You will need electricity if you just bought, built, or rented a mobile home.
Electricity is essential for daily activities in the house. While scouting for options, you might wonder whether running MC cables under the home is good.
So, Can You Run MC Cable Under a Mobile Home?
Yes. You can safely and efficiently run MC cables under a mobile home. Of course, there are safety tips and precautions that you must observe when doing such a critical job.
Five Safety Precautions For Running MC Cable Under A Mobile Home
Running MC cable under a mobile home can be tricky, but with the proper precautions, you can do it safely and efficiently.
Here are five safety precautions to keep in mind when running MC cable under a mobile home:
1. Always Wear Protective Gear
Before starting any electrical work, make sure you have the proper gear.
These include gloves, safety goggles, and a hard hat.
Your safety is paramount, and you should never take it for granted. Good gear will protect you from electrical hazards and debris that may fall during installation.
2. Check For Clearances
Before running the MC cable, ensure enough clearance underneath the mobile home where you will run the cable.
The presence of obstacles and debris underneath the mobile home can make it difficult for you to execute the job.
So, always clear the particular spot before you lay the cable.
A good clearance will prevent the line from getting damaged and make the installation much more manageable.
3. Use The Proper Tools
When handling electric wiring and connections, you must recognize the importance of having the right tools.
Good tools will make it easier for you and become a safety precaution in the long run.
So, ensure you have appropriate means, such as a conduit bender and a wire cutter.
These tools will make the installation process smoother and ensure the cable is installed correctly.
4. Turn Off The Power
It goes without saying that before starting any electrical work, you need to turn off the power supply to the mobile home.
As you well know, electricity can be lethal if handled carelessly.
You should turn it off to prevent any electrical shocks or fires from occurring during installation.
5. Hire A Professional
If you are not comfortable or experienced in running MC cable under a mobile home, consider hiring a professional electrician.
They will have the necessary training and experience to complete the job safely and efficiently.
Tools And Materials Needed For Running MC Cable Under A Mobile Home
As we mentioned before, running MC cable under a mobile home can be a challenging task.
Here are indispensable tools and materials for the job:
- A drill with a metal bit for drilling holes
- A fish tape for pulling the cable through the holes in the frame. Fish tapes come in various sizes, so choose one long enough for your specific job.
- A wire cutter and wire stripper for cutting and stripping the cable’s ends so they can be connected to the electrical panel.
- MC cable (also known as metal-clad cable)
- Cable clamps or clips
- Electrical tape
- A conduit pipe (if desired)
How To Run an MC Cable Under A Mobile Home
Once you have the right tools and materials, it is time to hit the ground running.
1. Measure The Distance
Measure the distance between where the cable will enter the mobile home and exit.
This will determine how much MC cable you will need. You can use a tape measure to get precise measurements.
Once you have completed the measurements, cut the exact length of the cable for the specific spot.
You need to be accurate here to save the cable material by cutting them repeatedly.
2. Prepare The Entry And Exit Points
Before running the cable, prepare the entry and exit points by drilling or cutting holes in the appropriate locations.
Make sure the holes are large enough to accommodate the line. Know how to drill the spots where you will run the cable.
Drills can destroy parts of the building, and you want to ensure that you cause minor or no damage to other parts of the home. Hold the drill firmly in position to guarantee precision.
3. Feed The Fish Tape
Start at the entry point and feed the fish tape through the hole. Use the fish tape to guide the cable under the mobile home.
4. Attach The Cable To The Fish Tape
Once the fish tape is in place, attach the MC cable to the fish tape. Pull the fish tape back through the hole, pulling the cable with it.
You will find out that the fish tape is convenient for the job. It allows you to run the cable through the designated areas with less hassle.
5. Secure The Cable
With the cable in place, it is time to secure it with cable clamps. Please make sure the cable is not in a location where it will be damaged or pose a tripping hazard.
You can consult your electrician if unsure where to put the clamps.
You want to make sure that the cable is safely fixed in place. They should be able to last there for quite a long time without any hitch.
Conclusion
Running MC cables under a mobile home is easy if you have the right tools and guide at your disposal.
It is essential to observe all the safety measures highlighted in this guide.
Make sure that the installation is done safely to avoid any future problems.
And if you bump n any hitch while running the cables, it is only wise to seek further guidance from an experienced electrician.