NEMA
2.1.6 Cable Fittings
The combination of listed Type MC cable and listed MC cable fitting designs are such that the use of antishort
bushings is not required by the NEC®. MC cable fittings have a shoulder to protect the conductors
from any sharp edge that may be present on the cut edge of the armor. Bushings may be used however
(See Appendix A, or go to NEMA Engineering Bulletin 90).
Appendix A
NEMA ENGINEERING BULLETIN 90
Use of Anti-Short Bushings for Terminating Type MC Cable
There has been much confusion within the installation and inspection communities regarding the use of
anti-short bushings for terminating Type MC cable. The confusion stems from the fact that some MC
cable manufacturers include anti-short bushings with their cable. The inclusion of anti-short bushings with
coils or reels of MC cable is based on historical practice relating to the requirements of 320.40 of the
NEC®, which mandates the use of anti-short bushing or its equivalent protection for Type AC cable.
Fittings used with Type MC cable are required to be listed per 330.40 of the NEC®. NEMA supports the
use of listed fittings for MC cable. The design of these fittings may or may not include an insulated throat.
However, they are required to be provided with a smooth, rounded end stop so that the metal sheath of
the cable will not pass through and the wires will not be damaged in passing over the end stop. Whether
or not an insulated throat is part of the listed product, these listed MC fittings do not require an additional
anti-short bushing. Anti-short bushings that may be supplied by MC cable manufacturers are for optional
use by the installer. However they are not required.
ROP #7-116 from the May 2001 Report on Proposals (ROP) for the 2002 NEC® was a proposal seeking
to require anti-short bushings on all MC cable termination installations. The following is an excerpt from
the Panel statement rejecting the proposal:
“Anti-short bushings are not required for Type MC cable in accordance with the listing
for the product. The termination fittings approved for use with Type MC cables are
designed such that the wires will not come in contact with the cut edge of the armor; the
throat of the fitting is small enough to prevent contact with the armor. Type MC
termination fittings perform the same function for Type MC cable as Type AC
terminations plus the anti-short bushing do for Type AC cable.”
NEMA supports the uniform adoption and enforcement of the NEC® and recommends that local
authorities having jurisdiction follow the requirements of NEC® Section 330.40, Boxes and Fittings for MC
Cable. Section 330.40 requires that the fitting be listed, but does not mandate the use of an anti-short
bushing.
© Copyright 2008 by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association