In the demanding world of electrical installations, selecting the right cable is paramount for safety, reliability, and code compliance. AC90 Cable, featuring robust aluminum interlocked armor, stands out as a premier solution for exposed wiring applications. JZD Cable provides high-quality, UL-certified AC90 Cable for commercial, industrial, and institutional projects.
What is AC90 Cable?
AC90 Cable, designated under UL Standard 4 and CSA C22.2 No. 51, is a versatile power and control cable designed specifically for exposed wiring. Its defining characteristic is its Aluminum Interlocked Armor, providing exceptional mechanical protection without the need for conduit in many installations. The “AC” stands for “Armored Cable,” and “90” indicates its rating for 90°C conductor operating temperature.
Key Features of AC90 Cable:
- Aluminum Interlocked Armor: Offers superior crush resistance, impact protection, and rodent deterrence compared to simple plastic sheathing. The armor acts as an effective equipment grounding conductor (EGC) throughout the system.
- High-Temperature Rating: Rated for 90°C conductor temperature (copper or aluminum conductors), enhancing current-carrying capacity and suitability for warmer environments.
- UL/CSA Listed: Guarantees compliance with stringent North American safety and performance standards.
- Conductor Options: Available with compact stranded copper or aluminum conductors (e.g., sizes 18 AWG to 1000 kcmil). Conductor types include XHHW-2 or RW90.
- PVC Jacket: An outer PVC jacket provides additional protection against moisture, oils, sunlight (UV resistance), chemicals, and abrasion.
- Pre-Lubricated: Easier pulling through structural members compared to traditional conduit runs.
Where is AC90 Cable Used? (Applications)
AC90 Cable is engineered for exposed runs where protection is crucial but traditional conduit systems might be cumbersome or expensive. Common application areas include:
- Commercial Buildings: Office spaces, retail outlets, service corridors, entertainment venues, and restaurants for feeders and branch circuits.
- Industrial Facilities: Manufacturing plants, workshops, warehouses for machinery power, control circuits, lighting, and HVAC systems along walls, ceilings, or open joists.
- Institutional Buildings: Schools, hospitals, and government facilities where reliable power distribution is critical.
- Renovations & Retrofits: Ideal for upgrading or adding circuits where surface mounting is necessary.
- Service Feeder & Distribution: Commonly used for runs from service equipment to distribution panels or transformers.
- Exposed Runs: Approved for direct mounting on walls, ceiling struts, cable trays (when specified/rated), and across open air spaces subject to physical damage.
AC90 Cable vs. THHN Wire: Understanding the Critical Differences
While both AC90 Cable and THHN wire are electrical conductors, they serve distinct purposes and offer very different levels of protection. Understanding these differences is key to selecting the right product for your specific job:
| Feature | AC90 Cable | THHN Wire (Single Conductor) |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Complete Cable Assembly: Includes conductor(s) + Integrated Armor + Outer Jacket. | Single Insulated Conductor: Typically copper or aluminum with PVC (THHN) insulation. |
| Protection | Self-Protected: Aluminum interlocked armor provides robust mechanical protection. No conduit required for exposed runs where permitted by code. | Requires Conduit: Must be installed inside protective raceway (EMT, RMC, IMC, PVC conduit) to prevent physical damage. |
| Installation | Simpler & Faster: Can be directly surface-mounted or pulled in cable tray (rated). Pre-lubricated aids pulling. | More Labor-Intensive: Requires pulling individual wires through conduit systems. |
| Grounding | Armor acts as the Effective Ground Fault Current Path (EGC). Separate bonding required at ends. | Requires a separate grounding conductor pulled within the conduit alongside the phase and neutral conductors. |
| Code Approval | CUL Standard / CSA C22.2 No. 51 | UL Standards 83, 1063 (Conductor Insulation) |
| Cost Comparison | Higher Material Cost upfront for the cable assembly. | Lower Material Cost for the wire itself. |
| Lower Installation Labor Cost: Reduces conduit and labor expenses. | Higher Installation Labor Cost: Requires conduit purchase and labor for installation. | |
| Ideal Use Case | Exposed Wiring in commercial/industrial settings needing physical protection without conduit. | Concealed Wiring within walls or any wiring inside conduit systems (exposed or concealed). |
Choosing the Right Solution for Your Project
The choice between AC90 Cable and individual THHN wires in conduit depends heavily on the application:
- Choose AC90 Cable when: You need a robust, self-protected solution for exposed runs subject to potential physical damage, in commercial/industrial environments where minimizing conduit is advantageous for cost or speed. It excels in surface mounting, open joists, cable trays (where listed), and retrofits.
- Choose THHN Wire in Conduit when: You are wiring through finished walls, ceilings, or floors (requiring concealment), in concrete encasements, or in situations where a conduit pathway is already established or necessary for bundling multiple different circuits. It’s the standard for residential wiring and many concealed applications.
Partner with JZD Cable for Your AC90 Needs
JZD Cable provides reliable, UL-listed AC90 Cable solutions engineered for performance and durability. Our products meet the stringent requirements of demanding applications across various industries.
Ready to specify AC90 Cable? Get detailed specifications and pricing on our AC90 Cable Product Page or Contact Us for expert guidance.
