Are these connectors so bad that we should resort to extreme measures like shooting or self-inflicted pain to avoid using them?
Asked by Pamela Iglesias 
3 months ago
Last Updated: August 23, 2024
If you’re using these connectors, you might as well be shooting yourself (just kidding) or pinching yourself daily with your linesmen pliers. 😂 Let’s not even get started on the ridiculous bonding these things require. I’m bored, let’s talk about these terrible ideas.
They are absolutely fantastic!
Uy Harrelson
yes
What’s the issue with them? They really simplify life
They simplify new construction, but they’re a pain for service work. Trying to remove one from a light fixture connected to a small or hard-to-reach junction box can be a challenge. Sometimes it’s easier to create a new connection to the junction box
I find them relatively easy to remove, but they’re not reusable
I frequently remove them during service calls, and I usually manage to reuse them. You just need a small flathead screwdriver to undo the clip at the seam. It’s actually quite simple once you get the hang of it….
I can remove them, they’re just frustrating compared to the standard lock ring. Especially in some highbay lights where the knockout is on the opposite side of a 8-inch deep, 2-inch wide junction box.
Just need to have the necessary tools.
This is pretty simple – I always preferred using them over the lock ring ones
Maybe being an Electrician wasn’t the right fit for you if this is too difficult. 22 years and never encountered an issue. Mcald’s is Hiring!
I have enough money in tools to purchase your house. However, I shouldn’t have to use them to remove a freaking 12/2 Mc from a box. I have worked as a diesel/crane mechanic, electronics tech, and now journeyman sparky. Those connectors are not ideal for service work in most commercial lights.
Well aren’t you just a smart little jerk. I mentioned they’re a hassle, not impossible or the reason I’d give up. They’re irritating and provide a poor ground connection for ac cable. They’re not very effective in terms of a solid grounding path or physical connection, and they’re frustrating to remove from many commercial light fixtures found around hospitals and warehouse light fixtures. Jerk
Keep at it. 🤣
I assume you haven’t come across a set of lockout wrenches before?? Each situation has its challenges, but I was always told you just need to be 2% smarter…. Meaning you only need to be slightly more knowledgeable than what you’re dealing with. It appears you just need more experience with them to see how much easier they make everything overall though…. 🤷🏼♂️🤷🏼♂️
I own lock nut wrenches, along with a wide variety of Klein, snap-on, matco, and knipex screwdrivers. But being 60 feet in the air swaying in a lift, at 6 in the morning on an emergency call for a dead light in a warehouse, and the perfect screwdriver is in your truck on the ground 200′ away, it’s frustrating.
It sounds like you just need more practice as I’ve mentioned before…. I’ve removed them with a broken tip 5/16″ square shank screwdriver, but what kind of lift are you using that has you swaying inside a warehouse?? Or is it just your movements causing the sway?? LOL Otherwise, it seems like you’re just griping for the sake of griping or seeking attention like one of those Instagram girls…. 😂🤣😂🤣
. I tend to rush around too quickly on the lift trying to finish tasks on time to begin my usual shenanigans at a decent hour. (We start at 7) Dealing with a crappy genie lift (unsure of the model). Probably has about a million hours on it.
And not complaining to complain, I’d simply prefer one person to use c-550 cons over those terrible ast-38s. Haha. Then it will be worth it.
Wait, these aren’t supposed to bond anything? 😂 They’re actually quicker and easier than the lock ring ones
They are specified as bonded.
I think it’s up to 6 feet, just like FMC.
Nope.
What do you mean by no? Can you explain further?
That’s awesome. MC isn’t ideal for bonding things, which is why the ground wires are included.
Correct, but the armor has to be bonded
Wait, Mc? No it isn’t
Maybe that’s hospital grade stuff but not regular mc
In my area it has to be bonded. And that holds true for most of Canada.
In my opinion, it’s a mistake to not bond the armor.
Oh by the way I forgot to mention you were in Canada lol. Screw Trudeau
Ive a shot at a double barrel with 10-3 haha
They create the correct size for it, and then they perform really well
If they are used on items that might require maintenance or replacement, they are not great.
For instance, changing a light panel.
