Below are some of the most commonly asked questions by AFC customers.

What is the difference between AC and MC Cables?

One of the most important differences between these two cable types is the grounding means of the assembly.

Type AC cable uses the interior bond wire in combination with the exterior interlocked metal armor as the equipment grounding means of the cable.

Type MC cable is manufactured with a green insulated grounding conductor, and this conductor, in combination with the metallic armor, comprises the equipment ground.

See the Grounding Capabilities Chart.

What's the difference between HCF and MC cable?

The difference between HCF and MC cables (as manufactured by AFC Cable Systems) is the grounding capabilities of the cable assemblies.

Type HCF cable has a green grounding conductor plus the armor/bond wire combination, thereby providing redundant or isolated grounding capability. HCF is a Type AC cable and is manufactured in accordance with U.L. 4.

HCF cable may be installed in compliance with NEC 517 for health care facilities.

Type MC has only one equipment grounding means, a green grounding conductor. There are types of MC cable manufactured by AFC with two grounding conductors for additional grounding capability.

How big do you make your cables?

Type AC cables are manufactured from 14 AWG to 1 AWG.

Type MC cables are manufactured from 18 AWG to 250 Kcmil.

(Not all types are available in all sizes.) Approx. OD's up to 1.770" max.

Where do I terminate that bare bond wire?

The bare wire in Type AC cables is a bonding wire to enhance the ground fault capability of the interlocked outer metal armor. It does not have to be terminated like a bare grounding conductor because that is not its function. This bare bond wire may be trimmed off to the same length as the armor, or, brought up and over the red anti-short bushing and back wrapped over the armor.

How many twists per foot is the Fire Alarm Cable?

Conductor AWG 18 has 5 twists per foot, 14 AWG has approximately 4 twists per foot per U.L. More twists per foot are subject to inquiry.

Why can't I use aluminum armored Type AC cables on a DC circuit?

U.L. has not approved aluminum armored Type AC cable for use on DC circuits. During the extreme testing procedures conducted by U.L., a conductor was energized to arc and caused the aluminum to burn. Normal usage would be 12DC or 24DC, but U.L. has not tested the cable under those conditions. Steel armored Type MC cable may be used on DC Circuits without exception.

What is the temperature rating of the conductor insulation?

90°C rated THHN/THWN.

Where can I use AFC's health grade cable in a health care facility?

AFC's HCF-90 and HCF-Lite may be installed in compliance with NEC Article 517-13.