Types of Cable Typically Used in Cable Tray

The purpose of a cable tray system is to support, route, and protect cable as part of the cable management system. Through NEMA and the Cable Tray Institute n
standards, and other general guidance can be found regarding the proper use and installation of cable tray systems.

The cable tray system is only one component of the cable management system. Another important component is obviously the cable. Therefore, it is also important to
to properly apply and install the cables in a cable tray system. To that end this Bulletin is intended to discuss the types of cables most frequently used in cable tray
methods permitted in cable trays under the National Electric Code (NEC) NFPA 70.

In general, tray rated cables are quality products that have been tested to withstand the rigors of severe environments. They are protected by either a plastic Jacket or
individual conductor insulations. They can be rated for outdoor, indoor, for corrosive areas, for hazardous locations, or high electrical noise areas. They should be UL liste
have been tested for ratings relative to ammability resistance, mechanical resistance and temperature limitations. Many cable tray rated cables include a crush and im
of the listing and are rated as exposure rated (ER). ER cable is allowed to leave the cable tray for distances up to six feet, as long as it is supported and secured.

In many cases there is more than one type of cable for a particular application, for instance both cables rated as tray cable (TC) and cables rated as metal clad (MC) can
volt motor power cables. In all instances cables utilized within a cable tray system should be UL listed and marked as cable tray rated.

The types of cables, allowed in cable trays, and the wiring methods permitted in cable trays can be found in NEC Section 392.10 (A). This Section also lists various co
Articles which describes the conditions of use, and installation requirements for a particular class or type of cable. Additional considerations such as ll capacity, allo
cable splicing within trays, and securing and supporting cables are addressed in Article 392. Users should be familiar with all these Articles, and check the manufacture
to verify selected cables meet all application requirements and NEC requirements.

The most frequently used tray cables are:

1.  Tray Cable – type TC

2.  Power Limited Tray Cable – type PLTC
3.  Instrumentation Tray Cable – type ITC
4.  Metal Clad Cables – type MC
5.  Mineral Insulated, Metal Sheathed Cables – type MI
6.  Optical Fiber Cables – types OFC thru OFN
7. Communication Cables – types CMP, CMR, CMG, CM, CMX
8. Fire Alarm Cables – type NPLF – NPLFP, FPL-FPLP (CI)

Type TC – Tray Cable – (NEC Article 336) –Power and control tray cable type TC is a factory assembly of two or more insulated conductors, with or without associated
grounding conductors, under a non-metallic jacket. TC cables are rated for 600 volts and can be used in industrial power or control circuits, where ame retardant cables

Allowed installations include cable trays, raceways, and outdoor locations where supported by a messenger wire. Type TC cable is UL listed for use in Class 1, Divi
locations, and Class 1 control circuits. If identi ed for such use TC cables may be also be used for direct burial.

In industrial establishments where conditions of maintenance and supervision ensure that only quali ed persons will service the installation, the cable is continuousl
is  protected against physical damage, type TC tray cable that complies with crush and impact  requirements (type TC-ER cables) are permitted between a ca
utilization equipment or device. The cable must be secured at intervals not exceeding six feet.

TC cables are not permitted to be installed outside of a cable tray system or raceway with only two exceptions (1) in outdoor locations supported by a messenger wi
subject to physical damage, Type TC-ER cable is permitted to transition freely between cable trays and between cable trays and equipment for distances up to
continuous support.

Type PLTC – Power Limiting Tray Cable – (NEC Article 725)

Type ITC – Instrumentation Tray Cable – (NEC Article 727) – These types of cables are instrumentation cables and are available in shielded or unshielded constructi
multiple single conductors, unshielded or shielded twisted pairs, with or without a metal armor. They have a 300 volt insulation rating and are available in sizes 22 AWG
cables are intended for non-plenum and non-riser Class 3 and Class 2 circuits. They are specially designed for use with power limiting circuits. Application of PLTC ca
power supply listing requirements of Article 725.

