330.10(11) MC Cable. Uses Permitted.

PVC coated, sunlight resistant, direct burial rated MC cable can be used in a wet location.
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PVC coated, sunlight resistant, direct burial rated MC cable can be used in a wet location.

Code Change Summary: A clarification was made to the permitted uses of MC cable installed in a wet location.

The previous code language in 330.10 note (11) was unclear. General use MC cables cannot be used in wet locations but there are some types of specialty MC cables that can. The most common is the PVC coated, sunlight resistant, direct burial listed MC cable in the image.

The revised 2014 code language makes it clear that a corrosion-resistant jacket must be present over the cable and then the 3 conditions apply. Previous wording did not require the corrosion-resistant jacket as a prerequisite to use the 3 conditions.

Below is a preview of the NEC®.  See the actual NEC® text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section. Once there, click on the “free access” tab and select the applicable year of NFPA 70 (National Electrical code).

2011 Code language:

330.10 Uses Permitted.

(11) In wet locations where any of the following conditions are met:

  1. The metallic covering is impervious to moisture.
  2. A moisture-impervious jacket is provided under the metal covering.
  3. The insulated conductors under the metallic covering are listed for use in wet locations, and a corrosion-resistant jacket is provided over the metallic sheath.

2014 Code Language:

330.10 Uses Permitted.

(11) In wet locations where a corrosion-resistant jacket is provided over the metallic covering and any of the following conditions are met:

  1. The metallic covering is impervious to moisture.
  2. A jacket resistant to moisture is provided under the metal covering.
  3. The insulated conductors under the metallic covering are listed for use in wet locations.

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330.10(11) MC Cable. Uses Permitted.

Below is a Real Question from our Electrical Continuing Education Courses for Electrical License Renewal:

Which of the following is true when installing MC cable in a wet location?

A: The metal MC cable corrugations must always be impervious to moisture.
B: The insulated conductors under the metallic covering must be listed for damp locations.
C: A moisture-resistant jacket is always required under the metallic cable covering.
D: A corrosion-resistant jacket is always required over the metallic covering.
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