Feeder MC armored electrical cable run next to traditional conduit

Ask the Wire Experts:
MC vs. PIPE & WIRE

Why Choose Metal-Clad Armored Cable Over
Electrical Conduit?

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HOW TO SAVE WITH FEEDER MC

Contractors who use Type MC armored cable report 50-70% combined labor and material savings versus traditional pipe and wire.

Benefits of Armored Cable

Eliminates the need for electrical conduit
Provides higher mechanical protection and durability
Requires fewer labor hours during installation

Contractors can easily identify opportunities for armored cable because it can be used in any application where typical pipe and wire is installed. This includes industrial, utility, and commercial projects.

Feeder MC is primarily used in commercial construction, while jacketed MC is widely used in industrial applications. It is permitted for indoor or outdoor service, feeder, or branch circuits and can be exposed or concealed.

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COST-SAVING ALTERNATIVE TO PIPE & WIRE

Metal-clad (MC) armored cable constructions are a cost-effective alternative to conduit. These high-performing solutions offer significant cost savings by eliminating the need for electrical conduit and the labor required for installation. Contractors who use armored cable require limited pulling equipment, fewer reels, no specialty cutting or bending tools, and less time setting up pulls.

ADVANTAGES OF ARMORED CABLE

Armored cables provide the protection and durability required without the need for electrical conduit, elbows, costly offsets, and conduit couplings.
Metal-clad armor resists corrosion, making it suitable for areas exposed to moisture.
Interlocked armor is flexible, unlike conduit or even continuously welded armor, ensuring damage will not affect inner conductors. It is also more easily installed where complex, close-spaced bends would be difficult for conduit.
No specialty cutting or bending tools are needed for installation.

These advantages can mean significant savings in material and labor costs.

LABOR COST SAVINGS EXAMPLE

Based on Union Electrician Hourly Rate and NECA Recommended Labor Hours for Singles/Conduit Versus MC Feeder Cable (Updated May 2024)

Method	Hours per 100'
Galvanized 3" Conduit and Wire	33.2
PVC 3" Conduit and Wire	23.2
Service Wire 4/0 AWG MC	7.6
(For Comparison Purposes Only – Actual Results May Vary)

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FEEDER MC

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The rising price of conduit can have a strong impact on a contractor’s profitability—challenging their ability to compete in the market.

Eliminate the problem with Service Wire Feeder MC in galvanized steel or interlocked armor. The armor is helically wound around the conductors and bends easily.

Jackets are available in PVC, ServiceCPE^®, and EnviroPLUS^® (LSZH).

Type MC armored cable can be installed in cable tray, racks, hangers, or as a cost-effective replacement for conduit and wire where specified per the National Electrical Code (NEC).

Looking for a cost comparison? We've updated our labor and material cost-savings chart. Request a copy and see how you can start saving today.

Cost and Labor-Saving Comparison Flyer