To avoid this complication an alternative class of cable, Instrumentation Tray Cable (ITC) cable, was added to NFPA 70 – 1996. ITC cable is described in Article 727 and d
power supply limitations of Article 725. However, ITC cable may only be installed in instrumentation and control circuits operating at 150 volts or less and 5 amperes or l

Today many manufacturers dual rate these cables as PLTC / ITC. Cables of either class or the dual rated cables are also available with an ER rating and as such ma
previously discussed under TC- ER cables with the exception that PLTC-ER and ITC-ER must be continuously supported using mechanical protection such as struts, angles
secured every six feet.

ITC cables may be installed in industrial establishments where the conditions of maintenance and supervision ensure that only quali ed personnel service the installat
installed either in cable trays, raceways, hazardous locations, as an aerial cable on a messenger, direct burial where identi ed for the use, under raised oors in r
industrial equipment, under raised oors in information technology equipment rooms.

ITC cables may not be installed with power, lighting, Class 1 circuits that are not power limited, or non-power limited circuits unless they have a metallic sheath and o
within equipment or junction boxes or separations are maintained by insulating barriers.

Even if shielded, both PLTC and ITC cables should be separated from 600-volt power cabling to avoid noise or cross talk. This is generally accomplished through a barrie
cable tray. Whenever possible it is considered best practice to route power and instrumentation cables is separate trays.

Type MC-Metal Clad Cables – (NEC Article 330) – Metal Clad cables are assemblies of one or more insulated circuit conductors with or without optical ber membe
armor of interlocking metal tape, or a smooth corrugated sheath. A plastic overall jacket can also be provided.

In appearance MC cables are very similar to armored clad cables type AC cables. It is important to di erentiate the two as they should not be confused. Type MC c
equipment ground conductor while type AC cables have an internal bonding strip in contact with the armor. More importantly type MC cables are suitable for outdoor u
cables are not permitted for outdoor use (wet or damp locations).
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Type MC cables are widely used in 600 volt and MV power, lighting and control applications. They are permitted for use on services, feeders and branch circuits fo
control and signaling circuits in accordance with Article 330 and 725 of the NEC. Type MC cables may be installed indoors or outdoors, in wet or dry locations, hazardou
I, Division I), in cable tray, as aerial cable on a messenger, in any approved raceway, direct burial (where identi ed), or encased in concrete (where identi ed). M
permitted to be installed where subject to physical damage. MC cables must be supported and secured at intervals not exceeding six feet.

In many industrial application type MC cables, routed in cable trays, have proven to be an excellent economic alternative to wire in conduit.

Type MI-Mineral Insulated, Metal Sheathed – (NEC Article 332)- MI cables are a factory assembly of one or more conductors insulated with a highly compressed re
insulation, typically magnesium oxide, and enclosed in a liquidtight and gas tight continuous copper or alloy steel sheath. They can also be provided with an overall
additional corrosion protection. Developed in the late 1920’s by the French Navy for submarine electrical wiring systems, properly installed MI cable is commonly cons
electrical wiring system available.

Since MI cables use no organic material as insulation (except at the ends), they are more resistant to res than plastic-insulated cables. MI cables are used in very h
applications and /or critical re protection applications such as alarm circuits, re pumps, and smoke control systems. MI cables have a two-hour re rating for critical em
and can be used as plenum cabling without an overall nonmetallic jacket. MI cable is also used in process industries handling ammable uids where small res would
damage to control or power cables. MI cable is also highly resistant to ionizing radiation and are used in applications at nuclear power facilities and nuclear physics appar

MI cables are suitable for 300 volt and 600 volt applications and are permitted for services, feeders, and branch circuits for power, lighting, control, and signal circu
installed in dry, wet or continuously moist locations, indoor or outdoor, exposed or concealed, Where embedded in plaster, concrete, or other masonry, in hazardous
exposed to oil or gasoline, in underground runs, or in cable trays.

MI cables are not permitted in underground runs unless protected from physical damage, where necessary. MI cables are also not permitted where exposed condition
and corrosive to the metallic sheath, unless additional protection is provided.

