New Patented, Self-Grounding MC AP(TM) Cable from Southwire Increases Contractor Productivity; Reduces Total Installed Cost; Southwire to Launch Time-Saving New Wiring Technology.

CARROLLTON, Ga. -- In the most significant technological advancement in electrical wiring since metal-clad (MC) cables were introduced, Southwire Company is helping contractors reduce installation costs with a new type MC cable utilizing a built-in armor ground, eliminating the need to make up grounds. Metal-clad all-purpose MC AP and HCF (health care facilities) MC AP cables provide contractors with a competitive advantage by reducing branch circuit makeup and cable installation time by up to 30 percent.

The new cable will be shipped in protective shrink wrap packaging that guards against dirt, minimizes tangling and provides for easy identification of the product, specifically, wire size and voltage.

"By eliminating the most labor-intensive aspect of branch circuit wiring, MC AP cable is a major advancement that will help contractors better manage their total installed costs. It's another example of how Southwire's research and development efforts are paying off in innovative new products that increase contractor productivity," said Jack Carlson, president of Southwire's Electrical Division. "Our objective is for installers to spend less time in the box, so they can complete jobs faster and more profitably. MC AP cable has been met with tremendous acceptance by both contractors and inspectors as millions of feet of this innovative new product have already been installed and approved," added Carlson.

UL(R) Listed and NEC(R) compliant, MC AP and HCF MC AP cables use the armor as an equipment grounding conductor. In the patented cable design, the armor is equivalent to the green copper ground in conventional MC cables. The interlocked armor and aluminum-grounding conductor are in direct contact throughout the entire cable length.

Contractors simply cut off the aluminum ground flush with the armor, and then attach listed fittings to bond the cable to the electrical box. By eliminating the need to make up grounds, the new cable saves installation time in every electrical box, outlet, light fixture and panelboard.

HCF MC AP cable is the first interlocked armored MC cable that meets the redundant NEC grounding requirements in health care facilities. It has a 350 percent better armor ground path than HCF AC cable. HCF MC AP cable is easier to install because it has a Mylar(R) tape instead of individually paper wrapped conductors. It does not require anti-short bushings and it requires less securing and supporting.

Unlike conventional HCF AC cable, HCF MC AP cable has no limits on number of conductors, which means contractors can now use home run, multiple and oversized neutrals in health care facilities. Because reliable contact must be maintained between the armor and aluminum ground throughout the cable, MC AP and HCF MC AP cables have a smaller outside diameter than conventional MC or AC cables.

Southwire will initially make MC AP and HCF MC AP cables available in 14-10 AWG conductor sizes, in solid or stranded conductors, and in 120 and 277 volt conductor colors.

MC AP and HCF MC AP cables are the latest wiring innovations from Southwire, which holds more than 240 patents in 40 countries. Southwire is a leading researcher in the development of high-temperature superconducting power cables. The company was also the creator of SIM technology(TM) found in Romex SIMpull(TM), non-metallic sheathed cable with its revolutionary low-friction jacket that makes it 50 percent easier to pull through walls, floor joists and around corners. Romex SIMpull NM cable was a winner of EC&M's 2005 product of the year.

Additional information can be found at www.southwire.com

Mylar(R) is a registered trademark of DuPont.

NEC(R) is a registered trademark of the National Fire Protection Association.

UL(R) is a registered trademark of Underwriter's Laboratories.

About Southwire Company

A technology leader, Southwire Company is a major wire and cable provider in North America, manufacturing building wire and cable, metal-clad (MC) cable, cord products, utility cable products, industrial power cable, copper and aluminum rod and continuous casting technology. Please visit Southwire's website at www.southwire.com.