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When it comes to electrical installations, stripping metal clad cable correctly makes all the difference. This armored cable, widely used in residential, commercial, and industrial settings, demands precision during preparation. The process may look simple, but mistakes can damage insulation, create unsafe connections, or even lead to electrical hazards.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything: what metal clad cable is, why proper stripping matters, the tools you’ll need, step-by-step instructions, and answers to common questions. We’ll also highlight how advanced equipment, like the kind used by Huamao, ensures accuracy and stability when handling wiring harnesses.
Stripping is the preparation stage. If you cut too deep, nick a wire, or leave sharp edges, you compromise safety and reliability. Correct stripping:
Protects conductors from damage
Keeps compliance with NEC code
Ensures a secure and long-lasting connection
Skipping an anti-short bushing, for example, may allow the armor to slice through insulation over time. These details are small but critical.
Having the right tools speeds up the job and reduces mistakes.
| Tool | Best Use | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Roto-Split Cutter | Clean, quick scoring | Best choice for professionals |
| Hacksaw | Occasional work | Risk of overcutting insulation |
| Rotary Tool (Dremel) | Controlled cuts | Requires practice and safety glasses |
| Side-Cutting Pliers | Removing armor | Use after scoring |
| Utility Knife | Cutting wraps inside | Never cut armor with it |
| Metal File | Smoothing armor edges | Prevents abrasion |
| Anti-Short Bushings | Code-required | Protect wires from sharp edges |
Stripping metal clad cable is a precise task that requires care to avoid damaging the conductors inside. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process efficiently and safely.
Before you begin stripping, it’s important to measure the length of cable that will be exposed. This measurement depends on the depth of the box or connector into which the cable will be installed. Generally, you’ll want to mark 6 to 12 inches of armor to be stripped back. This allows enough length for the connections while ensuring that the armor remains in place to protect the conductors where they are not exposed.
To score the armor, you’ll need a specialized tool called a Roto-Split cutter. Insert the cable into the cutter, clamp it down securely, and then rotate the cutter several times around the cable. This should create a full circle score in the armor. Scoring is crucial as it allows the armor to break cleanly along the line without damaging the conductors inside.
After scoring, gently bend the cable slightly at the scored line. The armor should crack along this line. Applying gentle pressure will help the armor to snap off cleanly. Be careful not to apply too much force, as this could damage the conductors or insulation inside the cable.
Once the armor is scored and snapped, you can remove it by twisting and pulling it away from the cable using a pair of pliers. Work carefully to avoid damaging the insulation on the conductors. After removing the armor, check that the exposed edge is smooth to prevent any sharp edges that could cut into the insulation.
To protect the wire insulation from cuts or abrasions where the armor stops, insert a red anti-short bushing. This is a crucial step as it prevents accidental shorts and ensures the safety and reliability of your electrical connections.
Finally, use wire strippers to trim each conductor to the correct length. This step is important to ensure that the conductors fit properly into the box or connector without excess length that could lead to poor connections or shorts.
If you don’t have access to specialty tools like a Roto-Split cutter, you can still strip metal clad cable effectively using basic tools commonly found in most workshops.
1. Score the Armor lightly around the cable with a hacksaw or rotary tool. Be careful not to cut too deeply as this could damage the conductors inside.
2. Bend the Cable at the scored line until the armor snaps off. This may require a bit more force than using a Roto-Split cutter, so be cautious to avoid damaging the conductors.
3. Twist Off the Armor with pliers once it has snapped. Work carefully to ensure that the conductors inside remain undamaged.
4. Insert a Bushing immediately after stripping the armor to protect the conductors from shorts and abrasions.
5. Strip the Conductors with a wire stripper, ensuring that you trim them to the correct length for your connections.
By following these steps, you can successfully strip metal clad cable whether you have access to specialty tools or not, ensuring safe and reliable electrical connections.
When stripping metal clad cable, it’s important to be mindful of common mistakes that can compromise the quality and safety of your electrical work.
One of the most common errors is cutting too deep into the cable with your stripping tool. This can easily damage the insulation around the conductors, leading to potential short circuits or electrical fires. It’s crucial to measure accurately and cut just enough to expose the conductors without the harming insulation.
Forgetting to insert an anti-short bushing after stripping the armor is another critical oversight. This small component is vital as it prevents the sharp edges of the stripped armor from cutting into the wire insulation, which could cause electrical faults or hazards.
Leaving burrs or sharp edges inside the connector after stripping can be dangerous. These can cause abrasion to the conductors or the insulation, potentially leading to electrical failures. Always ensure that the edges are smooth and free of burrs to maintain the integrity of the connection.
Using the incorrect tool for stripping can lead to the armor being flattened instead of scored. This not only damages the cable but also makes it difficult to remove the armor cleanly. Always use the right tool for the job to ensure a clean, precise strip every time.
Every mistake can lead to wasted time, materials, or, worse, safety hazards. It’s essential to work steadily and double-check each step of the stripping process to avoid these common pitfalls.
While manual stripping techniques are valuable, especially in small-scale or DIY projects, large-scale production environments benefit greatly from advanced equipment.
Huamao Cable utilizes modern fully automatic processing equipment and technology to handle large volumes of cable stripping and processing efficiently. This equipment is capable of performing several critical functions:
The equipment can cleanly remove insulation layers from the conductors without damaging them. This precise peeling ensures that the conductors are ready for further processing or installation.
Advanced systems can check the integrity of the conductors post-stripping. This probing helps ensure that the conductors are not damaged during the stripping process, maintaining the cable’s electrical performance.
For securing connectors, the equipment can crimp with high precision. This ensures that the connectors are tightly and securely attached to the conductors, providing reliable electrical connections.
The equipment can also wrap and organize wiring harnesses, protecting them and ensuring they are neatly arranged for installation or shipping.
This level of automation guarantees accuracy and stability in the production process, making wiring harness production more reliable. By combining efficiency with precision, it reduces errors and speeds up the entire process, ensuring high-quality output for every project.
The safest method is to use a Roto-Split tool. It scores the armor cleanly without cutting into the conductors, reducing the risk of damage.
Yes, you can use a hacksaw or rotary tool. However, you must cut lightly, snap the armor, and insert a bushing. It’s slower and riskier than using a Roto-Split.
Usually 6 to 12 inches, depending on the electrical box or connector depth. Too short won’t reach; too long creates clutter.
If you nick or cut the insulation, you must cut back the cable and start over. Damaged insulation creates safety hazards and code violations.
Stripping metal clad cable isn’t complicated, but it demands care. The right tools, precise steps, and protective bushings keep your installation safe and code-compliant. For professionals handling larger volumes, advanced automatic equipment like Huamao’s processing systems deliver unmatched accuracy and stability.
With the right knowledge and technology, you can handle metal clad cable like a pro—whether in a home project or industrial-scale production.
