to the service panel. Note: As this is a new circuit and will also be running externally is needs to be on its very own circuit and MCB, which as the socket was to be used for the occasions strimmer or power drill etc. OK, that clarifies things for "boxes" what about non metallic cabinets, non metallic gutters/wireways, or other non metallic enclosures not specifically referred to by NEC as "boxes"? Then bend and break the metal off. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 79,772 times. Manage Settings 4. Is it ok to terminate an armoured cable directly into a plastic 2 -way garage consumer unit providing the brass ring is used with the gland kit for the earth return ? If youre only doing 1 cable, you can take your time with it. When our new furnace was recently installed the electrician ran cable that looks exactly like in this picture, however where it mated to the metal box it used a cylindrical fitting that appears to screw-on over the outside of the cable since I don't see any other obvious attachment mechanism. Oh,it might pass. Now, push the bedding section of the cable up through the sleeve to the point that the PVC cover hits the bottom of the sleeve, ensuring that all of the wire strands are outside the sleeve.Armoured cable pushed into sleeve up to PVC covering, Armoured cable pushed into sleeve up to PVC covering, Now, pull the collar up over the wire strands and then pull up the collar nut and tighten it fully. Did you use a clamp rated for the type of cable you are using (AC or MC)? You are using an out of date browser. Thanks. "I suppose I could have used a metal box in the wall, but I had already installed a plastic one before we made the decision on the gas insert and it just seemed easier to bore a hole in the side and attach the (MC?) Supply wiring for outdoor socket Installing an Outdoor Socket BX cable, more properly known as Type AC, does not have a copper ground. This may seem like a lot but then if you consider the potential for damage that could occur from any number of install situations and from the elements and the potential injuries that could result if the cable is compromised in any way then the number of layers is about right. IMO IP66 Junction Box 125 x 167 x 82mm 16.99. Learn more Electrical cable encased in metal sheathing is often used in basements and other areas where the wire is not encased in a finished wall. ex. Available in either rigid or flexible forms, a conduit protects the wires and is used in exposed locations (such as along the exterior surface of a wall) as well as in unfinished areas (like basements, crawlspaces, and attics), and in surface-mounted . There are many different types of armored cable. digging in the ground, pinching or crushing e.g. The cable is then laid on the sand and then to yellow cable marking tape is then laid over the cable to signify to anyone digging in the ground that there is a cable present. I picked up two of the "screw-in" fittings to connect the MC to the boxes. The very last job for our electrician now is to connect the other end of the armoured cable into the consumer unit on its own MCB. Step 1: Determine the type of steel in the cable. Apparently there was some mis-communication about the use of plastic boxes with metallic clad cable. Screw on lid provides ease of installation. Splicing onto the existing cable and extending it to a different location is fine, just make sure to splice all the wires together color to color including the ground wire. With a hacksaw at 90 degrees to the armor spiral. But cleat it a few inches above the ground level so it is clear of enthusiastic gardeners. Type MC cables may be installed indoors or outdoors, in wet or dry locations, hazardous locations (Class I, Division I), in cable tray, as aerial cable on a messenger, in any approved raceway, direct burial (where identified), or encased in concrete (where identified). Single pair shielded thermocouple extension cables shall be used between thermocouple head and junction boxes / transmitters / local control panel mounted instruments. Now I need to find the correct cable clamp to secure the MC to the box. I was using 100 ft as an example. Most of the images displayed are of unknown origin. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Installation should only be carried out by a competent person, with relevant knowledge and skilled in the installation of Cable Glands. If the metal box is along side the plastic CU or whatever, then the cores of the SWA can pass through the metal box that holds the gland, straight into the plastic one, without actually having extra joins in the metal box. If you use the correct external clamp you can use any approved wiring method. --Bertrand Russell. You may also have trouble picking up ground unless you used a cable with a ground conductor (MC). Measure the length you need. Also, what is the procedure for earthing the armour? Traditionally with a twisted copper cable network, you would take into consideration . With the hole created the next job is to install the gland in the base of the weatherproof enclosure. If it's what I'm thinking of, they are for flex and not MC. Repeat the previous steps at the opposite end of your cable Put a BX connector on the end of the cut armor and then tighten the screw for you to secure the armor. Thanks! $11.83. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. my memory aint what it used to be!) wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. The main difference between the AC wire and the MC wire is that the metal-clad cable has a standard ground wire, whereas the AC cable relies on a jacket in combination with a wire or thin strip to secure the grounding. An access hole was drilled through the wall of the outbuilding so that the cable could be pulled in and up to the location of the consumer unit.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'diydoctor_org_uk-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_14',811,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-diydoctor_org_uk-large-mobile-banner-2-0');Armoured cable running into outbuilding. Free shipping. Yes, it is best to use a storm gland for outdoor use. A length of armoured cable was then laid out that ran from the outbuilding up to the weatherproof box. In summary if a cable is to be run externally, regardless of whether its buried or surface mounted or is going to be used in industrial locations around heavy machinery then armoured cable should always be used.Armoured cable running externally from a house to a garageif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'diydoctor_org_uk-banner-1','ezslot_6',684,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-diydoctor_org_uk-banner-1-0'); Armoured cable running externally from a house to a garage. If the cable does not have an actual grounding wire (and the bonding trip in AC does NOT count) then you have a way to connect to ground. Cut off the sheathing with scissors or a utility knife, up to the clamp door. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. chemically inert and therefore completely safe. Make sure you have the proper connectors for the selected type of cable. "I didn't think you could just drill a hole in a junction box. If the homeowner isnt too bothered about visual appearance then in pretty much all cases its much cheaper and easier to surface mount the cable along any nearby walls or fences.Armoured cable surface mountedif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'diydoctor_org_uk-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_9',685,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-diydoctor_org_uk-large-leaderboard-2-0'); If however the homeowner or customer is particular about how visible the cable maybe then burying it is the way to go for sure, however this can in some cases be costly and involve a fair amount of work. The reason I'm asking this is an EC friend of mine questioned me because he is wiring a residential garage and is concerned that rodents will chew through NM cable. With the screw in place a length of earth wire is cut and a crimp ring is crimped on and then its slipped over the bolt and then a nut is screwed down and tightened. In this DIY guide you will learn how to correctly use and connect up armoured or SWA cable. You must log in or register to reply here. <a title="How To Connect Armoured Cable . We did it that way for a ong time before the hand crank tyoe cutter was invented, and it was patented and expensive for many years. Expose the Electrical Wire Rotate. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. An electrical conduit is a metal or plastic pipe through which electrical wires are run. It is about 35-40% more for the cable than BX. Sponsor Personalizar mi experiencia con el uso de cookies, Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers, Outdoor Lighting & Audio/Visual Specialists. Mike makes an excellent point about putting a hole in a box designed for NM cable. used externally then armoured cable should definitely be used. var cid='3350712846';var pid='ca-pub-4631420095579283';var slotId='div-gpt-ad-diydoctor_org_uk-box-3-0';var ffid=1;var alS=1002%1000;var container=document.getElementById(slotId);container.style.width='100%';var ins=document.createElement('ins');ins.id=slotId+'-asloaded';ins.className='adsbygoogle ezasloaded';ins.dataset.adClient=pid;ins.dataset.adChannel=cid;if(ffid==2){ins.dataset.fullWidthResponsive='true';} Extension lead for the shed page 2 design and location uk420 junction bo connection of data control signal cables armored cable 5 essential pieces information you ought to know hensel electric uk ltd enycase pe inlay how use bx electrical 11 steps with pictures code safety violations mr electrician steel wire armoured all need e tech components supplies . This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Exception No. Duh, don't know why I thought I could do that". The PG series cable glands start from PG7 to PG63 as normal sizes in the worldwide market. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. The easy way around all the 2nd guessing is to just change out the plastic j-box for a metal one. Let us help you find a tradesman local to you. Not that it matters. If your project is adding to existing wiring, make sure the power is off for all of the branch circuits feeding power to all of the box locations you're working on. But, still, it screams "AMATEUR". When it comes to the core wire colours these are generally as follows (depending on the number of cores): To cover the potential range of different installs armoured cable is also available in a range of different size cores that include 1.5mm, 2.5mm, 4mm, 6mm, 10mm, 16mm and more specialist 25mm. IMHO, if the MC originates out of a metal JB or a load center it is grounded at that point. Carefully inspect the interior insulation to make sure none of the conductors have been exposed by nicks or gashes. Pull everything back down the cable to leave a good 6 8 inches of cable free.Remaining glad parts slipped on to armoured cable, Remaining glad parts slipped on to armoured cable, Using a utility knife, cut down the centre of the PVC cover at about 6 8 inches from the end and then also cut around it and pull the cover off. A small bolt is then pushed up through from the base and through the small end of the banjo. Below you will notice large diameter plastic conduit bringing power to an electrical sub panel. Neutral Wire's Plastic Insulation Turned Brown. Threaded sleeve secured on base of waterproof enclosure. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Step 2: Check the gland pack. Jeez, those sections look wierd now. "Mike makes an excellent point about putting a hole in a box designed for NM cable. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Knockout Non-Metallic Push-In Connector (100-Pack) with 161 reviews and the with 138 reviews. Note: Installing SWA armoured cable is Part P notifiable work and not something that can be done on a DIY basis and should only be done by a qualified electrician with the necessary experience to fully test the install once complete! Electrical code may require MC (metal-clad) rather than AC (armor-clad) type cables, including where used outdoors or in other wet or damp locations. Once the gland sleeve is fixed in place, secure the enclosure to the install location (in this case inside the porch) by screwing through the rear of the enclosure using 8 x 32mm wood screws. Junction Box Waterproof ABS . The third part, Raceways, includes the rules applying to the installation of all types of raceways.It is divided into a general . Wickes Exterior Cable Clips - Black 9mm Pack of 50. If you have a lot of excess cable left over, first use a decent pair of wire snips, side cutters or a hacksaw to cut the end of the cable off to a suitable length so that there roughly 10 12 inches of cable left once pulled in to the enclosure. Push a plastic anti-short bushing onto the wires where it contacts the metal armor. My guess is that since the cable is exposed in a habitable portion of the house, it needs to be in either a conduit or armored. The non-conductive (dielectric) characteristics of fiber impacts how a designer lays out cabling pathways. Local codes may require more. Plastic Submersible Cord Grips. "Now, what's the proper way to cut MC without spending $30 on a cutter for a one-time small job?". Unlike standard electrical cable, armoured cable inner core wires are coloured slightly differently than standard electrical cables. Holes are made in junction boxes, cut out boxes, etc. MC and AC cables may have very similar appearance. There may be a correct way to connect metallic to the plastic box but I believe you would need a bonding lock nut to bond the grounding wire to the cable armor. in a 3-phase setup then it is also possible to use the steel armour section of the cable as the earth. The new gas insert fan will use this receptacle. The trench is then back filled with soil. PVC sleeve slipped over end of armoured cable, PVC sleeve slipped over end of armoured cable, In the exact following order, the sealed nut is slipped on and then the collar retaining nut and then the cable retaining collar ensuring that they are all facing the correct way around. It is handled differently than standard Romex (non-metallic sheathed) cable. If you go to the trouble of making the correct size hole in the box and using an approved clamp you can use other methods, but you still have to watch for the grounding conductor. I have located all the items at Screwfix. Puedo rechazar las cookies no esenciales haciendo clic en 'Gestionar preferencias'. of concrete, Type MI, MC, or AC cable." It may not display this or other websites correctly. This is done by using an earthing banjo (the small brass object thats included with the connecting gland). There are however others but these are generally reserved for more specialist industrial applications. Our enclosures provide a lockable cover facility giving protection and security against tampering. In terms of the conductors (the charge-carrying copper wire), domestic armoured cable comes in a range of different cores including 1 core, 2 core, 3 core and 4 core and 5 core to suit different install situations. Never saw a 14/3 metal clad "appliance cable." This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. I think that the intent is to have maintain ground connection of the metallic raceway when a plastic box usually insulates between two kos. The double connector does penetrate the box. A dual fitting aleiviates that. declared as conforming to the mechanical, electrical and sealing specifications required. If the armour is the only earth you're providing then I would use a Piranha earth nut as opposed to a banjo/metal tag through the enclosure. 