Trystan Casey
In electrical terms, MC can stand for several things. MC is used to refer to multi-contact connectors and cables, metal-clad cable, and Moving Coil type meter. MC can also stand for multi-stranded and male and female in the context of cables. In the context of part numbers, MC can stand for Conformal Coated.
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What You'll Learn
MC stands for multi-contact in electrical terms
MC cables are made with UL-listed, 600 Volt, multi-stranded #10 or #12 AWG RHH/RHW/USE-2 outdoor-rated, sunlight-resistant cable. They come in two types: 2F/1M and 2M/1F (male and female). For each parallel connection, you will need two connectors (one of each type). MC connectors are ideal for large series arrays, such as grid tie systems, where you can simply plug one panel into the next, increasing the array size and voltage.
MC connectors have simplified wiring, especially for medium and larger arrays, making series and parallel wiring of panels much easier. They have started to replace the standard junction box with screw-type terminals. All current production solar panels designed for grid-tie applications now come exclusively with MC connectors.
Type MC, or metal-clad cable, is a wiring method that is permitted for services, feeders, and branch circuits, both indoors and outdoors, and can be used in wet locations and underground. It is often used in conjunction with Type EMT (electrical metallic tubing) as their permitted uses are nearly identical, and they complement each other well. Type MC is similar in appearance to the old BX (armor-clad) wiring method, which is no longer recognized, and it also resembles Type AC (armored cable) with some subtle differences.
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MC cables are used for solar panels
MC cables, or multi-contact cables, are widely used in solar panels. They are designed for low contact resistance and stable connections under a wide range of conditions. MC cables are made with UL-listed, 600-volt, multi-stranded, #10 or #12 AWG RHH/RHW/USE-2, outdoor-rated, sunlight-resistant cable. This makes them suitable for solar panel installations, which often require wiring that can withstand outdoor conditions and varying voltages.
The MC in MC cables stands for "multi-contact," referring to the multiple little spring-loaded gold-plated fingers that ensure good electrical contact. These cables are commonly used in solar arrays, where they simplify wiring, especially for medium and larger arrays. They are also known as MC connectors or MC4 connectors, with the 4 indicating the 4mm size of the connector.
MC4 connectors are successors to the older MC3 connectors, which were introduced by Multi-Contact in 1996 and discontinued in 2016. The MC4 connectors were launched in 2004 and provided positive locking mechanisms to prevent disconnection under load, as required by the National Electrical Code (NEC). They are available in various lengths, from 8 to 100 feet, and come in male and female versions, similar to electrical extension cords.
When connecting solar panels, MC4 connectors are used to bring power from the panels to the electrical equipment, such as a circuit breaker and a solar charge controller. They are also used in conjunction with combiner boxes when connecting multiple panels in parallel. The ease of use and flexibility offered by MC cables have made them a popular choice for solar panel installations, with nearly all major manufacturers now supplying panels with MC connectors.
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Type MC is a wiring method
Type MC, or Metal-Clad Cable, is a wiring method used every day in the electrical industry. It is permitted for services, feeders, and branch circuits, both indoors and outdoors, and can be exposed or concealed. It is also permitted in wet locations and underground, where identified for such use.
Type MC is a flexible package consisting of an armour jacket wrapped around wire conductors, forming an easily installable wiring system. It can have a smooth or corrugated metallic sheath, or, most commonly, interlocking metal tape armour. The sheath may be made of steel or aluminium, which is non-magnetic and therefore suitable when used with a single conductor, so as to avoid induced voltage on the sheath.
Type MC is often used in the same installation as Type EMT, or Electrical Metallic Tubing, as their permitted uses are nearly identical. EMT has a better appearance for long exposed runs, while Type MC is good for fishing through wall and ceiling cavities, through drilled holes in framing members, and where complex, close-spaced bends would be difficult for EMT. It is not uncommon to see single branch-circuit runs that transition back and forth several times between the entrance panel and load.
