Is MC cable allowed in commercial buildings
Emily Carr
Updated on May 05, 2026
Commercial, industrial, and residential/commercial buildings.
What type of wire is run in commercial?
Metal-Clad (MC) Cable: Used heavily in commercial electrical work; running through concrete or in other commercial environments. Individual THHN wire conductors are run through an aluminum interlocked armor.
Can you use NM cable in a commercial building?
NM cables are permitted to be installed in a Type V commercial building (for example), only if it is concealed in a stud/ceiling space (or any other space) with min 1/2″ sheetrock or other finish material with equivalent 15-minute fire rating.
Is MC cable allowed to be exposed?
Section 330.15 states: Exposed runs of cable, except as provided in 300.11(A), shall closely follow the surface of the building finish or running boards. Exposed runs shall also be permitted to be installed on the underside of joists where supported at each joist and located so as not to be subject to physical damage.Does commercial wiring have to be in conduit?
It is not always required in commercial and industrial applications. You can use MC, armored cable and other approved electrical wiring in commercial. In residential you usually are not required to use conduit unless you are installing it outside the building.
Can I use PVC conduit in a commercial building?
A common method of electrical wiring in a commercial setting is by use of conduit. … For underground conduit runs or conduit embedded in concrete slabs, PVC conduit is used, as it will not rust or corrode. PVC conduit can also be found in areas where moisture, water, or chemicals may be present.
Can you use electrical PVC in commercial buildings?
Exposed — PVC conduit is permitted to be used for exposed work. … Schedule 40 PVC conduit is permitted for exposed locations where not subject to physical damage. Schedule 80 PVC conduit is identified for use in areas subject to physical damage.
Can you use MC cable underground?
The Metal Clad Cable includes a grounding wire and can be used in outdoor applications. It can go into concealed and unconcealed spaces, and even buried underground. The National Electric Code (NEC), it is also approves it for difficult locations that involve exposure to moisture and hazardous elements.Does MC cable need to be protected?
According to NEC Article 330.30, MC cable must be supported and secured at intervals of 6 feet or less (unless routed through a framing member) and cables containing four or fewer conductors sized no larger than 10 AWG must be secured within 12 inches of every termination.
Can I run MC cable through drywall?Armored cable is fine in drywall – indeed, it’s superior to NM cable, and required in many/most commercial occupancies if not using conduit.
Article first time published onWhy is Romex illegal?
Staffers there said house wiring known by the brand name Romex can be dangerous if the insulation is gnawed by rodents or punctured by nails. They said the flexible insulation on the cable lacks the protection of conduit, the rigid metal tubes that encase wires.
Where can you not use NM cable?
Type NM cable cannot be run outdoors even if it is run in a raceway because this is considered to be a wet location. Type NM cable cannot be run in any raceway other than using it as a sleeve in accordance with 334.15(B) and 300.15(C) or in accordance with 334.12(A)(1) Exception.
Is Romex considered conduit?
Yes, NM cable can be in conduit. In fact. NEC calls for it to be in conduit, when protection from physical damage is required.
What is the difference between residential and commercial wiring?
Residential wiring refers to any electrical work or wiring that’s meant for residential buildings and houses. This type of wiring is confined to homeowners. On the other hand, commercial wiring is incredibly complicated and is designed for commercial buildings such as warehouses, hospitals, and malls.
What is commercial electrical work?
A commercial electrician is a trained and licensed electrician who focuses on wiring and electrical systems in commercial buildings rather than residential buildings. These electricians work with bigger systems, in large buildings like shopping malls, office buildings, restaurants, government buildings and high rises.
Can I run electrical wire through PVC?
Regular PVC pipe shouldn’t be used in electrical applications, and PVC conduit won’t work well in plumbing situations.
What type of cable is Romex?
Romex Cables Romex™ is a common type of residential wiring that is categorized by the National Electrical Code (NEC) as underground feeder (UF) or non-metallic sheathed cable (NM and NMC). NM and NMC conductors are composed of two or more insulated conductors contained in a non-metallic sheath.
Can I use plastic conduit indoors?
“With plastic conduit, you don’t have any kind of corrosion issues so you can put it underground. … 352 of the NEC (see 2008 NEC Outlaws Some Nonmetallic Materials below), PVC conduit can be concealed within walls, floors, or ceilings; directly buried; or embedded in concrete in buildings of any height.
Can you use PVC pipe indoors?
Some code-compliant PVC fittings can be used with ENT inside walls, floors, some ceilings or encased in concrete. Outdoor flexible nonmetallic tubing is strong, watertight, non-corrosive and weighs less. Metal or plastic boxes can be used with nonmetallic conduit. Always run a ground wire when using PVC conduit.
Can MC cable be used in damp locations?
General use MC cables cannot be used in wet locations but there are some types of specialty MC cables that can. The most common is the PVC coated, sunlight resistant, direct burial listed MC cable in the image.
Can MC cable be painted?
The quick answer is “yes,” but let’s cover some of what you’ll need to know first. Painting the armor does not violate the National Electric Code (NEC), however, this process can be time consuming and also create more cleanup on the job-site utilizing pre-painted armor saves time and labor.
Can I use MC cable outdoors?
These cables can be installed either indoors or outdoors and in exposed and concealed locations. They can be direct buried, where identified for such use. … Type MC cable with a nonmetallic jacket can also be used in a wet location.
Can MC cable be buried in concrete?
Can I install Type MC in concrete or against concrete or mortar? A. Yes, if the cable is listed for the application. Type MC cable is available with an outer PVC jacket and is permitted to be installed in parking decks, concrete pours and for direct earth burial if it is identified for such use.
How deep should MC cable be buried?
Running underground cables in metal conduits approved for buried cables is the most expensive method, but also the one requiring the least digging. In general, bury metal conduits at least 6 inches below the soil surface. You may also run them at a depth of 4 inches under a 4-inch concrete slab.
What can MC cable be used for?
Type MC cables are widely used in 600 volt and MV power, lighting and fixture whip control applications. They are permitted for use on services, feeders and branch circuits for power, lighting, control and signaling circuits in accordance with Article 330 and 725 of the NEC.
Where is MC cable required?
Type MC cable installed on the bottom of floor or ceiling joists must be secured at every joist and not be subject to physical damage [Sec. 330.15].
What happens if you put Romex in conduit?
The answer is a resounding yes. In fact, the National Electrical Code (NEC) calls for all non-metallic wires to be used in conduits to avoid protection from physical damage; especially if stripped.
Why has Romex gotten so expensive?
These price increases are due to factors such as China’s economic recovery from the pandemic, sustainable green energy stimuluses, and supply disruptions.
Can Romex be exposed in garage?
No, you cannot expose Romex wires or non-metallic sheath wires in the detached garage or anywhere. Because it’s not safe to expose it on the outside. Besides, it goes against the National Electrical Code or NEC.
When can NM cable not be used?
A:NM cable is NOT permitted in a two-family dwelling.C:NM cable is permitted to be run exposed in dropped or suspended ceilings in multifamily dwellings.D:Lighting above a suspended ceiling in a business office of type II construction can be wired with NM cable.
Can I use Romex in an apartment building?
National Electrical Code – NEC (also know as NFPA 70) Section 334.10 NEC 2002 allows Type NM cable in any building that can be built of combustible construction as defined by the building code.