Stock Wire 8/2 Metal Clad (MC) Cable with Ground, Aluminum Armored, Stranded Copper Conductors

Why I chose this cable

I picked up this 8/2 MC cable for a 240V, 40A branch circuit to a garage EV charger and a couple of heavy-duty shop receptacles. I wanted something code-compliant for exposed runs in a finished basement and garage without the hassle of bending EMT or pulling conductors through flex. This aluminum-armored, stranded-copper MC hit that sweet spot: tough enough to protect the conductors, light and flexible enough for a one-person install, and properly listed for commercial/industrial environments if I need to re-use it later on another project.

What you get

• Construction: Two 8 AWG stranded, soft-annealed copper conductors plus an equipment grounding conductor, inside interlocked aluminum armor.
• Ratings: THHN ampacity listing of 55A (as always, final ampacity and overcurrent protection depend on the temperature rating of terminations and the application).
• Listings/standards: UL 83, 1569, 1581, and 2256.
• Length: 50 feet, factory cut.
• Color/finish: Natural aluminum armor.

In practical terms, this is a robust 8/2 with ground that’s meant to be stapled/strapped and terminated with MC connectors, offering protection similar to a raceway without having to bend pipe or fish.

Build quality and handling

The armor is interlocked aluminum, which keeps weight down and won’t rust. It’s still firm enough to protect the conductors against casual impacts during install. I’ve used steel-jacket MC plenty of times, and for many indoor applications this aluminum version is simply easier to work with. It holds shape when you dress it along a wall, but you can still coax it around gentle bends without fighting it.

The stranded copper conductors are the right call at 8 AWG—they land more easily in breaker and disconnect lugs than solid wire and reduce stress at termination points. The insulation arrived clean, with crisp gauge/markings.

I cut the jacket using a Roto-Split style MC cutter, which gave me clean rings without nicking the insulation. You can use a hacksaw in a pinch, but I’d strongly recommend a proper cutter to avoid jagged edges and time-consuming prep. After cutting, I slid on anti-short bushings at terminations (some inspectors will insist, and they’re good practice anyway).

Coil memory was manageable. The 50-foot cut came coiled tight but not kinked. Once I unrolled it and reverse-wrapped a couple of loops, it laid flat enough to strap to joists and along a garage wall.

Installation notes

• Connectors and boxes: Use 1/2-inch MC connectors sized for 8 AWG MC. The cable’s outside diameter is bigger than 12/2 MC, so grab fittings specifically rated for 8 AWG MC to keep it snug and code-compliant. Terminate into standard metal boxes or panel knockouts; bond per the fitting’s instructions.
• Support spacing: Follow your local code, but MC generally needs support at intervals not exceeding 6 feet, with support within 12 inches of each box. I used standard one-hole straps for clean runs.
• Bend radius: Keep bends broad and smooth. It’s fairly pliable for 8 AWG, but don’t force tight 90s against studs. Pre-shape it by hand before strapping.
• Cutting/prep: Score with an MC cutter, snap a link, remove the ring, deburr if necessary, and insert anti-short bushings. The aluminum jacket cuts easily; just don’t over-tighten the cutter and risk nicking insulation.
• Terminations: The stranded conductors seated well in modern breaker lugs. Always verify lug torque and compatibility with stranded copper at 8 AWG.

In my install, I ran about 35 feet from panel to a garage disconnect, then to a wall-mounted EVSE. Strapping was quick, the armor protected the cable nicely along exposed portions, and the connectors seated solidly with no play.

Electrical performance and suitability

With THHN-rated conductors and a listed ampacity of 55A for 8 AWG copper, this cable is well-suited for:

• 240V, 40A continuous loads (EVSE at 40A on a 50A breaker, subject to 125% continuous load rule and termination temperature ratings).
• 240V, up to 50A non-continuous loads where 8 AWG is appropriate.
• Heavy-duty 240V appliances without a neutral (e.g., many water heaters, air compressors, some welders).

Note the limitation in the “8/2” designation: you get two insulated conductors plus a ground. If your load requires a neutral, you need 8/3 MC instead. That’s a common point of confusion—this cable is perfect for straight 240V two-wire circuits, but it won’t serve ranges or EVSEs that require a neutral conductor.

