Atkore Electrical Cables Product Catalog - Catalog - Page 7
AC Introduction and Application
Health Care Facilities (HCF) Cable:
This branch circuit cable, offered in 12 or 10
AWG THHN in 2, 3, or 4 conductors, was one of
the original ColorSpec® ID cables. The green
interlocked armor became the recognized
standard for healthcare facilities’ cables where
redundant grounding is required. Following its
introduction, HCF cables are the only interlocked
healthcare armored cable designs allowed by
the NEC® for “areas of patient care” for close to
30 years.
HCF cables are a derivative of Type AC cable. HCF
cables are designed and manufactured around
UL 4, Type AC. HCF cables were introduced in the
1980s to support NEC® Article 517 on Healthcare
Facilities in “areas of patient care”.
HCF is constructed in the same manner as standard
AC cable with the addition of an insulated green
grounding conductor. This additional ground allows
HCF to be used in patient care areas of health
care facilities (other than hazardous locations
or emergency circuits in a health care setting)
including hospitals, nursing homes, dental of昀椀ces,
and medical centers per NEC® 517.13. The bond
wire/armor combination provides the cable’s
equipment ground while the insulated green
grounding conductor provides a redundant or
isolated ground.
Type AC cable should be cut with an armored
cable rotary cutting tool. Rotary cutters help
eliminate nicking and cutting of the conductors
and removes the metal armor quickly and safely.
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