When it comes to electrical wiring, safety and compliance are everything. Many installers assume that Type AC Cable (Armored Cable) can be used in any environment-but that's a costly mistake. Using it in the wrong place can lead to corrosion, short circuits, and even code violations under the National Electrical Code (NEC).
This article will help you understand where Type AC Cable should not be used, why those restrictions exist, and what better alternatives you can choose for different applications.
What Is Type AC Cable?
Type AC Cable, short for Armored Cable, is a flexible electrical cable with an interlocked metal sheath-typically aluminum or steel-surrounding insulated conductors. Inside, it also contains a bonding strip to ensure grounding continuity.
Type AC Cable is widely used for:
- Indoor wiring in dry locations
- Commercial or residential buildings
- Branch circuits and lighting systems
Its metal armor provides mechanical protection and a built-in ground path, making it convenient for many interior wiring applications. However, despite its strength, Type AC Cable isn't suitable for all environments.
Where Should Type AC Cable Not Be Used?
Understanding the limitations of AC Cable is crucial to prevent costly or dangerous installations. Below are the key locations and conditions where it should never be installed:
Damp or Wet Locations
Type AC Cable is designed for dry, indoor environments only.
It should not be installed in wet or damp areas such as:
- Outdoor walls or underground conduits
- Bathrooms, washdown areas, or basements prone to moisture
The metal armor is not waterproof, and exposure to moisture can lead to corrosion and electrical failure.
Corrosive or Chemical Environments
In industrial facilities or chemical plants, exposure to harsh gases or vapors can degrade the armor over time.
Corrosion compromises insulation integrity, increasing the risk of short circuits and shocks.
Direct Burial or Concrete Encapsulation
Type AC Cable is not rated for direct burial. Placing it underground or inside concrete slabs without additional protection violates NEC standards and can cause long-term safety hazards.
Hazardous or Explosive Locations
In areas classified as hazardous (e.g., fuel stations, grain silos, or chemical storage zones), using AC Cable can be unsafe and non-compliant. The armor is not explosion-proof, and sparks inside can ignite flammable gases.
⚠️ Pro Tip: Always check the latest NEC Article 320 before installation to ensure your wiring method is code-compliant.
What If These Conditions Are Unavoidable? (Better Alternatives)
If your project involves damp, underground, or hazardous environments-don't worry. There are better-suited alternatives designed for those applications:
- Type MC Cable (Metal Clad Cable) – Suitable for both dry and damp locations. Its protective jacket resists corrosion and is approved for exposed and concealed installations.
- Type UF Cable (Underground Feeder) – Specifically designed for direct burial without additional conduit. Perfect for outdoor and underground wiring.
- Type PVC or XLPE Insulated Cables – For chemical or industrial environments that demand higher resistance to oil, moisture, or heat.
👉 By choosing the right cable type, you ensure not only compliance but also long-term performance and safety for your installation.
Why Choose Greater Wire & Cable?
At Dongguan Greater Wire & Cable Co., Ltd., we don't just sell cables-we provide complete electrical solutions for every project, big or small.
Our Type AC Cable products are:
- UL Listed and NEC Compliant
- Manufactured with precision aluminum or steel armor
- Designed for easy installation and stable grounding performance
- Rigorously tested for quality and safety
Whether you're handling residential wiring, commercial projects, or industrial upgrades, our expert team is ready to support you with:
- Professional pre-sales consultation
- Custom cable solutions to meet your specifications
- Reliable after-sales technical support
Compliance starts with the right choice.
Know where not to use Type AC Cable-and let Greater Wire & Cable help you choose what's best for your project.
📞 Contact Us Today
Dongguan Greater Wire & Cable Co., Ltd.
- Tel/WhatsApp/WeChat: +86 135 1078 4550 / +86 136 6257 9592
- Email: manager01@greaterwire.com
Empower your next installation with safety, quality, and trust - choose Greater Wire & Cable.