Voltage drop at this gauge is favorable for short runs. At 40A over 50 feet, you’re in excellent shape. If you push beyond 100–150 feet, calculate voltage drop and consider upsizing.

Indoor, outdoor, and wet locations

The armor is aluminum, which resists rust, and the conductors are typically THHN/THWN-2 in most modern MC. The product’s literature highlights THHN ampacity; check the jacket printing on your reel for the exact wet-location rating of the conductors you receive. If the conductors are marked THWN or THWN-2, and your local code allows, you can use it in wet locations and outdoors when properly supported and terminated. If the printing only shows THHN, keep it to dry/damp locations. Either way, this is not direct-burial cable.

For general indoor exposed runs (basements, garages, workshops) and commercial ceilings or corridors where MC is permitted, it’s right at home.

Standards and code confidence

The listings—UL 83 (thermoplastic insulated wires), UL 1569 (metal-clad cable), UL 1581 (electrical wire testing), and UL 2256—give confidence that you’re working with a properly evaluated cable. As always, coordinate conductor ampacity with the temperature rating of terminations (commonly 75°C), size your breaker accordingly, and follow NEC and local amendments for support and fittings. If you’re installing in healthcare, plenum, or other special occupancies, verify whether you need a specialty MC variant (HCF, plenum-rated, fire-resistive).

How it compares to alternatives

• Versus NM-B (Romex): NM-B is cheaper and fine for many residential interiors but must be protected where exposed and isn’t allowed in many commercial/industrial spaces. This MC cable is more rugged, can be run exposed in many settings, and looks cleaner on the wall.
• Versus EMT/flex with pulled conductors: Conduit systems are flexible in layout and conductor count, and are great for future changes. But for a straight, single run, MC is faster—no pipe bending, no wire pulling. For one-off circuits like a garage EVSE feed, MC usually wins on labor.
• Versus steel-jacket MC: Steel armor is tougher but heavier. For indoor general use, the aluminum armor is easier on the installer without giving up meaningful protection.

Durability over time

Armor seams are uniform, and the aluminum won’t corrode like ferrous metals in normal indoor environments. I don’t expect jacket creep or kinking under normal strap spacing. The stranded copper gives you a bit of flex at terminations, reducing stress compared to solid. Provided it’s supported correctly and fittings are snug, it should remain serviceable for decades.

Minor drawbacks

• Not a “universal” feed: Without a neutral, it’s limited to two-wire 240V loads. Plan accordingly.
• Fitting selection matters: You’ll want connectors sized for 8 AWG MC; don’t try to force 3/8-inch “small” MC fittings intended for 12/2 or 14/2. Stock the right 1/2-inch trade-size MC connectors before you start.
• Wet-location clarity: The marketing mentions THHN ampacity. Most MC of this type I encounter is THHN/THWN-2, but confirm the jacket markings on your actual coil before using it in wet or outdoor locations.

Who it’s for

• Electricians and experienced DIYers adding a 240V, 40–50A circuit for EV charging, a condenser disconnect, a water heater, or shop equipment—especially where the run will be exposed.
• Small commercial jobs where MC is standard and labor savings over conduit are attractive.
• Retrofits where bending conduit would be awkward or time-consuming.

If you need a neutral or foresee adding one later, choose 8/3 MC instead. If you’re running through corrosive or specialty environments, verify you have the appropriate MC variant for that occupancy.

Bottom line and recommendation

This 8/2 MC cable with aluminum armor and stranded copper conductors is a practical, installer-friendly choice for robust 240V circuits up to 55A conductor ampacity, subject to code and termination ratings. It’s light, easy to shape, and fast to terminate compared to conduit, with the durability to run exposed in many residential garages and commercial settings. My install went quickly, terminations were clean, and the finished run looks professional.

I recommend this cable. It strikes the right balance of protection, flexibility, and performance, and it’s well-suited to the kinds of mid-ampacity 240V circuits many of us are adding today. Just confirm your conductor markings for wet locations, pick the correct MC fittings, and ensure your load doesn’t need a neutral. For the intended use—straightforward, two-wire 240V feeds—it’s an efficient, code-friendly solution that saves time without compromising quality.