Armored cable is a power conductor cable covered in a metal sheath. There are three types: BX, true armored cable, and Metal Clad (MC) cable. The differences are small, but the grounding systems vary. BX has a poor grounding system, true armored cable has a better grounding system and heavier insulation, and MC cable has a grounding wire within the cable bundle.
Armored cable is a type of power conductor cable covered in a metal sheath. In most cases, it consists of a bundle of wires covered with a metal tube, which can be covered with an insulating layer of plastic. While a particular type of cable is properly known as armored cable, the term is often used as a generic to refer to all metal sheathed power cables. In fact, there are three basic forms of metal sheathed wire, each with its own characteristics.
The various types of metal sheathed cable are made in a similar way. In the center of the cable is a bundle of wires. These copper wires are covered with their own plastic insulation, keeping them separate from the metal cover and from each other. Next comes the metal sheath, which protects the cable bundle from physical impact and wear. The metal is usually a long strip of metal that wraps around the wire; this gives the metallic cladding a wavy, springlike look.
There are three basic types of metal sheathed cable; all are referred to as armored cable. BX is the oldest form. This type of cable went into production during WWII and saw heavy use for several years. While this cable provided the protections common in armored cables, it had a tendency to leak and its grounding system was poor.
True armored cable is essentially just a heavier form of BX. It features a better grounding system and heavier internal insulation. The process used to cover the cable in its metal casing allows for better waterproofing and an overall more durable design.
The last type of armored cable is Metal Clad (MC) cable. MC cable uses a different grounding system than real armor cable and may have additional waterproofing. This is the newest type of metal sheathed cable and is found in a wide variety of commercial and industrial buildings.
The differences between the three types of cable are very small and often ill-defined, but among the biggest differences are the cable grounding systems. BX cable generally goes to the ground through the metal sheath, which works fine if the cable is buried or covered in some way, but not if it’s exposed. Armored cable also grounds through the sheath, but has the ability to ground predetermined areas, which allows certain portions to be exposed without exposing the grounding system. Finally, the MC cable has a grounding wire within the cable bundle, which allows users to create a ground where they want, which makes the system safe for exposed areas.
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