What Are Bx Connectors?

BX connectors are termination fittings used to secure armoured cable to an enclosure while protecting the conductors as they pass through the entry point. In trade language, they are often used for AC90 and similar armoured cable terminations, though product compatibility must always be checked carefully because armour profile, jacket style, and bonding details can vary by cable type. A typical connector assembly may include a body, clamp or saddle, locknut, and throat or bushing detail intended to hold the cable mechanically and provide a proper finished entry into the box.

Where Are Bx Connectors Used?

These fittings are widely used in commercial, institutional, light industrial, and multi-residential work where armoured cable is common. Typical applications include branch circuit terminations into steel boxes, panelboards, junction boxes, disconnects, unit equipment, and retrofit enclosures. They are also common in maintenance work where existing armoured cable must be extended, re-terminated, or redirected into new equipment. In tighter spaces such as above ceilings, in mechanical rooms, or beside panel gutters, a 90 deg connector may save time and reduce stress on the cable compared with forcing a straight entry.

How To Choose Bx Connectors

Start with the wiring method, not the fitting name. Confirm the connector is listed for the exact cable family or construction you are installing. Then match the connector to the knockout size and the cable trade size. After that, consider access and layout. Straight connectors are often fine for open box entries and panel sides with room to dress conductors. A 90 deg fitting is often the better choice where the cable must turn immediately after entry or where enclosure depth is limited. Also look at clamp design. Some connectors are quicker for repetitive work, while others give a more secure feel on heavier cable. For service and retrofit work, locknut engagement and ease of tightening can matter more than small price differences. If the installation depends on armour bonding or anti-short bushings, follow the cable and fitting instructions exactly and do not assume one style suits every armoured cable product.

Trade Rules Of Thumb

As a practical rule of thumb, choose the simplest connector that gives proper cable retention, conductor protection, and workable installation access. Straight fittings are usually faster where there is clear space in front of the box. Ninety degree fittings are often worth the extra cost when they avoid a cramped bend or reduce strain at the entry. On retrofit jobs, it is usually worth checking actual cable outside diameter and armour style before sending a crew with a box of generic fittings. Another useful rule is to avoid mixing fitting assumptions between AC90, flexible metal conduit, and other armoured or metallic wiring methods unless the product marking clearly allows it. These are practical buying rules only, not code rules, and final selection must match the approved product use and local inspection requirements.

Sizing Guidelines

Connector sizing is normally based on the cable trade size and the enclosure knockout size, but that is only the starting point. Different cable constructions with the same nominal size may not seat the same way in every connector. For that reason, use manufacturer sizing charts where available and confirm the fitting range if the cable has an unusual jacket or armour profile. In practical purchasing terms, the key checkpoints are: cable type, cable size, knockout size, connector angle, and whether the enclosure wall thickness or entry location creates any installation issue. If you are terminating into equipment with limited gutter space, also consider conductor exit direction so the fitting does not create unnecessary crowding. Any sizing or fill decision that affects compliance or conductor damage risk should be verified against the Canadian Electrical Code, equipment markings, and manufacturer instructions.

Common Installation Practices

Common practice is to prepare the cable cleanly, avoid nicking conductor insulation, install any required anti-short insert where applicable, seat the armour fully in the connector, and tighten the clamp and locknut securely without deforming the fitting. Electricians typically orient 90 deg connectors to improve conductor dressing and reduce interference with adjacent entries. On panel work, many crews prefer to dry-fit the connector first, then cut and terminate the cable once they know the exact routing. It is also common to standardise on a few trusted connector styles for service vans so crews can work faster and avoid fit issues. Good practice includes checking that the connector does not leave sharp edges at the conductor exit and that the cable is supported in accordance with the applicable wiring method requirements.

Common Mistakes

One common mistake is treating all armoured cable connectors as interchangeable. Another is selecting by knockout size alone without confirming cable compatibility. Installers also run into trouble when a straight connector is used in a location that really needs a 90 deg fitting, leading to poor cable dressing or excessive bend stress. On maintenance jobs, loose locknuts, incomplete armour seating, and omitted anti-short protection are recurring causes of rework. Buyers sometimes focus only on unit cost and overlook labour impact. A connector that saves a small amount on purchase price can cost more overall if it is slower to install, harder to tighten in tight spaces, or less consistent on mixed service work.

Brand Comparisons

Bridgeport is a well-known choice in the fittings market and is commonly selected when contractors want predictable fit, broad familiarity, and solid availability across standard commercial work. Hubbell is also widely recognised and may be preferred where buyers already standardise on Hubbell electrical products or want to stay within a familiar specification family. Ortech can be a sensible alternative for many routine applications where value matters and the fitting meets the job requirements. In the broader market, T&B and Iberville are also commonly encountered, especially where existing installations already use those brands or where a contractor wants brand continuity on service work. Matching an installed brand can be the right move when crews know the product well or when consistency across a project matters more than small price differences. The best choice is usually the connector that fits the cable correctly, installs cleanly, and aligns with the contractor's stocking and labour priorities.

Related Products

BX connectors are commonly purchased alongside steel boxes, locknuts, bushings, reducing washers, armoured cable straps, box covers, and grounding or bonding accessories where required by the wiring method and equipment design. Depending on the job, buyers may also look at flexible metal conduit connectors, liquidtight fittings, cable cutters, knockout tools, and enclosure accessories. For panel and junction box work, it is often efficient to order the fittings, supports, and box hardware together so the crew is not delayed by a missing locknut, incorrect knockout size, or the wrong connector angle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are BX connectors the same as AC90 connectors?

In everyday trade language, people often use BX as a general term for armoured cable fittings, but product compatibility should never be assumed from slang alone. Always confirm the connector is approved for the exact cable type and size being installed.

When should I use a 90 deg BX connector instead of a straight connector?

A 90 deg connector is often the better choice when the cable must turn immediately at the box, when panel space is tight, or when a straight fitting would create an awkward bend or conductor crowding.

Do I need an anti-short bushing with every armoured cable connector?

Not always. Requirements depend on the cable construction, connector design, and applicable installation rules. Follow the cable manufacturer instructions, connector instructions, and local code interpretation for the specific wiring method.

Can I use the same connector for armoured cable and flexible metal conduit?

Only if the fitting is specifically marked and approved for both uses. Many fittings look similar, but approval and fit can differ. Check the product listing and application details before ordering or installing.

What matters most when comparing BX connector brands?

For most contractors, the main factors are cable fit, ease of installation, locknut quality, consistency across repeated jobs, and availability. Price matters, but labour time and reduced rework often matter more over the full job.

How do I avoid ordering the wrong BX connector size?

Verify the cable type, nominal cable size, and enclosure knockout size before ordering. If the job involves mixed cable types or older service work, checking the actual cable construction on site can prevent wasted trips and mismatched fittings.