What Is SIMpull MC™ Cable?
Southwire SIMpull MC™ is metal-clad cable, a type of cable made up of several conductors and a grounding wire, all protected by an interlocking metal jacket. Unlike traditional MC cable, however, the sheath on SIMpull MC™ cable has a lower profile that reduces friction and snags when pulling the cable, making installation easier.
SIMpull MC™ Construction
- Solid or stranded copper THHN/THWN conductors and ground wire rated for 600 volts and 90 degrees Celsius in dry applications
- Insulation of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and a nylon coating for the individual conductors
- Mylar binder tape wrapping the wires
- Low-profile interlocking aluminum armor sheath
While SIMpull® MCAP® cable features the same lower-profile sheathing as SIMpull MC™ cable, SIMpull® MCAP® cable has a bare aluminum ground wire instead of an insulated copper ground. The bare ground wire maintains contact with the metal jacket to create the grounding path. When the cable is installed according to the product instructions, there’s no need to strip and terminate the ground wire at the electrical box and the slim design of the cable reduces box fill.
Applications for SIMpull MC™ Cable
Like standard MC cable, when installed according to electrical codes and the manufacturer’s specifications, SIMpull MC™ is suitable for:
- Indoor use in commercial, institutional, industrial, residential and multi-residential applications, as well as indoor use in stadiums and arenas
- Branch and service power distribution
- Embedding in plaster or pulling with fish tape or rods
- Exposed or concealed installation
- Suitable for use in approved raceways and cable trays
Some electrical projects require a licensed electrician, as well as a permit and inspection. Follow all electrical codes for your area and the manufacturers’ instructions.
SIMpull MC™ Cable Specifications
Like traditional MC cable, SIMpull MC™ cable complies with the UL 1569 standard for metal-clad cables. In addition, SIMpull MC™ cable specifications include:
- ASTM B3 Soft or Annealed Copper Wire
- ASTM B8 Concentric-Lay-Stranded Copper Conductors
- UL 83 Thermoplastic Insulated Wires and Cables
- UL 1479 Standard for Safety Fire Tests of Penetration Firestops
- UL 1685 FT4 Vertical-Tray Fire Propagation and Smoke Release Test
- IEEE 1202 FT4 Flame Test (70,000) BTU/hr Vertical Tray Test
- VW-1 (Vertical-Wire) Flame Test
- RoHS-2 (European Directive 2011/65/EU)
- Conductors rated for 600 volts and 90 degrees Celsius in dry applications
Read our residential wiring guide for specifics on different types of wire and cable, as well as common applications for each. We also have a guide to wire gauges and tips on stripping wires for electrical installations and repairs.
Benefits of SIMpull MC™ Cable
The lower-profile, compact design of SIMpull MC™ cable offers several benefits over standard MC cable:
- Lower friction and fewer snags
- Easier pulling through framing and other structures
- Faster installations
- Less risk of damage to the jacket due to jams and pulling stresses, with the potential for less scrap material
- Less packaging required
Simplify Electrical Installations With SIMpull MC™ Cable
Save time and reduce effort when you shop Lowes.com for SIMpull MC™ cable that’s designed to be easier to pull with less risk of damage from snags and jams. Plus, we’ve got all the tools you need to do the job right. Or stop by your local Lowe’s and talk to a Lowe’s Red Vest associate. They can show you the SIMpull MC™ cable that fits your application and make sure you have the tools and materials you need for a professional job.