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Lighting Control Systems and NEC Compliance: Why MC-PCS Cable is the Right Choice

Posted On: November 9, 2025

Modern building codes and energy initiatives demand more sophisticated lighting control systems. As facilities move toward greater efficiency, technologies like 0-10V dimming and daylight harvesting have become standard in commercial lighting installations. These systems require power and low-voltage control signals to be run to fixtures and sensors. This traditionally meant multiple cable pulls, increasing labor time, material costs, and jobsite complexity. A more efficient wiring method is needed to meet the demands of today’s lighting automation solutions.

Metal-clad power and control systems cable, or MC-PCS, directly addresses this challenge. This specialized MC cable combines power conductors and a control pair within a single armored jacket. It is a recognized wiring method under National Electrical Code (NEC) Article 725 for Class 2 or Class 3 control circuits. By bundling these components, MC-PCS cable provides a compliant, single-pull solution for mixed-voltage lighting control, simplifying installations for contractors while satisfying inspectors and design engineers.

Simplifying Complex Lighting Installations

MC-PCS cable streamlines the installation of sensor-based lighting systems by reducing the number of steps required. Combining power and control wiring into one assembly eliminates the need for separate conduit runs or multiple cable pulls for each fixture.

This consolidated approach directly translates to faster project completion. With only one cable to manage per run, crews make fewer connections and reduce the potential for wiring errors. The result is a cleaner, more organized, and more efficient installation process.

Cerrowire builds in features that save time on every pull. Cerrowire’s MC sequential footage marks let an electrician measure and cut exact lengths without pulling out their tape measure. Also, Cerrowire prints chevrons on the armor showing the conductor colors inside. They also point in the easiest direction to pull, which helps installers plan smoother, more efficient runs.

Key Applications for MC-PCS Cable

This versatile cable is designed for a variety of modern lighting control wiring methods that improve energy efficiency and building automation.

• 0-10V Dimming Systems: The integrated low-voltage control pair is ideal for 0-10V dimming applications. It provides a clean, reliable connection between dimmable LED drivers and wall-mounted or automated dimming controls, enabling smooth light level adjustments.
• Daylight Harvesting: MC-PCS cable efficiently connects photosensors to lighting fixtures. This allows the system to automatically dim artificial lights when sufficient natural daylight is available, significantly cutting energy consumption in perimeter offices and open-concept spaces.
• Occupancy and Vacancy Sensors: For automated lighting control, this cable simplifies wiring to occupancy and vacancy sensors. It ensures lights turn on when a room is entered and off when it is empty, a common requirement in commercial building energy codes.
• Building Automation Systems: The cable serves as a critical link in larger building automation systems. It allows lighting to be integrated with HVAC and security systems for centralized management, scheduling, and performance monitoring from a single platform.

One pull for power and control simplifies modern lighting installations for contractors and inspectors.

Installation Benefits and NEC Compliance

Using MC-PCS cable offers distinct advantages on the jobsite that provide more than simple convenience. The construction of the cable, with its dedicated color-coded control conductors, provides clear identification for installers and inspectors. This clarity helps prevent accidental cross-connections between power and control circuits. The single armored cable also reduces wall and ceiling clutter, creating a more professional and serviceable installation that complies with NEC requirements for separating Class 2 circuits from power conductors.

Cerrowire enhances these benefits through product details that support faster and more accurate work:

• Sequential Footage Markings: Cerrowire MC products feature sequential footage marks every two feet on the cable. Installers can measure and cut precise lengths directly from the reel, often without needing a tape measure, which speeds up layout and reduces waste.
• Directional Chevrons: The chevrons printed on the armor indicate the conductor colors inside and point in the easiest direction to pull. This helps electricians quickly identify what is in the cable and align their pulls for the most efficient installation path.

Additional advantages include:

• Reduced Labor and Material Costs: A single cable pull instead of two separate runs for power and control cuts installation time and reduces the total amount of conduit and fittings needed, lowering overall project expenses.
• Improved Jobsite Safety and Organization: Managing one cable per run instead of multiple wires reduces clutter in ceilings and walls. This organization minimizes trip hazards during construction and simplifies future maintenance or troubleshooting efforts.
• Simplified Inspections: Inspectors can quickly verify that power and control circuits are installed correctly within a single, NEC-compliant assembly. The distinct control wire colors make it easy to confirm proper terminations, leading to fewer delays.
• Future-Ready Infrastructure: Installing MC-PCS cable provides the necessary wiring for future upgrades. This allows facilities to easily adopt more advanced lighting controls or integrate with new building automation technologies without requiring extensive rewiring.

This wiring method provides a clear path to code compliance and operational efficiency.

Specify Compliant Cable for Your Next Project

Ensure your commercial lighting installations are efficient, compliant, and ready for the future. Cerrowire®’s U.S.-made MC-PCS cable provides the reliability and performance needed for demanding projects. Our products are designed to help contractors work faster and pass inspections the first time.

Take the next step toward smarter, code-ready installations. Specify Cerrowire MC-PCS cable for your projects and build with confidence for tomorrow. Contact Cerrowire today to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “PCS” in MC-PCS stand for?
PCS stands for power, control, and signal. It signifies the cable is designed to carry line-voltage power conductors and low-voltage control conductors within the same armored sheathing, while remaining compliant with NEC guidelines.

Is MC-PCS cable available with different conductor sizes?
Yes, MC-PCS cable is manufactured in various configurations to meet project needs. Power conductors are commonly available in 12 AWG or 10 AWG, while the control conductors are typically 16 AWG.

Can MC-PCS cable be used in plenum spaces?
A specific plenum-rated version of MC-PCS cable must be used for installations in plenum spaces to comply with NEC Article 300.22(C). Always verify the product specifications to ensure it is rated for your specific application environment.

How does using Cerrowire MC-PCS cable support BABA compliance?
Every Cerrowire product, including our MC-PCS cable, is made in the USA and BABA (Build America, Buy America) compliant. This helps simplify material procurement for federally funded infrastructure projects, supporting your efforts to meet domestic sourcing requirements.

Contact Cerrowire today to learn more about our products, and specify MC-PCS for your next project. Let’s make your next installation faster, safer, and fully code-compliant from the start.