How to Use Armored (BX) Electrical Cable

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Electrical cable encased in metal sheathing is often used in basements and other areas where the wire is not encased in a finished wall. It is handled differently than standard Romex® (non-metallic sheathed) cable.

Steps

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  1. There are many types of armored cables -- not all of them may be acceptable for use in all circumstances.
    • Make sure you have the proper connectors for the selected type of cable. Some types may work for several cables types, others may be prohibited.
    • Be sure to obtain any necessary electrical permits, even if your jurisdiction allows the work to be done by a non-licensed electrician.
    • 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.
    • Retain the label or package for later inspection.
  2. Always add 30 centimeter (11.8 in) for any waste/damage
    • National Electrical Code has requirements for the minimum amount of conductor that must extend beyond the face of a junction box. Local codes may require more.
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  3. Cut across the armor - not with the spiral. It is not necessary to cut completely through the armor. When the cut is nearly through, grab the cable jacket above and below the cut and twist sharply - this should break the remaining armor without the need for the saw to contact the wires inside. Use caution - the metal edges are sharp.
    • Carefully inspect the interior insulation to make sure none of the conductors have been exposed by nicks or gashes. If there is damage, you may need to try again by moving back and redoing another cut.
  4. You may be required to use bushings that have an indicator tab, tip or tail.
  6. Remove the threaded ring from the connector to use inside the electrical box.
    • Most BX connectors have a small hole or slot through which you must show the tab, tip or tail of the bushing, so the inspector knows it is in there.
    • 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.
    • Many new installations require an inspection at this stage of "rough-in" prior to getting permission to connect any devices to the conductors.
  9. Connect the wires to your switch/outlet/splice in the electrical box.
    • Repeat for the connections at the other end.
    • Add any required cable supports (e.g., staples, clamps, brackets).
    • Double-check within anyone else working with you, for safety, before proceeding to the next step.
    • Schedule any necessary "final" inspection.
    • Polyethylene outdoor Ethernet cables are more resistant to extreme temperatures than regular Ethernet cables.
    • They are made for the outdoors and are prone to the atmosphere.
    • They are made of polyethylene and can cope with the weather.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Is BX cable required in NY in a one-story church assembly area?
    Upnorth Here
    Top Answerer
    Article 518 of the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70, 2019: 514.A) requires all "assembly occupancies" to be wired using "metal raceways, flexible metal raceways, nonmetallic raceways encased in not less than 50 mm (2 in.) of concrete, Type MI, MC, or AC cable." Certain wiring outside of fire-rated construction may use non-metallic-sheathed cable, AC, or non-metallic rigid conduit. 518.4(B,C). Local jurisdictions may interpret such rules differently.
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  • Question
    How long can the BX cable be?
    Upnorth Here
    Top Answerer
    You can easily find spools of BX cable up to 1,000 feet long. The actual gauge for your project will depend upon the length and the operating load to be fed at the far end.
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  • Question
    What if the BX cable is in a wet location?
    Community Answer
    The National Electrical Code prohibits use of BX ( technically named Armored Cable/AC ) in wet locations. Use metal-clad (MC) with a metal sheath specifically listed as impervious to water, or underground feeder/branch circuit cable (UF), either by itself or in a conduit system approved for use in wet locations (if you desire additional protection from physical damage to the cable).
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      Tips

      • Work gloves are handy when working with armored cable. Often small pieces of metal will break off and they can be very sharp.
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      • Always wear eye protection for the same reason
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      • A tool comprised of a special clamp with a rotary cutter is available for those doing a lot of AC or MC installation. It is safer and faster than using a hacksaw.
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      Warnings

      • 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. MC and AC cables may have very similar appearance.
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