Armored Cable

Armored Cable is a rugged electrical wiring solution built to protect conductors from impact, abrasion, and rodents while streamlining installation. By combining a metal armor—typically interlocked aluminum or steel—with insulated copper or aluminum conductors, it offers superior mechanical protection without the time and material of pulling wire through conduit. That means faster installs, cleaner runs, and long-term reliability for residential, commercial, and industrial projects.

Common types include Metal-Clad (MC) cable and Armored Cable (AC, often called BX). MC cable includes a dedicated grounding conductor and is offered in many constructions for dry, damp, and wet locations, including outdoor and direct-burial variants and control/lighting versions such as MC-PCS. AC cable uses an internal bonding strip with the armor for equipment grounding and is widely used for branch circuits in dry locations. In other markets you’ll find steel wire armor (SWA) and TECK90 for heavy-duty power and control applications. Options span plenum- and riser-rated designs, low-smoke jackets, and fire-resistive assemblies for life-safety systems.

Typical applications for armored cable include feeders, branch circuits, lighting whips, HVAC equipment, data center power distribution, and machinery wiring. It’s often chosen for retrofit work where conduit is impractical, and for exposed runs where added protection and a neat appearance are priorities.

Selection tips:
- Match the cable type to the location: dry, damp, wet, outdoor, or direct burial.
- Choose armor material (aluminum or steel) based on corrosion, weight, and magnetic considerations.
- Verify conductor size, count, and color code for the load and voltage.
- Look for listings and markings (UL, CSA) and ensure NEC/local code compliance.
- Pair with the right fittings: listed connectors, bushings (anti-short bushings are required for AC), and supports.

For best results, use an armor cable cutter, maintain manufacturer bend radii, cap sharp edges, and bond/ground per code. Quality armored cable delivers safety, durability, and labor savings—backed by proven performance in demanding environments.