Working with armored cable also known as BX or metallic cable calls for a few special twists, mainly because of its spiral steel sheathing. To expose wires at the end of a cable, grasp the cable with both hands at a point at least 7 inches from the end. "Break" the cable open by bending it and then twisting it in opposite directions to raise a portion of its spiral sheathing.
Cut the raised loop with diagonal pliers and slide off the snipped section of sheathing. To protect wire insulation from the jagged metal edge, slip a plastic anti-short bushing into the snipped end, as shown in the animation.
Finally, pull off the protective paper surrounding the insulated wires and bend the bonding strip back over the sheathing. Slip on a clamp or connector approved for use with armored cable and tighten its setscrew. Be sure to use peephole clamps with armored cable; their openings make it easy for an inspector to verify that you've installed bushings at every connection. (We find right-angle clamps are handy in tight spots.)
Note: You also can use a hacksaw to cut armored cable sheathing, but take care not to cut the insulated wires inside. Using locking pliers, hold the cable near the cut. With the hacksaw, cut partway through the sheathing at a right angle. When you've cut most of the way through the armor, twist the cable as above, and bend it back and forth to complete the cut.
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TOOLS AND MATERIALS
Diagonal pliers or
Anti-short bushing
Hacksaw and locking pliers
BX connector
