Why Partner with Honest for MC Cable?
- With over 20 years in cable manufacturing, we understand MC cable requirements for safe and reliable electrical installations.
- We provide fully customized MC cable solutions, including conductor size, armor type, and marking to match your project needs.
- Efficient production scheduling ensures quick turnaround times to keep your electrical projects on schedule.
- Every MC cable is tested under strict quality control to ensure consistent performance, safety, and compliance.
- We have extensive export experience, supporting global contractors and distributors with stable supply and smooth logistics.
MC Cable Manufacturer in China
Honest metal clad cables (MC cables) are engineered to offer an all-in-one solution in the electrical industry according to the NEC Article 330 specifications. Within the interlocked armor, it protects one or more conductors that may include power, ground, and neutral cables.
For protective armor, we use interlocked aluminum or galvanized steel to protect internal conductors from abrasion, fire, harsh weather, impact, or damage. Our MC cables are easy to install, with no need for conduits due to the metallic armor’s mechanical strength. Besides, the flexible metallic casing makes them easy to bend.
At Honest, we give you many metal clad cable options. You can choose our MC cables with aluminum interlocked armor, steel wire armor, continuously corrugated copper weld, galvanized armor, or Teck90. For specialized applications, like in Class I, Division I, we have the MC-HL cables, with additional PVC protection.
Whether your application requires 600 volts to over 35kV, Honest MC cables are engineered to match the dynamic needs in power transmission. We test every metal clad cable to comply with the NEC Article 330 requirements for safety, efficiency, and reliability.
If you are looking for an experienced metal clad cable supplier in China, Honest is your experienced onshore and offshore cable manufacturer – request a quote.
MC Cable Solutions for Multiple Industries
Commercial Buildings
Industrial Plants
Data Centers
Hospitals
Infrastructure Projects
Utility Wiring
Installation Advantages of MC Cable
MC Cable is designed to simplify electrical installation by eliminating the need for traditional conduit systems. Its flexible armored structure allows faster routing, easier handling, and more efficient on-site installation, helping you reduce both labor time and overall project cost.
- Direct cable tray installation
- No conduit bending required
- Faster project completion
- Reduced labor requirement
Engineered for Long-Term Electrical Performance & Safety
Durability: The durability of Honest MC cable stems from its outer metal armor. The armor effectively shields the internal conductors from crushing, impact, and rodent bites. Even in industrial and heavy commercial settings, our cable maintains stable performance and withstands harsh environments.
Conductivity: Our MC cable utilizes copper or aluminum conductors with excellent electrical conductivity, minimizing energy loss. It maintains stable and efficient operation during long-distance power transmission, ensuring a reliable electricity supply.
Corrosion Resistance: In humid or corrosive environments, cables are susceptible to oxidation or rusting. Our MC cable can be equipped with PVC or CPE outer jackets, offering excellent corrosion resistance to prevent cable degradation caused by environmental factors.
Safety: The manufacturing process of MC Cable strictly adheres to safety standards, effectively reducing the risk of electrical fires or other accidents. Our MC cables meet multiple international certification standards, you can rely on them with confidence across various applications.
MC Cable
It can be laid directly in the ground or in conduits and can also withstand mechanical pulling, making it ideal for powering factories, mines, or heavy-duty equipment.
ACWU cables are designed for use in wet or outdoor environments and are water and moisture-resistant.
Ideal for locations where long-term fixed wiring is required, such as outdoor power distribution in buildings or electrical connections in humid environments.
AC 90 cables are mainly used for fixed wiring in residential and commercial buildings.
They offer good heat resistance for safe power transmission and are suitable for in-wall, suspended ceiling, or pipe laying.
ACIC cable is a metal-armored control and instrumentation cable designed for industrial use with reliable mechanical protection and stable electrical performance. It offers good resistance to abrasion, moisture, and light chemical exposure.
It is suitable for conduit, cable tray, or direct burial applications, and is widely used in factories, commercial buildings, and infrastructure projects.
