What if the BX cable is in a wet location? This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. If you use a metal box extension on a plastic box, connect the metal extension to the ground wire in the box using a grounding clip and a short piece of wire. As to how armoured cable is actually made up there are essentially 5 different levels that includes the conductor or conductors ate the core, the insulation around each conductor, a layer of bedding around the conductors, the armouring layer around the bedding and then finally a protective PVC outer sheath.Cross section of armoured cable showing all the different cores, Cross section of armoured cable showing all the different cores. for plastic cable accessories. Low smoke and toxic and corrosiand. 6 Insert a BX connector over the end of the newly cut armor and tighten the screw to secure it to the armor. With a 3 core armoured cable you will have brown, black and grey inner cores and they are often used as follows: As you can see from the above, the black is generally used as the earth and it should be sleeved with earthing sleeve to indicate this. Insert the armored cable into an armored cable rotary cutter. In terms of the conductors (the charge-carrying copper wire), domestic armoured cable comes in a range of different cores including 1 core, 2 core, 3 core and 4 core and 5 core to suit different install situations. Use a standard steel adaptable box, Armoured gland into one side & standard Sprint or similar cable gland into the other for the 6mm. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. "Mike makes an excellent point about putting a hole in a box designed for NM cable. Most of the time single or 2 or possible 3 gang boxes are used. In the majority of cases when installing armoured cable it is to run from a property outside to supply either a garage, shed or other outbuilding or to supply an exterior waterproof plug socket box. Kitchen track lights suddenly "possessed". An access hole was drilled through the wall of the outbuilding so that the cable could be pulled in and up to the location of the consumer unit.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'diydoctor_org_uk-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_14',811,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-diydoctor_org_uk-large-mobile-banner-2-0');Armoured cable running into outbuilding. Looking at the fitting in your picture I guess it is approved for use with MC (going off of what the package says). The next job is to now to trim down the steel wires that make up the armoured part of the cable so that they fit nicely around the threaded sleeve and then once the collar retaining nut is screwed up it helps hold the cable firmly in place.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'diydoctor_org_uk-leader-3','ezslot_16',813,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-diydoctor_org_uk-leader-3-0'); Using a decent pair of side cutters, trim down each strand of wire so that there is roughly around 10mm left and then splay them all out slightly so that they fit around the sleeve nicely. "The cable I used was labeled "14/3 appliance cable":". Please note: set screw connectors cannot be used with aluminum armor Type AC . So that you know the different parts that we will be referring to below here follows a quick breakdown of the different parts of a gland:Different parts of a gland. For this the electrician chose to use 10mm SWA cable. By using our site, you agree to our. Home > DIY How To Projects and Tutorial Guides > How to Connect and Wire up Armoured Cable or SWA Cable. For the sake of a small extra cost, it is better to purchase 3 core cable, which includes a separate earth lead. 3 Step 1 - Assemble the gland parts on the wire 4 Step 2 - Stripping the outer insulation and cutting the amour 4.1 Stripping just the outer 4.2 Cutting the armour 5 Step 3 - Stripping the bedding or inner insulation 6 Step 4 - fitting the gland cone section 7 Step 5 - sealing the back of the gland 8 Step 6 - Connecting to your box So I could have just drilled out the box in question and used MC? wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. With a hacksaw at 90 degrees to the armor spiral. Don't forget the armour must be earthed. It looks like you're using an ad blocker. Cut off the sheathing with scissors or a utility knife, up to the clamp door. OK, good point. 7 / 12 Install the Connector Into the Box First Attach conduit and armored cable to a knockout in an outlet box or enclosure. When connecting armored cable to the junction box, you may be tempted to simply hand tighten the lock nut on the threaded portion of the armored cable connector. A fiber-optic cable, also known as an optical-fiber cable, is an assembly similar to an electrical cable but containing one or more optical fibers that are used to carry light. In summary if a cable is to be run externally, regardless of whether its buried or surface mounted or is going to be used in industrial locations around heavy machinery then armoured cable should always be used.Armoured cable running externally from a house to a garageif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'diydoctor_org_uk-banner-1','ezslot_6',684,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-diydoctor_org_uk-banner-1-0'); Armoured cable running externally from a house to a garage. Where internal bonding means are provided between all entries. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. 