FLEXIBLE

ARMORED
CABLE
Flexible Armored Cable (type AC) is a
fabricated assembly of insulated
conductors walled in flexible metal
sheath. It is commonly known as BX. It
consists of spiraled metal sheet
forming flexible steel tube through
which the rubber covered wires are
enclosed. The armor protects the
wires from injury and moisture.
FLEXIBLE ARMORED CABLE
(TYPE BX or TYPE AC)
 Types of Flexible
Armored Cable
1. Type AC or Type BX-
The conductors inside are
insulated with rubber
insulation.
 2. Type ACT- The
conductors inside are
insulated with
thermoplastic insulation.
3. Type ACL- It has a
rubber and lead sheath
between the
conductor and the armor.
4. Type ACV- It has a
varnish cambric
insulation.The varnish
cambric is a closely woven
fabric of cotton or linen with
insulating varnish.
 Can be embedded in
plastic finish on brick or
other masonry work
except in damp and wet
locations.
Usages of Flexible Armored
Cable :
*Type AC and ACT*
 Used for both exposed
and concealed work in
dry locations.
*Type ACV*

• Used only for exposed work in

dry locations in buildings.
• Used for industrial or
commercial purposes.
• Shall not be smaller than
5.19mm.
*Type ACL*

• Can be used when exposed to

weather or continuous
moisture.
• For underground runs and
embedded in masonry, concrete or
buried in building during
constructions.
• Exposed to oil, gasoline
or other conditions will
have deteriorating effect
on the insulation.
DANGER
Flexible Armored Cable must not
be used in:
• Theaters
• Motion picture studios
• Hazardous locations
• Exposure to corrosive fumes and vapors
• Storage battery rooms
• Cranes and hoist
• Hoistways or elevator
Supports
Flexible Armored Cable must be secured by
approved clamps, straps or similar fittings so
designed and mounted so as to destroy
cable. The cable shall be secured at the
wired surface approximately every 1 meter
interval and within 30mm away from outlet
box or fittings.
Grounding
The cable armor and all other
parts and enclosure will be
effectively grounded if electrical
continuity is ensured through the
wiring system.
Cutting
In cutting a flexible armored cable,
the appropriate tools to be used is
hacksaw.
Boxes at Outlets and Free Lengths of
Conductor
A box shall be installed at each outlet, switch, or
junction points of the armored cable. At least
150mm of free conductor shall be left at each
outlet and switch points for making up of joints
or connections of fixtures or devices, except
where conductors are intended to be looped
without joints.
General Requirements for Wiring Methods

Protection against corrosion and mechanical injury in

metal raceways, armored cable, boxes, cabinets,
metallic elbows, coupling, and fitting. Unless made of
corrosion resistant material inside and outside shall be
coated with zinc, cadinium and enamel. The following
are subject to corrosive conditions:
• Meat packing plants
• Tanneries
• Hide cellars, glue houses
• Salt storage
• Metal refineries
• Pulp mills
• Sugar mills
• Casing rooms and stables
Components of Flexible
Armored Cable (BX)