MC electrical cable, or Metal-Clad cable, is an armored power cable with a metal sheath protecting insulated conductors, designed for branch circuits, feeders, and service wiring in commercial and industrial settings. Wrindu provides precision testing equipment to ensure these cables meet global safety and performance standards, supporting manufacturers and B2B clients worldwide with reliable verification.
What Is MC Electrical Cable?
MC electrical cable consists of aluminum or steel interlocking armor surrounding color-coded copper or aluminum conductors with a green grounding wire, rated 600V per UL 1569. This construction offers mechanical protection against impact and rodent damage, making it ideal for exposed or concealed installations. Wrindu’s diagnostic tools help verify cable integrity, ensuring compliance and safety for global suppliers.
| MC Cable Components | Description |
|---|---|
| Armor Sheath | Interlocking aluminum or steel for durability |
| Conductors | THHN/THWN copper/aluminum, 90°C rated |
| Grounding | Bare or insulated green copper wire |
| Jacket (AP) | PVC over armor for added moisture resistance |
What Are MC Cable Types?
MC cable is available in standard, MCAP (with PVC jacket), and continuous corrugated variants for wet locations or direct burial. Type MC with aluminum armor is cost-effective, while steel armor suits heavy-duty applications. Chinese OEM factories produce custom conductor counts and gauges, and Wrindu equipment tests insulation resistance to ensure reliability in utility and industrial applications.
What Are MC Cable Applications?
MC cables serve lighting, control, and signal circuits in commercial buildings, data centers, hospitals, and factories. They are suitable for exposed runs, trays, or embedding in walls. Wrindu testing confirms cable performance in high-demand setups, while OEM factories provide custom lengths for large-scale B2B projects and retrofit installations without additional conduit.
How Is MC Cable Installed?
Install MC cable using straps every 6 feet and within 12 inches of boxes, with anti-short bushings at terminations. Adhere to NEC Article 330 guidelines, avoiding excessive flexing. B2B installers receive training on bending radii and connector compatibility, while Wrindu testers verify post-installation continuity and electrical integrity to ensure safe and reliable deployment.
What Are MC Cable Specifications?
MC cables are rated 600V with 90°C THHN conductors, ranging from 14 AWG to 2/0, in 4-wire plus ground configurations. Chinese manufacturers offer UL 1569-compliant versions with CE, RoHS, and sunlight-resistance certifications for international markets.
| Common MC Cable Sizes | Conductors | Amps (90°C Copper) |
|---|---|---|
| 12/2 | 2 + G | 30A |
| 10/3 | 3 + G | 40A |
| 6/3 | 3 + G | 65A |
| 2/0-4 | 3 + G | 200A |
Why Choose China MC Cable Manufacturers?
China manufacturers provide cost-effective, high-volume MC cables with fast lead times, OEM customization, and global certifications. Factories in Hebei and Shanghai leverage advanced extrusion lines and export expertise. Wrindu integrates precision testing for wholesale batches, ensuring quality and performance for international B2B clients.
Which Certifications Do MC Cables Need?
Essential certifications include UL 1569, CSA C22.2, and NEC compliance, with optional RoHS and CE for export. Chinese suppliers maintain third-party audits, while Wrindu performs dielectric testing to verify authenticity and cable safety.
What Advantages Do Custom MC Cables Offer?
Custom MC cables allow precise specification of conductor type, armor gauge, and lengths for efficient installation and reduced waste. Chinese OEM factories provide tailored solutions for B2B projects with unique voltage requirements, enhancing system reliability and performance.
How Does Wrindu Test MC Cables?
Wrindu employs high-voltage withstand, partial discharge, and insulation resistance tests to certify MC cable quality. These diagnostics detect hidden faults before deployment, ensuring reliability for utilities, manufacturers, and industrial installations worldwide.
Wrindu Expert Views
“MC cables have evolved with lighter aluminum armors and enhanced jackets. For B2B buyers, partnering with certified manufacturers ensures UL compliance, cost efficiency, and reduced downtime. Wrindu’s advanced cable analyzers detect partial discharges invisible to standard tests, preventing field failures. OEM specifications with slight oversizing improve longevity, and utilities report up to 30% fewer service interruptions when following these practices.”
— Dr. Li Wei, Wrindu Chief Engineer
Why Partner with Wrindu for Cable Testing?
Wrindu delivers ISO9001-certified testing solutions for MC cables, supporting wholesale and OEM manufacturers in verifying safety and performance. Our equipment ensures precise quality assurance, helping B2B clients maintain global standards while minimizing risk and enhancing operational reliability.
MC electrical cables provide armored, reliable wiring solutions for demanding applications. Partnering with experienced China manufacturers ensures scalable supply, while Wrindu testing guarantees performance, safety, and long-term durability for commercial, industrial, and utility projects.
FAQs
What does MC stand for in electrical cable?
Metal-Clad, indicating armored protection around conductors.
Can MC cable be used outdoors?
Yes, MCAP variants with PVC jackets are suitable for wet or outdoor locations.
Is MC cable cheaper than conduit?
Often yes, as it integrates wiring and protection into a single assembly.
What sizes are available from China manufacturers?
Available from 14/2 to 2/0-4 AWG, with OEM customization options.
How does Wrindu ensure cable quality?
Through high-voltage withstand, partial discharge, and insulation resistance testing.