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Code Q&A: Protection of Type MC Cable

June 21, 2018
Protection of Type MC cable installed through or parallel to framing members

Q. What does the NEC require for the protection of Type MC cable installed through or parallel to framing members?

See the answer below.

This answer is based on the 2017 NEC.

A. Type MC cable installed through or parallel to framing members or furring strips must be protected against physical damage from penetration of screws or nails by maintaining a 1¼ in. separation, or by installing a suitable metal plate in accordance with Sec. 300.4(A), (C), and (D) [330.17].

These materials are provided to us by Mike Holt Enterprises in Leesburg, Fla. To view code training materials provided by this company, visit www.mikeholt.com/code.

About the Author

Mike Holt

Mike Holt is the owner of Mike Holt Enterprises (www.MikeHolt.com), one of the largest electrical publishers in the United States. He earned a master's degree in the Business Administration Program (MBA) from the University of Miami. He earned his reputation as a National Electrical Code (NEC) expert by working his way up through the electrical trade. Formally a construction editor for two different trade publications, Mike started his career as an apprentice electrician and eventually became a master electrician, an electrical inspector, a contractor, and an educator. Mike has taught more than 1,000 classes on 30 different electrical-related subjects — ranging from alarm installations to exam preparation and voltage drop calculations. He continues to produce seminars, videos, books, and online training for the trade as well as contribute monthly Code content to EC&M magazine.

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