Rusty Flexible Armored Cable

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

Does the presence of heavy rust warrant an evaluation by a sparky?

[mnahrgang]

I'd say no, but I would be concerned about "why" it is rusty...

[George P. Wells, CMI]

Originally Posted by jfunderburk

Does the presence of heavy rust warrant an evaluation by a sparky?

No further evaluation is needed. It needs to be replaced. It is a potential fire and shock hazard.

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

Originally Posted by mnahrgang

I'd say no, but I would be concerned about "why" it is rusty...

60 years in a crawl space will rust just about anything.

[Paul W. Abernathy]

Chances are it is older "BX" type cable so the outer case is not an EGC. However, be careful of flippers using it to install 3 prong plugs and fooling the 3-light testers. UL never approved "BX"'s outer jacket as an EGC.

My opinion is that an electrician should look at the entire cable and evaluate it in that merit but i also believe it should be replaced, but let the electrical contractor make that call...you simply call it out and leave it at that.

[Dale Duffy]

UL never approved "BX"'s outer jacket as an EGC.

Hmm..Learn something everyday...Thanks Paul..!!

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

Originally Posted by pabernathy

Chances are it is older "BX" type cable so the outer case is not an EGC. However, be careful of flippers using it to install 3 prong plugs and fooling the 3-light testers. UL never approved "BX"'s outer jacket as an EGC.

My opinion is that an electrician should look at the entire cable and evaluate it in that merit but i also believe it should be replaced, but let the electrical contractor make that call...you simply call it out and leave it at that.

The entire house was 3-prong, ungrounded. I called that out and showed a photo of the armored cable and recommended it also be evaluated. Thanks guys.

[Paul W. Abernathy]

Awesome JOE......You made a GREAT call !