1: Where internal bonding means are provided between all entries, nonmetallic boxes shall be permitted IMO IP66 Junction Box 125 x 167 x 82mm 16.99. "A while back I asked about using a plastic box with MC and your response was that you hadn't seen a plastic box approved for metallic clad cable.". 130 Points 63 Location Pennsylvania Jan 6, 2019 #2 That is AC cable so the sheath is the ground. what screw in fittings are you talking about? In this DIY guide you will learn how to correctly use and connect up armoured or SWA cable. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Thanks! . - 1/2 in. ex. During assembling the gland and cable, once its pushed through the item you are connecting to e.g. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. those boxes dont have those 1/2" knockouts in them. digging in the ground, pinching or crushing e.g. If the BX doesn't include a separate ground wire then you'd need a special box connector that provides a ground lug. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. cable.". in a 3-phase setup then it is also possible to use the steel armour section of the cable as the earth. Repeat for the connections at the other end. Identifying which material is better, a metal or plastic junction box ,depends on its intended use. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. The main drawback is that BX is more expensive. Oh,it might pass. I guess I'll just use a metal j-box that accepts NM wiring and also MC, then string a length of MC into the firebox. Double-check within anyone else working with you, for safety, before proceeding to the next step. wikiHow is a wiki, similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. When installing SWA steel wired armoured cable it best to use 3 core - 1.Phase / Live, 2.neutral, 3.CPC Earth. Neutral Wire's Plastic Insulation Turned Brown. One other item to be aware of when it comes to earthing armoured cable using the steel armouring as an earth is that the belt and braces approach is to earth the cable using the method described above at both ends however the regs state that it can be earthed at only one. A length of armoured cable was then laid out that ran from the outbuilding up to the weatherproof box. Furthermore, you'll need to pry out or punch out a 1/2" trade size (7/8" actual diameter) knockout either in the top or a free side of the box, then use a type AC/MC connector (straight for a top feed, 90 aka right-angle for a side feed) to bring the cable into the box. Obviously we're talking about cable like type MC with a separate grounding wire or flex with a separate grounding wire. I'm replacing the dishwasher in a 1960s house I just bought, and I don't really trust the electrical in this house. Never overload a wirefor instance, never wire a 20-amp circuit with 14-gauge wire. It shows you how SWA glands work. VAT 14.16 qty . You must log in or register to reply here. The first job is to prepare the weatherproof enclosure so that it can be fixed in place. Splicing onto the existing cable and extending it to a different location is fine, just make sure to splice all the wires together color to color including the ground wire. used externally then armoured cable should definitely be used. Mike makes an excellent point about putting a hole in a box designed for NM cable. Interesting question regarding bonding. Say the metallic cable was 100 ft long and the short happened at the end near the plastic box, the fault current would have to back track 100 ft to the metal box and then 100ft down the grounding wire. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'diydoctor_org_uk-medrectangle-3','ezslot_8',823,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-diydoctor_org_uk-medrectangle-3-0');The cable itself can be used in a variety of different ways. "Flex" is flexible spiral conduit (aluminum or steel) that does not have wire in it already and comes in various sizes. I may change the cable anyway since I'm thinking of putting the family room receptacles on their own breaker and upgrading the wiring to 12 ga, 20A. That does not sound like an approved permanent wiring method. Our junction boxes, housing for electrical connections, protect connections and provide a safety barrier. You are using an out of date browser. Just use a normal IP65 plastic adapt box and drill your 20mm holes to suit and fasten gland or copex with nut !!!!!!! % of people told us that this article helped them. The same is the case for the other cores, if using other than standard then you need to indicate this through the use of tape or sheathing for the correct colour e.g. Manage Settings Electrical code may require MC (metal-clad) rather than AC (armor-clad) type cables, including where used outdoors or in other wet or damp locations. Light fixtures can be supported by metal junction boxes; plastic junction boxes will break under the weight. Repeat the previous steps at the opposite end of your cable Put a BX connector on the end of the cut armor and then tighten the screw for you to secure the armor. How to Connect and Wire up Armoured Cable or SWA Cable, General Building, Self Build and Renovation, Planning Regs, Project Management and Safety, Let us help you find a tradesman local to you, Installing a Consumer Unit Consumer Units Explained, Electric Cable Sizes and Amp Ratings for the UK, Understanding Electrical Cables and Flexes, How to Wire a Junction Box for Socket and Light Circuits, 3-core = 2 different types: 1 brown, 1 blue and 1 yellow/green (earth) or: 1 black, 1 grey and 1 