Is It Mandatory To Apply Bx To External Walls?

The right type of cable for your home depends on the amount of current it will carry. For example, if you want to run two telephone lines, you’ll need a cable with larger wires. However, you shouldn’t use a cable with large wires if you’re running a circuit that’s likely to be opened and closed frequently.

Some types of BX cable can be installed in exposed locations, either indoors or outdoors. NM cable and wiring must always be installed in an enclosed location (typically within a wall). Many wall pack lights that have the junction made inside the fixture do not require a box at all as the fixture is the box. BX cable is required when a metal box must be grounded to the cable’s sheathing, which NM cannot do.

The electrical code requires that all junctions be accessible in a box, so you definitely need one here. You have two choices: cut a large hole in your siding and mount a retrofit light box into the wall. Running electrical wire through an exterior wall requires careful consideration of the wall’s construction and weatherproofing techniques to ensure the safety.

A paintable silicone acrylic or silicone caulk should be applied to the back of the box and around the entry hole. An exposed wire can cause a fire if the coating is nicked or if the live and ground wires touch, the resulting spark can cause a fire.

Some varieties of MC cable can be used outdoors or even “direct-buried”, buried underground without needing conduit. BX cable cannot be used outdoors at all, as long as you follow the requirements for installation. Armored cable (BX) is not rated for outdoor use, but LiquidTight flex tubes and Schedule 40 plastic conduit are available for outdoor use. In residential areas, conduit is usually not required unless you are installing it outside the building.

Can I use non-armoured cable outside?

It is recommended that non-armored cables be installed externally in black PVC round hi-impact conduit, which is suitable for UV ray protection and mechanical damage protection. This conduit can be installed underground, provided that other factors are considered.

Can you use bx in residential?

Residential construction primarily uses three types of wiring: Non-Metallic (NM) cable, BX (Armor Clad, Flexible Metal Conduit), and individual conductors run inside conduit. NM cable is a composite cable consisting of one or more “hot” conductors, a neutral conductor, and a ground wire, individually insulated and sheathed in PVC plastic. It is flexible, heat and fire resistant, easy to install, and relatively inexpensive.

Where is bx required?

BX cable is a metal-armored electrical cable used for indoor or outdoor use. It is required when a metal box needs to be grounded to the cable’s sheathing, unlike NM. BX cable can be installed in exposed locations and is also known as metallic sheathed cable, type AC, MC, Greenfield, or armored cable. It consists of plastic-coated insulated wires, typically 14- or 12-gauge, bundled and protected by a ribbon-like metal sheathing.

Is bx better than romex?

BX cabling, due to its metal-clad covering and grounded nature, can produce significantly lower electrical fields than unshielded Romex cables. The epidermal voltage in NYC is typically 35 mV, while in suburbs it ranges from 1500-3500 mV. Elevated skin voltage can stimulate the fight or flight response, releasing cortisol, adrenaline, and aldosterone, potentially leading to various health issues.

Can I run bx outside?

It is inadvisable to utilise regular BX (MC cable) in outdoor settings, given its designation as a wet location cable. However, specific variants are approved for deployment in such environments.

Where is armored cable not permitted?

Armored cable, comprising lead-covered conductors (Type ACL), may be embedded in masonry or concrete, employed in environments with elevated moisture levels or oil exposure, and should be avoided in areas susceptible to physical damage or corrosive fumes. Direct burial in the earth is not recommended.

Where is armored cable required?

Armoured cable is recommended for high-traffic areas like public buildings, schools, and hospitals due to its safety and durability. The size of the cable is crucial for the installation’s efficiency and reliability. Armoured cables come in various sizes, determined by the cross-sectional area of the internal conductors. 1. 5 mm² and 2. 5 mm² are ideal for lighting circuits and small power tools in residential and commercial settings.

Can armored wire be used outdoors?

Metal-clad (MC) armored cable constructions are a cost-effective alternative to wire and conduit, offering significant cost savings by eliminating the need for electrical conduit and installation labor. These high-performing solutions require limited pulling equipment, fewer reels, no specialty cutting or bending tools, and less time setting up pulls. Armored cables provide protection and durability without the need for electrical conduit, elbows, costly offsets, and conduit couplings.

They resist corrosion, are flexible, and can be installed in complex, close-spaced bends, eliminating the need for specialty cutting or bending tools. Feeder MC is primarily used in commercial construction, while jacketed MC is widely used in industrial applications.

Can armored cable be used outside?

Metal-clad (MC) armored cable constructions are a cost-effective alternative to wire and conduit, offering significant cost savings by eliminating the need for electrical conduit and installation labor. These high-performing solutions require limited pulling equipment, fewer reels, no specialty cutting or bending tools, and less time setting up pulls. Armored cables provide protection and durability without the need for electrical conduit, elbows, costly offsets, and conduit couplings.

They resist corrosion, are flexible, and can be installed in complex, close-spaced bends, eliminating the need for specialty cutting or bending tools. Feeder MC is primarily used in commercial construction, while jacketed MC is widely used in industrial applications.

Do I have to use armoured cable outside?

It is frequently recommended that armoured cable be used in outdoor wiring in order to ensure the maximum safety and reliability of the electrical system. However, there are instances when this is not a mandatory requirement.

Can you run BX cable on outside of wall?

BX and MC cables differ in their use of armor, protective sheathing material, and outdoor suitability. MC cables can be used outdoors and can hold up to four insulated conductors, while BX can only hold up to four. Despite these differences, both types share a basic armored structure, providing better protection for individual conductors. Both types are easier to install than wire in conduits, potentially reducing costs.