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  1. #1
    Peter Wigle's Avatar
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    Default BX (AC?) as exterior conduit?

    This didn't look right but I can't find a definitive answer. The house had electricity run to a shed about 40 feet away. It was run via cable which looked like BX - supported through its length by a wooden privacy fence. Is there any type of armoured cable which would be suitable for exterior use, or is it clearly incorrect?

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  2. #2
    A.D. Miller's Avatar
    A.D. Miller Guest

    Default Re: BX (AC?) as exterior conduit?

    320.12 Uses Not Permitted.
    Type AC cable shall not be used as follows:
    (1) Where subject to physical damage
    (2) In damp or wet locations
    (3) In air voids of masonry block or tile walls where such walls are exposed or subject to excessive moisture or dampness
    (4) Where exposed to corrosive fumes or vapors
    (5) Embedded in plaster finish on brick or other masonry in damp or wet locations


  3. #3
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    Default Re: BX (AC?) as exterior conduit?

    Seeing how your in Canada, it may be different as I don't have the Canadian electric code.

    According to the NEC if you have AC (bx) it is not allowed in damp or wet locations. So exterior use is out.- NEC article 320.12


    If you have MC it CAN be allowed in wet locations if ANY of these conditions are met:
    The metallic covering is impervious to moisture OR
    A lead sheath or moisture- impervious jacket is provided under the metal covering OR
    The insulated conductors under the metallic covering are listed for use in wet locations and a corrosion resistant jacket is provided over the metallic sheath.
    The above is NEC article 330.10

    They do market a MC cable that is rated for exterior use and direct burial in concrete. It is a PVC coated cable.
    Most times in the north east US it is referred to as parking deck cable.


    AC and MC cable look alike from the outside. The difference is the makeup of the sheathing. AC is rated for the metallic covering to carry the ground and MC is NOT rated for the metallic covering to carry the ground. AC cable the conductors are wrapped in paper, MC the conductors are wrapped in plastic.
    With AC your are required to use an antishort bushing ( redhead) were MC you are not.


  4. #4
    A.D. Miller's Avatar
    A.D. Miller Guest

    Default Re: BX (AC?) as exterior conduit?

    While it is true that the NEC does not require anti-short bushings for MC cable, most manufacturers recommend their use.

    http://www.afcweb.com/pdfs/01catalog...stal-instr.pdf


  5. #5
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    Default Re: BX (AC?) as exterior conduit?

    true

    not required

    just recommended

    not illegal if not used on mc


  6. #6
    A.D. Miller's Avatar
    A.D. Miller Guest

    Default Re: BX (AC?) as exterior conduit?


  7. #7
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    Default Re: BX (AC?) as exterior conduit?

    and there again

    not required

    just recommended


  8. #8
    A.D. Miller's Avatar
    A.D. Miller Guest

    Default Re: BX (AC?) as exterior conduit?

    Quote Originally Posted by ken horak View Post
    and there again

    not required

    just recommended
    KH: My contention all along.


  9. #9
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    Default Re: BX (AC?) as exterior conduit?

    Quote Originally Posted by Peter Wigle View Post
    This didn't look right but I can't find a definitive answer. The house had electricity run to a shed about 40 feet away. It was run via cable which looked like BX - supported through its length by a wooden privacy fence. Is there any type of armoured cable which would be suitable for exterior use, or is it clearly incorrect?
    Could this be Tek cable?


  10. #10
    A.D. Miller's Avatar
    A.D. Miller Guest

    Default Re: BX (AC?) as exterior conduit?

    Quote Originally Posted by Speedy Petey View Post
    Could this be Tek cable?
    SP: You mean, of course, Teck cable.

    Wire and Cable » Teck Cable: Teck 90 and Teck Style Armored Cable


  11. #11
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    Default Re: BX (AC?) as exterior conduit?

    Quote Originally Posted by A.D. Miller View Post
    Yeah. That's it.

    I'm not from Canada but I know that their Teck cable is suitable for direct burial.


  12. #12
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    Default Re: BX (AC?) as exterior conduit?

    Peter, if you ever return you will see this pic of Teck cable. It has a black jacket, suitable for outdoor and can be direct buried.

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  13. #13
    Peter Wigle's Avatar
    Peter Wigle Guest

    Default Re: BX (AC?) as exterior conduit?

    Thanks everyone. The cable being run was plain BX - no vinyl or PVC coating. I just wanted to confirm that there wasn't anything that looked like plain BX that was acceptable. Apparently not. That makes things easy.

    Wasn't aware of the Teck and Liquatite products (at leat not by name) so, as usual, learned something new.


  14. #14
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    Default Re: BX (AC?) as exterior conduit?

    Quote Originally Posted by John Kogel View Post
    Peter, if you ever return you will see this pic of Teck cable. It has a black jacket, suitable for outdoor and can be direct buried.
    Yup, that's what I was talking about John. I just got the name wrong.
    Thanks.


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