MC Cable Specifications
- Technical Specifications
- Size Chart
- Construction Structure
- MC Cable vs Conduit
| Conductor Material | Copper |
| Conductor Type | Stranded / Compact |
| Insulation | XLPE / PVC (optional) |
| Armor Type | Aluminum Interlocking Armor |
| Voltage Rating | 300V / 600V / 1000V |
| Temperature Rating | 90°C (standard) |
| Grounding Conductor | Included (bare or insulated) |
| Cable Core Options | 1C / 2C / 3C / 4C / Multi-core |
| Jacket Material | PVC / LSZH (optional) |
| Installation Type | Indoor / Dry / Wet Locations |
| Application | Commercial & Industrial Wiring |
| Standards | UL Listed / CSA Certified |
| AWG Size | Configuration | mm² | Conductor Type | Typical Use |
| 14 AWG | 14/2 | 2.08 mm² | Copper | Lighting circuits |
| 12 AWG | 12/2 / 12/3 | 3.31 mm² | Copper | Power & control wiring |
| 10 AWG | 10/2 / 10/3 | 5.26 mm² | Copper | HVAC / equipment |
| 8 AWG | 8/3 | 8.37 mm² | Copper | Industrial power |
| 6 AWG | 6/2 / 6/3 | 13.3 mm² | Copper | Heavy-duty systems |
| 4 AWG | 4/2 / 4/3 | 21.1 mm² | Copper | Main feeders |
| Layer | Material | Function |
| Conductor | Copper | Electrical transmission |
| Insulation | XLPE / PVC | Electrical protection |
| Bedding | Optional | Mechanical cushioning |
| Armor | Aluminum Interlocking Armor | Mechanical protection |
| Outer Jacket | PVC / LSZH | Environmental protection |
| Item | MC Cable | Conduit |
| Installation Speed | Fast | Slow |
| Labor Cost | Low | High |
| Flexibility | High | Medium |
| Maintenance | Easy | Complex |
Complete Guide to MC Cable
In modern electrical engineering, selecting the appropriate cable directly impacts system safety and reliability. For electrical contractors, project managers, and corporate procurement teams, finding a dependable MC cable is crucial for ensuring smooth project execution. This article will outline the benefits of MC cables and explore common MC cable types and applications, helping you quickly grasp their characteristics and make the right choice for your project.
1. MC Cable Meaning
MC Cable, short for metal-clad cable, consists of multiple conductors protected by an outer layer of aluminum interlocking tape armor or corrugated metal sheathing. This construction provides significant mechanical protection for circuits, making the cable suitable for a wide range of indoor and outdoor environments.
MC cable demonstrates remarkable flexibility in practical applications, withstanding physical impacts and compression while facilitating easy routing through complex environments like walls and corners. Suitable for both basic residential wiring and complex industrial power distribution needs, it is commonly used for service, feeder, and branch circuits, offering a safe, durable, and economical solution.
2. Types of MC Cable 
2.1 By Conductor
Aluminium MC Cable
Aluminum MC cable is lightweight and low-cost, and, therefore, inexpensive to install for high power transmission or long runs of wire. It is mechanically sturdy despite its light weight, making it ideal for use in construction.
Copper MC Cable
Copper MC cables have great conductive features and are ideal for applications where high levels of power are required with a high need for reliability: hospitals, data centers, industrial buildings, etc. MC wiring with copper conductors is more expensive, but safety and performance are guaranteed over a longer period or service life.
You can click to learn the difference between copper and aluminium cables.
Stranded MC Cable
Stranded conductors in MC cable give better flexibility, making them easy to bend and install. They are well-suited for wiring situations that require repeated bending around corners or through complex conduits.
2.2 By Application
Isolated MC Cable
Isolated MC cable is designed to minimize electromagnetic interference, making it suitable for applications demanding high signal stability and security, such as precision equipment cabling or sensitive industrial control systems.
Hospital MC Cable
Hospital-grade MC cable complies with medical building codes, providing additional grounding and safety protection to ensure a reliable power supply for medical equipment and reduce electrical hazards.
Fire Alarm MC Cable
Fire alarm MC cable is specifically designed for fire alarm systems, typically featuring a red jacket. Installation complies with fire safety requirements to ensure reliable operation of the fire alarm system during emergencies.
Feeder MC Cable
Feeder MC cable is designed for the construction of primary power circuits or primary power circuits of industrial facilities and can carry large currents with a consistent power supply. Its rugged structure can withstand mechanical shock in factory applications.
