We buy MC, AC, tray and VFD cable

MC, AC, tray cable and VFD cable are all multi-conductor constructions, and from a distance they look alike. The differences are in the armor, the jacket and the listing, and they change both the application and the value.

• MC (metal-clad): conductors in an interlocked metal armor, often with a green grounding conductor. Used for feeders, branch circuits and equipment connections where conduit is impractical.
• AC (armored cable): a bonded armor that serves as the equipment grounding conductor, typically smaller sizes for branch circuits and fixture feeds.
• Tray cable (TC) and PLTC: rated for cable trays and raceways in industrial settings, usually with an overall jacket over two or more conductors.
• VFD cable: three-phase power cable with a symmetrical ground and shielding for variable-frequency drives, used to keep electrical noise contained.

Each is bought in copper and, less often, aluminum. The armor material matters too: aluminum armor is lighter and common; steel armor appears in heavier industrial constructions.

Two reels with the same gauge can be different cables. A 12/2 MC with ground is not the same product as 12/3 MC, and a 3/C tray cable with a shield is not the same as unshielded. The count, the ground and the shielding all need to be visible in the description or the photo.

Record the format as it appears on the tag: for example 12/2, 10/3, 3/C #8, 4/C 2/0. Add whether a separate grounding conductor is included and whether the armor is aluminum or steel.

For VFD cable, note the shield type and the voltage rating (typically 1,000 V or 2,000 V). For tray cable, note the tray rating and the temperature rating, which are printed on the jacket.