Two armoured cables can look almost identical while providing their grounding path in different ways. Type AC is defined by an armour-and-bonding-strip system, so a buyer should look beneath the metallic exterior. This detail matters when comparing a Type AC factory quotation with an MC offer.
Inside the cable
A traditional Type AC branch-circuit reference has insulated copper circuit conductors, individual protective paper wraps, interlocked metal armour and a slender internal bonding conductor in continuous contact with the armour. In the selected Southwire reference that bond is aluminium. It is not a full-sized green insulated equipment grounding conductor. The individual paper wraps and thin bond must not be replaced by an MC-style internal layout in a technical illustration.
Where it is used
Type AC is intended for permitted dry indoor branch-circuit wiring. Buyers may encounter the colloquial term BX, but procurement should identify the actual cable type and construction instead of relying on that nickname. It is relevant to electrical distributors and commercial wiring programmes using compatible boxes and fittings for the chosen armoured wiring method.
Ratings and selection points
The armour and bonding strip work as a system, with the correct listed termination components. Do not assume that the presence of any loose metal wire establishes an acceptable ground path, and do not order it as interchangeable with ordinary MC. Dry-location use is a central limitation. A photograph also cannot verify armour continuity, mechanical tests or a product listing; those need the relevant product documents and inspection criteria.
A clearer factory RFQ
An AC RFQ should state conductor size and count, insulation and wrap construction, armour material and bonding-strip details. Include packaging length and the applicable destination requirements. If the customer originally asked for MC, resolve the grounding-system difference before proposing Type AC as an alternative.
Compare the TGS AC configurations for the available reference size tables. State the required conductor resistance, nominal dimensions, test documents and marking for the exact order. Reference tables and illustrations guide the enquiry; the agreed drawing and approved specification define production.
Manufacturing in Vietnam with TGS
TGS Cable Industrial is a large manufacturing group producing wire and cable in Vietnam. The group has served Costco, Walmart, Target and many other customers for more than five years. That company-wide experience informs our work with importers, distributors and retail supply programmes. For your AC enquiry, our factory team reviews the construction, destination requirements, quantities and packing before confirming the order.
Explore our Vietnam factory production capability, or send your cable specification to discuss a factory quotation. Product approvals and customer-specific requirements are reviewed for the selected construction and programme.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the small internal bond different from a ground core?
It forms part of the armour bonding system. Its role and construction are different from a separately sized equipment grounding conductor carried inside a typical MC assembly.
Can Type AC be used for a wet outdoor run?
The ordinary Type AC construction described here is for dry locations. Select another suitable wiring method for a wet route.
Technical references
Manufacturer references explain the representative cable family and construction. They do not certify a TGS product. The agreed order drawing, product marking and applicable approval documents define the supplied cable.