Cut Sheet

Metal Clad Cable, Armored Cable and Flexible Metal
Conduit Fittings
NOTE
The materials herein, whether relating to the National Electrical Code, the Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. listing, to industry practice or otherwise,
are not intended to provide all relevant information required for use and installation of our products. Refer to applicable codes, instructions and
industry specifications prior to installation or use.
Metal Clad Cable, Armored Cable and Flexible Metal Conduit
Armored Cable (Type AC) — Ref. NEC
Article 320
National Electrical Code defines type AC armored
cable as, “A fabricated assembly of insulated
conductors in a flexible metallic enclosure.”
ACT Indicates an armored cable
employing conductors having
thermoplastic (Type T) insulation.
AC Indicates an armored cable
employing conductors having
rubber insulation of code grade.
ACH Indicates an armored cable
employing conductors having
rubber insulation of the heat
resistant (75° C) grade.
ACHH Indicates an armored cable
employing conductors having
rubber insulation of the heat
resistant (90° C) grade.
ACU Indicates an armored cable
employing conductors having
rubber insulation of latex grade.
“L” Used as a suffix, it indicates that
a lead covering has been applied
over the conductor assembly.
All armored cables may employ copper or
aluminum or copperclad aluminum conductors
with the following sizes and are rated for
600 volts or less:
No. 14 AWG to No. 1 AWG Copper
No. 12 AWG to No. 1 AWG Aluminum
or Copperclad Aluminum
Type AC cables except ACL carry an internal
bonding strip of copper or aluminum in intimate
contact with the armor for its entire length.
Armored cable can be used for both exposed
or concealed locations. With lead-covered
conductors (Type ACL), the cable can be
embedded in masonry or concrete and can be
used in damp locations or where exposed to oil.
Armored cable is not permitted in locations
where it will be subjected to physical damage
or corrosive fumes. Armored cable cannot be
used for direct burial in earth.
With minor exceptions, armored cable is also
not permitted to be used in hoists or elevators,
storage battery rooms, any hazardous locations,
in commercial garages and in theaters or similar
locations.
Codes require that cable shall be supported
with straps or staples without damaging
conductors and also limit the minimum bend
radius to 5 times the diameter of type AC cable.
Certain precautions are prescribed in code where
cable is installed through joist rafters or similar
wood members.
According to NEC 320 where armored cable
is terminated, a fitting is required to protect
conductors from abrasion. In addition, a bushing
is required between the conductors and armor.
Design of fitting has to be such that the
insulating bushing is visible for inspection.
Bushing is not required with lead-covered
cables when properly installed.
Portions of this section reprinted by
permission from NFPA 70–2005, National
Electrical Code
®
, Copyright © 2004, National
Fire Protection Association, Boston, MA.
Please refer to the following for further
details and complete information:
1. NEC Article 320…Armored Cable
(Type AC Cable)
2. UL 4, ANSI C33.9…Safety Standards
for Armored Cable
3. UL 514B, Safety Standards for Outlet
Boxes and Fittings
4. A-A-50552…Federal Specification.
Fittings for Cable, Power, Electrical
and Conduit, Metal, Flexible
5. NEMA FB-1…Standards Publication.
Fittings & Supports for Conduit and
Cable Assemblies
6. CEC Section 12-700…Wiring Methods
(Armored Cable)
7. CSA C22.2 No. 51…Safety Standards
for Armored Cables
8. CSA C22.2 No. 18…Safety Standards for
Outlet Boxes, Conduit Boxes and Fittings
A-155
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