How To Cut Bx Cable?

What tool is used to cut the BX?

More videos on YouTube The Klein Tools BX and Armored Cable Cutter is simple to use. It easily cuts armored cable up to 3/8-Inch (9.5 mm) diameter: BX, AC, MC, MCAP and Greenfield, with a couple of turns of the handle. Swift cutting blade eliminates burrs and won’t nick cable.

How do you cut old BX cables?

The best means for cutting it is to use cable cutters, which are designed specifically to cut through armored cable without damaging wires. If you are only making a few cuts, you can use side cutters to cut through the armor instead. Using a saw blade is okay if you don’t have any other tools.

How do you cut armored cable with a hacksaw?

A third option to cut cables is to use a hacksaw. This method is similar to using side cutters. First bend the cable until the armor begins to pop open. Next take the saw blade and cutting at a 45° angle, cut through the remaining armor avoiding coming into contact with the conductors.Sep 5, 2017

Is BX cable legal?

NM cable can be cut with a lineman’s pliers or even with the cutter on a wire stripper. BX is accepted by the National Electrical Code (NEC). Older BX cables without an internal bonding strip are not accepted by NEC. NM cable is also accepted by the NEC.Nov 10, 2021

Why is it called BX cable?

Armored cable (AC) first appears in the 1903 NEC. There were originally two initial versions of armored cable. One was called “AX” and the other “BX,” with the “X” standing for “experimental.” The “BX” version became the one that eventually was produced, and hence the name “BX” became the common name.Mar 26, 2013

What tools cut metal conduit and armored cable?

Hacksaw – tool is used to cut metal conduit and armored cable.

What is the difference between MC cable and BX?

BX has a bonding strip to allow the casing to be a grounding conductor. It does not contain a ground wire. MC cable has a full size ground wire the casing is not a grounding conductor. MC can also be listed for wet location use where BX can not.Mar 13, 2010

What is BX cable used for?

Electrical cable encased in metal sheathing is often used in basements and other areas where the wire is not encased in a finished wall. It is handled differently than standard Romex® (non-metallic sheathed) cable. It is often used in fire-rated occupancies as an alternative to metallic conduit.

Can I use plastic glands on armoured cable?

Plastic glands can be used – however, it is advisable at least to ensure that the braiding is secured to earth on at least one end of the cable run if using a TN earthing system.Apr 4, 2016

Can you run BX in residential?

Today, residential construction primarily uses three types of wiring, Non-Metallic (NM) cable being the most common; followed by BX (also know as Armor Clad, or Flexible Metal Conduit), and individual conductors run inside conduit.Jan 15, 2013

Is BX wiring safe?

BX is much safer If there is an issue it is inside the flexible conduit and that metal conduit is quite a bit of protection. Replacing breakers may or may not be possible with your existing panel and again your wiring is in conduit so I would not be concerned.Jul 20, 2020

When did BX cable stop being used?

BX wiring was used until the late 1940s, when it was replaced by early Romex (non-metallic sheathed cable).

Is BX cable better than Romex?

Romex cables are light and have a slippery coating that easily pulls through holes. BX cables are safer and protect against any accidental penetrations. Romex cables have vinyl sheathing that you can penetrate easily. A BX cable usually is grounded through an internal plastic-coated ground wire or metal armor.Jun 24, 2021

Should you replace BX cable?

A: No, you don’t. At minimum it needs to be put back how it was. For example, if the room with BX wiring only has 1 outlet, but would require 4 by todays code, only 1 needs to be done as that puts it back how it was. The only time this could change is if any room is gutted.Sep 24, 2021

Can I use plastic electrical boxes with BX cable?

Plastic or fiberglass electrical boxes aren’t designed to be used with MC cable. Even if you’re able to rig up a connection to a plastic box, you will fail the electrical inspection.

What is appropriate tool used in cutting flexible armored cable?

BX Cable Cutter and Armored Cable Cutter, Cut Flexible Conduit and Armored Cables, with Storage for Extra Blades. The Klein Tools BX and Armored Cable Cutter is simple to use.

Does armored cable need to be grounded?

Because all-dielectric armored cable has no metallic components, there is no need to ground or bond the cable. Also, the cable design allows for quicker and safer cable installation because compared to conductive cable it is lighter, easier to access, and the armor does not produce sharp edges when accessed.May 1, 2011

Can armored cable be used in a garage?

If you are planning a garage conversion, or would just like to run power to your existing garage, it is essential to consider armoured cables as a means of creating a stable electricity supply.Mar 1, 2019

What is the difference between armored and unarmored cable?

An armored cable is protected from mechanical damage, as its name suggests, while an unarmored cable is not protected.Mar 23, 2019