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Tuesday, October 2, 2018

Question:

Art 620.21 wiring methods allows MC Cable. The elevator inspector is telling the contractor he cannot use MC in the hoistway as per 620.21 (A)(1). He is stating that MC is the same as FMC and cannot be used in lengths over 6 ft.

I would appreciate your input

THOMAS J. COUCH

A

Answer:

Hey Thomas thanks for your question. You are correct, MC cable is allowed as stated in the locations given as stated in 620.21. The 6 ft limitation only applies to the wiring methods given in the subdivisions to 620.21(A) not for MC cable. Flexible metal Conduit (FMC) is a raceway as defined in 348.2 and MC cable is an assembly as defined in 330.2. The elevator inspector could be applying other references such as those in the informational Notes to 620.1 but that doesn't change what they are in the NEC.

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