Most of the time, the HVAC contractors on the projects I work on use the mini split mc cable connector. I can’t believe that the cable and connectors really cost as much as the rest of the HVAC equipment. The connectors are standard MC cables or parking deck connectors with a PVC jacket.
The mini split mc cable connector is used to connect the outdoor condensing unit of a mini-split system to the indoor unit. It does this by combining power and control into a single cable. It is the easiest and safest way to strip mini-split air conditioner wire because you don’t need a blade.
What Is A Mini Split MC Cable Connector?
Metal-clad cable, or MC cable, is a type of cable that usually has three insulated conductors (wires) wrapped in a smooth tube, a rigid tube, or two pieces of metal that fit together. The interlocking metal on the outside is flexible, so it can be bent easily.
UL standards say that this type of cable can have any number of conductors, so there is no limit to how many conductors it can have.
Types of MC Cable Connector
Metal-clad cables are made up of one or more insulated circuit conductors, with or without optical fiber members, wrapped in an armor of interlocking metal tape or a smooth corrugated sheath. One can also be given an overall plastic jacket.
Pros:
- The outer diameter is smaller
- Lighter weight
Cons:
- Risks in the process of making
- Not many options for standard conductor colors
- Not enough color choices for conduits
- Limits labeling options
- Stains on the jacket
Metal Clad Mini Split Cables
For mini split air conditioner systems where the condenser gives power to the indoor unit.
- It can handle the sun and can be buried directly.
- Use a connector that won’t let water in, like Bridgeport Fittings. P/N: 595-DC2
- You don’t need any extra conduit to put it on the wall.
Cables for a Mini Split Tray
For mini split air conditioner systems where the condenser gives power to the indoor unit.
- It can handle the sun and can be buried directly.
- Once the cable is inside the building, it needs to be enclosed in a conduit.
- Inside, the cable must be put in a conduit or in the wall.
The way type MC cables look is a lot like how type AC cables look (armored clad). It’s important to tell them apart because you shouldn’t mix them up. Type MC cables have a ground conductor for the equipment, while type AC cables have a bonding strip inside that is in contact with the armor.
More importantly, type MC cables can be used outside, while type AC cables can’t be used outside (wet or damp locations).
The mini split mc cable connectors are often used to control lighting, power, and fixture whips at 600 volts and MV. Articles 330 and 725 of the NEC say that they can be used on services, feeders, and branch circuits for power, lighting, control, and signaling circuits.
MC cables can be installed indoors or outdoors, in wet or dry places, in dangerous places (Class I, Division I), in a cable tray, as the aerial cable on a messenger, in any approved raceway, or directly buried (where marked), or in concrete (where identified).
MC cables can’t be put in places where they could be damaged by physical force. Mini split mc cable connector must be held up and secured every six feet, but no more.
When used in cable trays, type MC cables have proven to be a much cheaper alternative to wire in conduit in many industrial applications.
Metal-clad (MC) cable is a great way to protect electrical wiring when it needs extra protection, and it is often required by electrical codes. MC cable is easier to work with than rigid conduit, and it also protects against fire, vibration, insects that eat wires, and other types of physical harm.
There are different kinds of mini split mc cable connectors, but the most common one has three insulated wires (two circuit conductors and a green equipment grounding conductor) covered by a flexible armor that is usually made of aluminum. Not the size of the armor, but the gauge of the wire tells you what kind of cable it is. 14-gauge, 12-gauge, and 10-gauge are the most common sizes.
