wirenco 6/2 Metal Clad (MC) Cable with Ground, Aluminum Armored, Stranded Copper Conductor

What it is and why I used it

I reached for this 6/2 MC cable from Wirenco for a pair of heavy-duty branch circuits: a 60A garage run for a welder outlet and a 60A circuit for a 48A EVSE. I wanted the mechanical protection of interlocked armor without the time and space overhead of bending conduit and pulling individual conductors. This 65‑foot cut arrived coiled neatly, clearly labeled, and ready to terminate. It’s a straightforward product—two 6 AWG copper conductors with an integral equipment grounding conductor, wrapped in interlocked metal armor and listed to UL 1569—that fills a practical niche in residential garages and light commercial spaces.

Build quality and materials

The conductors are soft-annealed copper, stranded, which makes a meaningful difference at this gauge. Terminations on lugs are more cooperative, and the cable tolerates gentle routing better than solid 6 AWG. The armor is evenly formed and tight, with no sharp high spots or crushed turns in the coil I received. The print legend is crisp, and the jacket lay is consistent along the length, which matters when you’re counting on secure connector bite at terminations.

The overall feel is robust without being a wrist-breaker. It’s notably stiffer than NM-B, of course, but that’s the trade-off for mechanical protection. In a garage or shop with exposed runs, the armor gives peace of mind against bumps, stray tool strikes, and the occasional moving ladder.

Installation experience

For both projects, installation was efficient. I used standard 1/2-inch MC connectors at the panel and device boxes. The cable OD seats properly in 1/2-inch fittings; 3/4-inch hardware is too loose and won’t grip the armor as intended. One-hole straps sized for 1/2-inch armored cable held it snugly to studs and garage walls; oversized straps allow rattling and won’t keep the cable aligned.

Cuts were easy with an MC cutter; a fine-tooth hacksaw works in a pinch, but a purpose-built cutter yields cleaner ends and reduces the chance of nicking the conductor insulation. I used anti-short bushings at terminations out of habit and to satisfy local inspectors—while many listed MC connectors don’t require them, adding the bushing takes seconds and costs pennies.

Bend radius is reasonable for 6 AWG MC, but you’ll want some working room at the panel. Plan for smooth, sweeping turns rather than sharp kinks, and don’t crowd the gutter space. I mounted a 4x4 metal box for the welder receptacle and a surface-rated EVSE disconnect; the armor interfaces cleanly with both when using listed MC fittings.

One practical note on cut length: my 65-foot coil measured true on the armor, but the insulated conductors were recessed by roughly an inch or two at each end. That’s normal with interlocked armor, but if your layout is tight, budget a bit of extra length. I now order a few feet more than the tape says I need, especially when routing around obstacles.

Performance and use cases

Electrically, 6 AWG copper is the right call for 60A circuits, including 48A continuous EV charging where the 125% continuous-load rule lands you on a 60A breaker. The stranded conductors seated firmly in breaker and lug terminations, and torque values were easy to hit without strand splay. Voltage drop over the moderate runs I installed was negligible. Both installs passed inspection without comment on the cable choice, which is exactly what you want—no surprises, no exotic marking requirements.

This cable shines for exposed or surface-mounted runs where conduit would be slower. In a finished garage with drywall, it’s tidy and professional-looking. In a small commercial space, the armor adds durability where boxes and equipment see routine handling. It’s less ideal in tight stud bays with lots of obstacles; you can still get it through, but NM-B or individual THHN in conduit may route more gracefully in crowded cavities.

Handling, accessories, and compatibility

• Connectors: Use 1/2-inch MC connectors and locknuts. The fit is correct and secure.
• Straps: One-hole straps sized for 1/2-inch armored cable keep it tight to surfaces. Oversized straps allow movement and noise.
• Boxes: A 4x4 steel box with an industrial cover works well for high-current receptacles. For EVSEs, verify the manufacturer’s entry size and have reducing bushings ready if needed.
• Tools: An MC cutter is worth it for clean, repeatable cuts. Deburr armor edges and use anti-short bushings where required by local practice or inspector preference.
• Marking: Label both ends with circuit ID and breaker size; the armor invites future tie-ins, and clear labeling saves time later.

Code and safety considerations

This cable is UL 1569 listed for MC applications. As with any installation, match the device and termination temperature ratings, and follow NEC derating rules if you plan to bundle multiple MC cables or run through high ambient areas. This particular configuration is ideal for dry locations; verify conductor insulation ratings if you intend to route through damp areas. The integral equipment grounding conductor simplifies bonding at both ends—no separate ground pull needed.

Pull torque and enclosure fill are the practical limits. Plan your box sizes accordingly, especially where you’re landing 6 AWG conductors with additional device pigtails.

Pros

• Time-saving alternative to conduit for heavy circuits
• Stranded 6 AWG copper is easier to terminate than solid
• Interlocked armor offers solid mechanical protection and a clean surface install
• UL-listed for typical branch, feeder, and service distribution use
• Includes an equipment grounding conductor, reducing part count

Cons

• Stiffer and heavier than NM-B; can be awkward in tight cavities
• Needs correctly sized 1/2-inch fittings and straps—oversized hardware won’t grip properly
• Conductors are slightly recessed from the armor ends; practical length is a touch shorter than the jacket measure
• Not the right choice for long parallel runs where conduit might be more economical

Who it’s for

• Homeowners and pros upgrading garages or shops with 50–60A circuits
• EVSE installs requiring a 60A branch circuit and tidy surface routing
• Light commercial spaces where exposed runs need durability and a clean look
• Anyone wanting to avoid conduit bending and wire pulling for a single heavy circuit

Final thoughts and recommendation

After running two demanding circuits with this 6/2 MC, I’m happy with the balance of speed, protection, and workmanship it delivers. It installs cleanly with standard 1/2-inch MC connectors, feels robust on the wall, and makes heavy-gauge terminations less fussy thanks to stranded copper. The only caveats are predictable: plan a bit of extra length, avoid oversized hardware, and give yourself enough space for gentle bends at terminations.

I recommend this cable for 60A branch circuits where exposed routing is acceptable or preferred. It’s a practical, code-compliant solution that saves time compared to conduit, looks professional when strapped properly, and has the mechanical resilience to stand up in real-world garages and shops. If your layout demands many tight turns inside walls or you’re bundling multiple high-amp circuits, conduit may still win. For single-run, heavy-duty circuits, though, this 6/2 MC hits the mark.