Type MC is widely used in commercial and industrial wiring and for residential services. It is also used in solar arrays, where MC connectors are designed for low contact resistance and good stable connections under a wide range of conditions.
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Type MC is permitted for services, feeders and branch circuits
Type MC, or metal-clad cable, is a wiring method that is permitted for services, feeders, and branch circuits. It can be used indoors or outdoors, in exposed or concealed areas, and in wet locations and underground. It is a flexible package consisting of an armour jacket wrapped around wire conductors, forming an easily installable wiring system.
Type MC is often used in conjunction with Type EMT (Electrical Metallic Tubing) in installations as their permitted uses are nearly identical. EMT is better for long exposed runs, while MC is good for fishing through wall and ceiling cavities and where complex, close-spaced bends would be difficult for EMT. It is also easy to transition between these two wiring methods, with splices made in light fixture enclosures, wall boxes, or junction boxes.
Type MC is also suitable for use in some, but not all, classified locations. A good example of this is its use in wet locations and underground, where it is identified for such use.
In terms of tools, only an MC cutter is required for working with Type MC cable. This tool enables the user to cut the outer sheath without damaging the enclosed conductors. Type MC can have a smooth or corrugated metallic sheath or, most commonly, interlocking metal tape armour. The sheath may be made of steel or aluminium, with the latter being non-magnetic and suitable for use with a single conductor to avoid induced voltage on the sheath.
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MC means moving coil for measuring instruments
MC can stand for "moving coil" in electrical terms. Moving coil instruments are a very common form of analogue voltmeter because of their sensitivity, accuracy, and linear scale. They are also used as ammeters.
The current to be measured is used to energise a coil, creating a magnetic field. A moving vane is either repelled by or attracted to this field, depending on the current magnitude. The vane is restrained by a spring and attached to an indicating pointer. The amount of rotation of the coil is measured by attaching a pointer that moves past a graduated scale.
The moving coil of the measuring instrument is usually wound with a copper wire. When the instrument is used as a micro-ammeter or a milli-ammeter, and the moving coil is directly connected to the output terminals of the instruments, the indication of the instrument for a constant current will decrease by 0.04% per 1°C rise in temperature. When the instrument is used as a voltmeter, a large series resistance of negligible temperature coefficient is used to eliminate the error due to temperature.
Moving coil instruments are provided with an AC response by the use of a full-wave bridge rectifier. The rectifier converts the AC signal into a unidirectional signal through the moving-coil instrument, which then responds to the average DC current through it. Such instruments measure the mean absolute value of the waveform and are calibrated to indicate the RMS value of the wave.
Moving coil instruments are only suitable for measuring voltages up to around 2 volts as they operate at low current levels of one milliamp or so. The measuring range of the instrument can be increased by placing a resistance in series with the coil, such that only a known proportion of the applied voltage is measured by the meter.
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Frequently asked questions
MC can stand for several things in electrical terms, including:
- Metal-clad cable, a type of wiring method that is permitted for services, feeders, and branch circuits, and can be used indoors or outdoors, exposed or concealed.
- Moving Coil type meter, a type of measuring instrument used to measure DC current and voltage.
- Multi-Contact, referring to connectors with multiple spring-loaded gold-plated fingers that ensure good contact and stable connections.
- Conformal Coated, which increases the isolation capability of a treated circuit board.
MC connectors are used for low contact resistance and stable connections under a wide range of conditions. They are commonly used in solar panels and arrays, where they simplify wiring and make it easier to connect panels in series.
MC wiring is good for fishing through wall and ceiling cavities and through drilled holes in framing members. It is also suitable for underground installations and can be used in wet locations. Additionally, MC wiring only requires an MC cutter as a specialized tool, making it easier to work with.
MC connectors come in two types: 2F/1M and 2M/1F (male and female). You will need two connectors (one of each type) for each parallel connection. For example, for two panels, you will need one pair of MC connectors, and for three panels, you will need two sets.
