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Subject - Exposed MC Cable
baihoulung I have been having differences with my fellow workers on running MC cable exposed into a panel or box. I say no, plus it looks very unprofessional. views??
JimmyDee
quote:
330.10 Uses Permitted.
(A) General Uses. Where not subject to physical damage, Type MC cables shall be permitted as follows:
(1) For services, feeders, and branch circuits
(2) For power, lighting, control, and signal circuits
(3) Indoors or outdoors
(4) Where exposed or concealed
(5) Direct buried where identified for such use
(6) In cable tray
(7) In any raceway
(8) As open runs of cable
(9) As aerial cable on a messenger
(10) In hazardous (classified) locations as permitted in Articles 501, 502, 503, 504, and 505

As you can see in item #4, it is totally permissible to run MC cable exposed. No size limit is mentioned in the article. I personally hate the stuff in the smaller sizes used for house wiring and wouldn't use it unless I was forced to. As far as it being unprofessional to run it exposed, I would say it is a mater of taste and don't think you will come up with a consensus as to right or wrong.
BTW, welcome to the Electrical Knowledge site.
Jim
lctrc789 There is nothing wrong with M/C cable or A/C cable being installed right in to panels. I personnally think it is tacky if it is in an area where the panel is subject to view.
If it is in electrical closets or in a shut room out of view I don't see a problem, so long as it is done neatly.
I like to install conduit and run all the wires that way for neatness and easier to do future work instaed of a large mess of cables.
This is really a matter of opinion and in many cases a matter of money and time.