2.3 By Jacket & Armor Type
Jacketed MC Cable
Jacketed MC cable includes three common types: PVC-coated MC cable, CPE outer jacket MC cable, and LSZH jacket MC cable. All features have weather resistance, making them suitable for outdoor use or direct burial.
PVC-coated MC cable offers flame retardancy, waterproofing, and sunlight resistance, capable of withstanding high temperatures or environments with potential fire hazards; CPE outer jacket and LSZH jacket variants provide enhanced chemical resistance and low-smoke, zero-halogen properties.
Manufacturers typically differentiate voltage ratings by jacket color, such as black for 600V, yellow for 5kV, and red for 15kV.
Armor Options
Aluminum Interlocked Armor (AIA)
Aluminum interlock armored cable is suitable for application in industrial environments. It often features PVC sheathing, offers fire resistance, water resistance, and sunlight resistance. It is particularly suitable for application in hot or fire-exposed areas and wiring applications in limited spaces.
Continuously Corrugated Copper Weld (CLX)
Corrugated metal sheathing can be made of aluminum, copper, steel, or bronze. Its wave-like structure provides excellent mechanical protection and is impervious to water. It is suitable for medium-voltage cables, control cables, instrumentation cables, and other low-voltage applications.
Steel Wire Armor (SWA)
Steel-armored MC cable is suitable for service lines, underground installations, and power or auxiliary control cable installations, providing robust protection and long-term reliability.
Galvanized Armor
Galvanized armor MC cable features a galvanized steel armor combined with a PVC outer jacket, ensuring stable performance in damp and oily environments. This cable can be directly buried underground, providing reliable mechanical protection and corrosion resistance. It is commonly used in heavy industrial settings such as mining, paper manufacturing, and petroleum, making it an ideal choice for harsh operating conditions.
3. Where Is MC Cable Used
MC Cable offers extensive applications, from residential to industrial settings and outdoor environments, meeting the diverse needs of your projects.
Commercial and Residential Buildings
In commercial and residential buildings, MC cable is the ideal option for providing power to lighting, outlets, and appliances. Its strong metal sheath protects the cable as it runs through exposed or concealed spaces such as ceilings and walls. In case you need an alternative that is secure and easy to install, MC Cable is a suitable option to meet your needs.
Industrial Environments
In manufacturing facilities, warehouses, and other industrial structures, cables are usually susceptible to potential mechanical damage. Metal sheathing of MC cable safeguards against mechanical damage, ensuring safe operation of control and distribution circuits of power. If your application is industrial, MC cable provides a safe and dependable cabling solution.
Outdoor Applications
MC cable has great moisture and weather protective features, which is why it can be used in outdoor or wet environments. It is typically used to operate outdoor fixtures, air-conditioning units, and other outdoor appliances. When it comes to a cable that can resiliently withstand rain, sun, and high levels of moisture, MC cables are the way for you.
4. Conclusion
MC cable is robust and reliable, suitable for diverse residential, commercial, industrial, and outdoor applications. By understanding the advantages, types, and uses of MC cable, you can confidently select the right product for your project. Whatever your requirements, Honestcable provides dependable MC cable solutions and technical support to ensure your project operates safely and efficiently.
MC cable is suitable for commercial and industrial settings, as well as residential projects. It is commonly used for power circuits, lighting circuits, and receptacle wiring, meeting the safety requirements of the National Electrical Code (NEC) and most local codes.
AC cable (Armored Cable) is a type of cable with armor protection that lacks a separate grounding conductor internally. Instead, it achieves grounding through a metal bonding strip that contacts the armor.
MC cable (Metal Clad Cable), however, differs by incorporating a dedicated equipment grounding conductor, offering superior grounding performance and reliability.
Additionally, MC cable is suitable for outdoor, damp, or humid environments and can even be buried directly, whereas AC cable is restricted to indoor dry applications
MC cables must be installed using standard-compliant specialized connectors and fittings to ensure secure mechanical fastening between cables and equipment, while maintaining uninterrupted ground continuity. During wiring, avoid excessive bending or mechanical damage to cables. Strictly adhere to NEC and local electrical code requirements to guarantee overall installation safety and reliability.