What is Aluminum MC Cable?

The Flexible, Cost-Effective Conduit Alternative

When running electrical circuits in commercial, industrial, or multi-residential environments, you need protection, flexibility, and speed. Traditional pipe-and-wire systems are effective but labor-intensive.

The modern, code-compliant alternative that speeds up installation and cuts labor costs is Aluminum Metal-Clad (MC) Cable.

Aluminum MC cable is a complete wiring assembly—conductors, ground, and a protective, flexible armor—in a single run. Here is everything you need to know about why this cable is the choice for contractors, electricians, and engineers looking for efficiency without sacrificing protection.

1. The Cost & Labor Equation: Benefits of Aluminum MC

The choice often comes down to the core benefits of aluminum armor and the nature of the assembly itself.

• Weight & Labor Savings: Aluminum MC is significantly lighter than its steel-armored counterpart. For electricians running long, exposed, or overhead feeder circuits (especially 2 AWG and larger), the weight reduction makes handling, pulling, and securing the cable much faster, directly translating to lower labor costs.

• No Conduit Required: The metal armor acts as the primary protection, eliminating the time and material costs of running rigid or flexible conduit in most applications (per NEC Article 330).

• Flexibility and Installation: The spirally wound, interlocked aluminum armor (AIA) is flexible, allowing for easy routing and bending around obstacles and corners—something rigid conduit cannot match. This makes for much faster, one-step installation.

2. Sizing & Compliance: Grounding and Conductor Specs

MC Cable is a feeder and branch circuit workhorse, built to meet stringent NEC requirements for commercial and industrial service.

• Conductor Material: While the armor is aluminum, the internal conductors are typically either Copper or Aluminum (8000 Series Alloy). Aluminum conductors offer a cost advantage for large feeder sizes, while copper is used for higher conductivity in smaller branch circuit gauges (e.g., 12 AWG or 14 AWG).

• The Grounding Difference (MC vs. AC): Unlike older Type AC cable, Type MC cable contains a full-size equipment grounding conductor (EGC), which is essential for code-compliant installations. The metal armor in MC cable generally supplements the EGC but is not the sole grounding path.

• Insulation Rating: The internal conductors are usually rated as THHN/THWN-2 or XHHW-2, giving them a 90ºC rating in both wet and dry locations, providing maximum ampacity for the conductor size.

3. Installation & Application: Wet or Dry

Aluminum MC cable is one of the most versatile cables available, permitted for both exposed and concealed work in a wide range of environments.

• Wet Locations: Standard Type MC cable (with THHN/THWN-2 or XHHW-2 insulation) is permitted in wet locations. For demanding outdoor, industrial, or direct-burial applications, look for PVC-Jacketed MC Cable. The jacket provides an additional layer of protection against moisture, UV rays, and corrosive chemicals.

• Bending Radius: The NEC dictates the minimum bending radius for MC cable (typically seven times the cable's external diameter). Always ensure you use the proper cutting tools (rotary cutter) and terminal fittings to protect the conductors and maintain the integrity of the armor connection.

• Support Requirements: MC cable must be supported and secured at intervals of 6 feet or less, and within 12 inches of every termination point (NEC 330.30).

4. Primary Applications: Where Aluminum MC Cable is Essential

If your project requires robust protection and flexible installation in a commercial or industrial setting, this is your cable:

• Commercial & Residential Buildings: Ideal for exposed runs, power and lighting circuits in offices, retail spaces, and schools.

• Industrial Plants: Used for control circuits, branch circuit wiring, and feeders where machinery requires high flexibility.

• Lighting: Widely used in plenums and ceiling grids for connecting light fixtures due to its lightweight nature.

• Flexible Whips: Used to connect equipment or light fixtures to junction boxes, accommodating movement or vibration.

5. Why Buy Aluminum MC Cable 

Aluminum MC cable is the premier solution for professionals seeking to reduce installation time and cost while maintaining the highest level of mechanical protection and code compliance in residential, commercial, and industrial environments.

Wire America is proud to offer this product by the foot or by the spool with fast shipping to your location.

Click Here to Shop Our Aluminum MC Cable Selection

At Wire America, we believe in genuine conversation. You'll always talk with real people who understand that every project requires careful product selection. We're here to ensure you feel educated, confident, and great about your final purchase. Feel free to give us a call to discuss your project! You can reach us at: 833-268-8644

⚠️ Important Disclaimer: Safety and Compliance

Wire America provides this information as a guide only. Electrical installations must strictly adhere to the National Electrical Code (NEC) and all state, local, and jurisdictional requirements, which vary widely. Always consult a licensed electrician, electrical engineer, or the local inspecting authority before purchasing material or starting any electrical project. Wire America assumes no liability for the installation, use, or interpretation of these guides.