These are simpler to install and remove compared to the usual connector. You just need to outsmart that basic piece of metal.
Break the snap ring, remove it, and replace it with a new one.
Installing the uy Harrelson connectors is easier than the regular MC connectors, but taking them out is definitely more challenging.
Hey , it seems like you might not be very skilled with mechanics if you’re having trouble with these connectors.
Nope, that’s not it at all.
If the snap ring isn’t lined up right, it can be a real pain to get these out of junction boxes that are tight or hard to reach.
Especially with smaller refrigeration units.
Taking off a lock ring can actually be easier sometimes.
You can remove the retaining ring with a simple twist of a screwdriver
Uy Harrelson I agree. As I mentioned earlier, it can be tricky to position the ring correctly if the junction box is in a tight spot. I had to deal with this when I had to remove one from a compressor junction box where I couldn’t see the connector inside. If it had been a lock ring, it would have been easier to remove by feel without taking out the junction box
Uy Harrelson make sure to go for the 4010 instead of the 3810, they come off very easily
Removing them is a breeze. You just need to practice a bit
No need to force it. Just slide the ring off and then put it back on
Just used a trim screwdriver to gently remove the split that is facing you. Really easy
Yeah, I get what you’re saying. Sometimes it’s way easier to deal with a locknut on certain equipment when you can’t really see what you’re doing and have to rely on touch.
One time, I had to work on an old reach-in freezer that made it super tricky to even figure out what was going on because the compressor’s junction box was so close to the evaporator wall. The connector from the defrost clock didn’t make it any easier either.
I couldn’t even see the snap ring on the connector to remove it easily, so I had to take off the whole junction box just to get to the conduit.
Usually, removing them isn’t a big deal, but every now and then the setup can make it a real pain to access.
Uy Harrelson was on board. So much simpler to put on and remove compared to a lock ring.
It’s actually pretty easy to use a slot screwdriver to release the retaining ring and take them out, then just toss them in the trash and switch to a proper screw clamp connector.
At times
Just grab a slotted screwdriver to remove the metal ring and then snap it back on to reinstall. It’s super easy, I do it all the time!
If you’re not sure how to unscrew a piece of Mc from one of these, it’s all on you, .
Uy Harrelson Honestly, it’s useless without the retaining ring. I prefer reusing connectors with the ring.
Rant Foltz Wait, what are you trying to say? If you need to remove the connector and reuse it, just remove the retaining ring and slip it right back on once you’ve removed the connector. It’s that simple, really.
Dude, I totally agree with you. It’s super easy to install, but if the equipment needs servicing sometimes, a lock ring is better and can be easily reused. Personally, I prefer lock ring connectors. Plus, if a light or something has multiple MCs, these connectors are better.
Happens all the time! Those connectors have a break in them that lets you pry them off easily with a #1 or 0 flat head screwdriver. And after they snap off, you can bend them slightly smaller than the radius and they’re good as new. Oh, and once you get really good at it, you’ll realize that the connector actually threads on and off the MC. That’s when the real fun starts!
You know, sometimes it’s just easier to break it off at that split and replace it with a new one.
Yeah, I remember that happening once. It usually works about 99% of the time.
A skilled electrician will know when to avoid using them
They’re really easy to take out and reuse
‘t say you’re new, just show me you’re new
These nuts on your mom’s chin, yo
Can’t stand them.
I enjoy them
They aren’t great, they’re more for the electrician who is looking for a bargain.
Used to cost $0.62 so they’re not as cheap as they seem. They are excellent for in-wall MC use. For Electricians who can’t install conduit and believe that MC is a more efficient option…
They’re $1.25 at my supply house. Definitely not the cheap option, but they do make things easier in my opinion
Oh, whatever
Time equals money
Taking the extra time for better quality work is priceless when it comes to safety. I’m not a hack, I’m an electrician
Yeah, I always call out lazy electricians who opt for wire nuts instead of brazing conductors together. Lazy shortcuts by hacks
Rzesiek Jaros prefers soldering as it offers better protection for the circuit breaker, lol
Seems like a union worker, always taking the long route.
Is right, MC cable is not meant for comparison because it doesn’t provide any protection. Its intended use is for burial, not for surface mounting.