3. With the cable fully secured in place the next job is to run the armoured cable up through the threaded sleeve and into the enclosure. Connect a single flat cable to a junction box. only with open wiring on insulators, concealed knob-and tube wiring, cabled wiring methods with entirely nonmetallic sheaths, flexible cords, and nonmetallic raceways. Many new installations require an inspection at this stage of "rough-in" prior to getting permission to connect any devices to the conductors. Apologies, but we don't seem to have a video for this project yet, but we will do our best to get one up soon. As far as the plastic or metal box goes, I don't see any functional difference between them for this application. For instance, PG16 thread for screwing in sensors and several other types of equipment, connectors, and junction boxes. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Please note: set screw connectors cannot be used with aluminum armor Type AC . Dont push too hard you just want to cut through the cover.Armoured cable PVC cover trimmed up. but I would use the gland and nut with a washer either side of the plastic for strength if the cable is earthed E electronicsuk Joined 7 May 2007 Messages 3,316 Reaction score 276 Location Lincolnshire Country 15 Apr 2009 #3 The short aluminum "wire" is the bonding strap and can be cut off. "Flex" is flexible spiral conduit (aluminum or steel) that does not have wire in it already and comes in various sizes. Are you a trade or supplier? Squeeze the handles on the cable cutter to secure the armored cable in the cutter. This specification covers the requirements for instrument signal cables, thermocouple extension cables, RTD cables and power / control cables. Home > DIY How To Projects and Tutorial Guides > How to Connect and Wire up Armoured Cable or SWA Cable. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Now, pull the collar up over the wire strands and then pull up the collar nut and tighten it fully. Wrap each side of the wire for about four to five turns as shown in figure 4. I drilled a hole through the brick and ran flexible metal cable from the firebox through the brick and wall studs to a plastic junction box a few feet away (no drywall on the walls). When installing SWA steel wired armoured cable it best to use 3 core - 1.Phase / Live, 2.neutral, 3.CPC Earth. I didn't think you could just drill a hole in a junction box. As with the rest of the job, this should only be done by a Part P registered, fully qualified electrician! ex. Work gloves are handy when working with armored cable. Select the supplier or trade you require, enter your location to begin your search. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. However, if you then leave that first plastic JB with MC and then go to another plastic JB that metal jacket is no longer grounded. MP-AP uses the armor for an EGC. The cable appears to be "similar" to MC but may not be actual MC. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Retain the label or package for later inspection. Repeat for the connections at the other end. I installed a metal junction box with receptacle in the firebox of our masonry fireplace. Use wire strippers to strip 34 inch (19 mm) of casing insulation off the end of every wire going into the junction box. This article has been viewed 79,772 times. Permanent armored wiring would be type AC or type MC. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. I just picked up a 25 foot section of 12/2 MC cable with ground (THHN wire). For MC cable, the armor is not an EGC, there is a green EGC for that. I forget they clarified that part, in what-the1999, when I started out it was not so understood and a bit muddled. A while back I asked about using a plastic box with MC and your response was that you hadn't seen a plastic box approved for metallic clad cable. JavaScript is disabled. Once in place the 10mm cable was then connected up to the MCB and run out to the enclosure and then connected to the SWA cable. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. If the MC cable originates from a metal enclosure and lands in a nonmetalic box, why bother bonding that end too? First slip the earth tag over the threaded sleeve and then push the sleeve up through the base of the enclosure and then pop the threaded sleeve retaining nut on the shredded sleeve and then screw it down and tighten fully with a spanner. When it comes to exactly what situations armoured cable should be used in, generally if the cable itself is going to be exposed to the weather and needs to be fully sealed and water proof e.g. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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