brown, 4-core = 1 brown, 1 black, 1 grey and 1 blue, 5-core = 1 brown, 1 grey, 1 blue and 1 yellow/green. In the event I run into this situation Ill use a double inlet type mc connector so there is continuous metal contact. Permanent armored wiring would be type AC or type MC. The cable is 3 core so one core will be the earth , but what if it was 2 - core ? I went and looked, it was the 1999 when boxes were section 370 and dashes were still used. Place the cover onto the box front and tighten the screws. Screw on lid provides ease of installation. MP-AP uses the armor for an EGC. Some types may work for several cables types, others may be prohibited. In this case it will be fixed inside a porch area. Learn how to use armoured cable glands to connect to consumer units, weather proof enclosures and the similar when using armoured or SWA cable to run to and power garages, out buildings and similar structures. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Junction Box Waterproof ABS Plastic Accessories Cable Connecting Dustproof. I assume those will be OK. The included wiring is black, white and green, solid 14 ga. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Small Business. Remember to bring an earth tail wire out to earth the box and the SWA armour though. Many new installations require an inspection at this stage of "rough-in" prior to getting permission to connect any devices to the conductors. That is AC cable so the sheath is the ground. For this you will need 2 spanners, one to hold the sleeve and the other to tighten the collar nut. armored cable extending from the appliance should be connected directly to the junction box. The easy way around all the 2nd guessing is to just change out the plastic j-box for a metal one. Ensure the enclosure is fixed straight and level by using a spirit level.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'diydoctor_org_uk-leader-2','ezslot_15',810,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-diydoctor_org_uk-leader-2-0'); The next task is to run the armoured cable from the location its going to connect into the consumer unit up to where the enclosure is. As far as the plastic or metal box goes, I don't see any functional difference between them for this application. The cable appears to be "similar" to MC but may not be actual MC. (Regulation 411.3.1.1 refers). In this guide we will take a look at SWA cable and how its used. Junction boxes (or a J box) protect the connections from accidental damage and contain sparks and heat from a loose connection or short circuit. And advice on mixing finishes? Galvanized Steel Fixed Chimney Cap in Black Pickup 1 in stock at South Loop Delivery Free Add to Cart Compare 269 More Options Available $5896 ( 181) Model# SCCA Master Flow 8 in. If it's what I'm thinking of, they are for flex and not MC. A suitable strain relief must be provided to . {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c1\/Use-Armored-%28BX%29-Electrical-Cable-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Use-Armored-%28BX%29-Electrical-Cable-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c1\/Use-Armored-%28BX%29-Electrical-Cable-Step-1.jpg\/aid1662092-v4-728px-Use-Armored-%28BX%29-Electrical-Cable-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":" \u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Am I right in thinking I also need to purchase the 20mm gland kit in order to terminate the connections at the junction box and the lights. Schedule any necessary "final" inspection. If youre only doing 1 cable, you can take your time with it. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. I was using 100 ft as an example. The best method is to use an armored cable rotary cutter. If for example you are using a 3-core cable but you need all 3 inner cores for other uses e.g. Dont push too hard you just want to cut through the cover.Armoured cable PVC cover trimmed up. Where does it come out of the wall? If the pictured fitting won't screw into the cable please recommend the proper type. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. I was going to get two of the "screw in" type connectors that thread internally into the MC cable and get secured to the box with a lock ring, but the big box store didn't have those except by the box of 100. Once connected up the electrician then fully tested everything to ensure it was safe and then turned the power back on to run a live test.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'diydoctor_org_uk-mobile-leaderboard-2','ezslot_19',815,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-diydoctor_org_uk-mobile-leaderboard-2-0');10mm cable from consumer unit connected to armoured cable, 10mm cable from consumer unit connected to armoured cable. (Then again, it might flunk as not being "workmanlike".) I've only used those types of screw in fittings with flex though and didn't think they were approved for MC. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. If you have a lot of excess cable left over, first use a decent pair of wire snips, side cutters or a hacksaw to cut the end of the cable off to a suitable length so that there roughly 10 12 inches of cable left once pulled in to the enclosure. We work with the industries best to ensure that we recommend only reliable and trustworthy tradesmen. Unless it's approved as a permanent wiring method, you can't use it. MC and AC cables may have very similar appearance. Can you imagine putting a bonding connector in a one gang old work gem box? Apply firm pressure to the handle, but don't squeeze too hard or the crank will be difficult to turn. IMHO, if the MC originates out of a metal JB or a load center it is grounded at that point. Most of the images displayed are of unknown origin. Best LED dimmers for 3-way with buzzing problems? Now you can turn the power back on and check to see that your connections are working. Therefore, it maintains an "internal" bond to itself. You are using an out of date browser. That cable needs to attach to a metal box. VAT 20.20 qty Collection . A small bolt is then pushed up through from the base and through the small end of the banjo. "Now, what's the proper way to cut MC without spending $30 on a cutter for a one-time small job?". Save me from the "matchy-matchy" lights!!! Note: As this is a new circuit and will also be running externally is needs to be on its very own circuit and MCB, which as the socket was to be used for the occasions strimmer or power drill etc. When our new furnace was recently installed the electrician ran cable that looks exactly like in this picture, however where it mated to the metal box it used a cylindrical fitting that appears to screw-on over the outside of the cable since I don't see any other obvious attachment mechanism. Personalizar mi experiencia con el uso de cookies, Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers, Outdoor Lighting & Audio/Visual Specialists. Thought I had a bad GFCI but something else is going on - Help! (26) 1.55. Please can someone recommend a junction box to suit both the armoured cable and 2.5mm or similar solution? heavy weights being rolled over or pushed into the cable it needs to be able to resist these forces and a standard domestic grey electrical cable would simply not be up to the job and if it became damaged would pose a huge risk and potential for injury. <a title="How To Connect Armoured . Available in either rigid or flexible forms, a conduit protects the wires and is used in exposed locations (such as along the exterior surface of a wall) as well as in unfinished areas (like basements, crawlspaces, and attics), and in surface-mounted . If there was a fault and the jacket became energized the current would have to travel down the jacket until it reached a metallic box. If the homeowner isnt too bothered about visual appearance then in pretty much all cases its much cheaper and easier to surface mount the cable along any nearby walls or fences.Armoured cable surface mountedif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'diydoctor_org_uk-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_9',685,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-diydoctor_org_uk-large-leaderboard-2-0'); If however the homeowner or customer is particular about how visible the cable maybe then burying it is the way to go for sure, however this can in some cases be costly and involve a fair amount of work. Below you will notice large diameter plastic conduit bringing power to an electrical sub panel. Yellow electrical cable trench warning tape. Most BX connectors have a small hole or slot through which you must show the tab, tip or tail of the bushing, so the inspector knows it is in there. This may seem like a lot but then if you consider the potential for damage that could occur from any number of install situations and from the elements and the potential injuries that could result if the cable is compromised in any way then the number of layers is about right. . Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Junction Box Waterproof ABS Plastic Accessories Connecting Dustproof Electrical at the best online prices at eBay! 314.3 Nonmetallic Boxes. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. conductive part. Show more abrelectric 5K views 6 months ago BX Wiring: Top 5 Issues | Jesse. However, you should always use a flat head screwdriver and hammer to gently tap the lock nut until it is tightened very securely. or if you are doing it yourself you can find suppliers local to you. JavaScript is disabled. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. The new gas insert fan will use this receptacle. If you use the correct external clamp you can use any approved wiring method. If you plan on installing outside sockets or running power supplies to sheds or outbuildings then using SWA cable is certainly the way to go. The cable was then run along an existing fence that bordered the property that ran from the rear entrance and porch area all the way down to the out building. Cut off the paper cover and discard it. Greenfield tubing is still cut with a hacksaw in many applications due to the limited size range of each crank cutter. The bottom of the joist is effectively in tension like a rope while the top is in compression. Certain wiring outside of fire-rated construction may use non-metallic-sheathed cable, AC, or non-metallic rigid conduit. For this you will need 2 spanners, one to hold the sleeve and the other to tighten the collar nut.Tightening collar nut using spanner, The penultimate job now is to screw up the sealed nut up to the sleeve.
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d6\/Use-Armored-%28BX%29-Electrical-Cable-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Use-Armored-%28BX%29-Electrical-Cable-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d6\/Use-Armored-%28BX%29-Electrical-Cable-Step-9.jpg\/aid1662092-v4-728px-Use-Armored-%28BX%29-Electrical-Cable-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"