Oh, the classic 40AST. Haha
38AST. The 40 has a red interior
Haha nice catch. I hardly ever sell the 38s so that’s my default when it comes to MC connectors lol
I accidentally pinched myself yesterday! Ouch!
They work wonders for fishing down a wall into a panel without snagging the insulation like the L16 side screw does.
Sure, here is the new text: Ryan erald 38RAST
I’ve never seen those before. I’m in Canada, so maybe that makes a difference, I’m not sure.
Ryan erald is a remodel connector. You thread the wire through the box, attach the connector, and secure it back through the box.
Secure your L-16 properly first, then trim the excess screw and clamp 👀
The one in the image may not be exactly the same, but there’s a retrofit option available
They’re up in Canada, Ryan erald
That’s the 38RAST captured in the photo
Is the man
Similar concept to a ground clip
Shark bite was actually invented by plumbers… and now this
Is that MC or BX?
MC has a full-sized grounding conductor
They both do
Can’t stand them.
Honestly, I think there’s room for improvement… they could do away with the pressure fit at the bottom and stick to just the inside. They can still keep the threads and nut on the box side. But really, if you only use them when necessary, they do the trick.
Threaded ones are also available, as mentioned by Ryan erald.
I haven’t really searched for them, but I did grab a few for those special cases where I might need one, as recommended by Hall.
I definitely like set screw connectors more
Reed
Sgreed is good stuff!
These are top-notch. Super simple to use and remove.
I no longer rely solely on a monthly salary. I started investing my money instead of just saving it, thanks to the advice and support from Johanna loria. My financial struggles have come to an end, and I am truly grateful.
Rab them with a lockout for easy removal…
Really dislike those things.
Et the hang of removing them, it’s not that difficult
I can’t stand them, seriously
This post is making me want to use them even more 😂
Just and only the new text, right?
They are not allowed in many states
Do you have any evidence of that?
Oh yeah, the inspectors
Actually shut down operations
So you’re clueless about what you’re saying? Understood 👌
Show evidence or remove this nonsense.
Just talking out of your 💩 hole
🤣
Oh, no proof? Okay then 👍
I call BS.
When someone describes something electrical as ‘illegal,’ you know they’re full of it.
This one is even more awesome
Oh wow. Seriously. When and why would this be practical
Not sure about it, but it seems cool. I have personally used a double on lights in exposed hallways, slamming 2 mc into a stub pipe through the wall, as shared by .
Why don’t you tell us what makes them so bad? Is it a mistake on the user’s part?
It’s different and a bit intimidating
Rzesiek Jaros that’s what I assumed 🤣
Mistakes often happen with these tools
They work well for 1st year apprentices but can be challenging for future modifications
They are not designed to bond anything, which is why MC has a green conductor inside.
It can be a hassle if you need to make changes, but generally, people using them aren’t too concerned about that.
Yes, these are terrible
I prefer to use this particular version.
Trash
Perfect for MC, it has its own strong bond
I’ve witnessed those connectors fail before, and let me tell you, they can be a real pain to remove. To prevent them from going too far into the box, I like to use a lock nut as a spacer on the outside. Then, I can tighten another locknut to my liking.
I just go with whatever, it’s all the same to me
Are you in the service industry?
Are you seriously this oblivious? You connect at the box. Unless you plan on using these in fiberglass/plastic nail on boxes, which wouldn’t surprise me at this stage.
I’m in complete agreement
The only thing worse than this one is the double version!! Troubleshooting those can be a nightmare, lol.
It’s frustrating when you don’t get what you want and have to settle for what’s available, shaking my head 🤦♂️
The MC (which is its purpose) includes a bonding jumper loser.
Are these no longer up to standard?
If you find these challenging, maybe a nail salon is more your speed
You know, , it would be a good idea to have a licensed journeyman electrician show you how to handle these situations. One of them is actually pretty easy once you know how.
What does being a Journeyman have to do with it? If you haven’t used them, then you might struggle with removal – it’s not intuitive.
These connectors are an excellent way to test your intelligence.
Sure! Just give me a moment and I’ll be right back with the revised text.
I once had to resort to using one because I couldn’t fit the lock nut on the inside of the enclosure