When installed in cable trays MI cable shall comply with NEC Article 392.30(A) ensuring the cable tray is supported at intervals in accordance with the installation instruc

Type OFN-OPC- Optical Fiber – (NEC Article 770) – Fiber optic (or “optical ber”) refers to the medium and the technology associated with the transmission of info
impulses along a glass or plastic wire or ber. Fiber optic wire carries much more information than conventional copper wire and is far less subject to electromagnetic in

An optical ber cable is a cable containing one or more optical bers that are used to carry light. The optical ber elements are typically individually coated with p
contained in a protective tube suitable for the environment where the cable will be deployed. Di erent types of cable are used for di erent applications, for example
providing a high-speed data connection between di erent parts of a building.

Optical Fiber (OF) cables are rated as conductive or non-conductive. OF cables rated as conductive contain non-current carrying members such as a metallic sheath or
rated as non-conductive contain no electrically conductive materials. They are also rated based upon U.L. ame test(s) and are marked with their respective NEC building

NEC Article 770.113 (H) Permits the following types of optical ber cables to be supported in cable trays.

OFC: Optical ber, conductive

OFN: Optical ber, nonconductive
OFCG: Optical ber, conductive, general use
OFNG: Optical ber, nonconductive, general use
OFCP: Optical ber, conductive, plenum
OFNP: Optical ber, nonconductive, plenum
OFCR: Optical ber, conductive, riser
OFNR: Optical ber, nonconductive, riser

NEC Table 770.154(a) Applications of Listed Optical Fiber Cables details where these types of cables and cable trays may be used within buildings, and which type of cab
cable trays. In summary:

* Example – The space over a hung ceiling used for environmental area handling purposes.
Note: Where permitted the cables and cable trays must be installed per the installation methods described in 770.110 and 770.113.

OFN (non-conductive) cables are permitted to occupy the same cable tray with conductors for electric light, Class 1, non-power limiting re alarm, Type ITC, or medium
powered broadband communications circuits operating at 1000 volts or less. OFC (conductive) cables must be separated from these other types of cables.

Cable tray ll capacities for optical ber cables are not addressed in NEC Article 770 nor Article 392. Designers and installers should refer to the cable manufacturer for

Type CMP – CMX Communication Cables – (NEC Article 800) Similar to optical ber, communication cables are used to send information signals. This can be accompli
conductors, copper conductors, or twisted wire pairs. These cables are used in a wide variety of applications, including recording studios, data transmission, ra
intercoms, electronic circuits, and in applications where RF shielding is needed. The NEC de nes communication cables as a factory assembly of two or more conductors
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covering. A covering over the conductor assembly may include one or more metallic members, strength members, or jackets. Ethernet cables are a common type on com
and are often listed and installed according to NEC Article 800.

Since communication cables are often routed through air circulation spaces which often contain very few re barriers, they need to be coated in material that won’t c
spreading of ames. Communication cables are test by UL and are (rated) marked based on their re propagation properties and as such their suitability to be applied in
areas (environmental air-handling spaces).

NEC Article 800 de nes these markings, areas of permitted use and provides a hierarchy for cable substation.

NEC Table 800.154 (d), Table 800.179

NEC Table 800.154(a) Applications of Listed Communication Wires and Cable in BuildingsFurther details the application for each type of communication cable includ
where cable trays may be used within buildings, and which type of cable may be used in cable trays. In summary:

* Example – The space over a hung ceiling used for environmental area handling purposes.
Note: Where permitted the cables and cable trays must be installed per the installation methods described in 800.113.

Type FPL-FPLP (CI), NPLF – NPLFP (CI) Fire Alarm Cables – (NEC Article 760) Fire alarm circuits and cables are classi ed as either power limited or non-power limited.
type circuit may be furthered classi ed as (CI) indicating they have meet the requirements to ensure continued operation of critical circuits during a speci ed time unde
Power-Limited-Fire Alarm (PLFA) circuits are re alarm circuits powered by a source that complies with 760.121 (listed PLFA or Class 3 transformer, Listed PLFA or Class
listed equipment marked to identify the PLFA power source.)

As with communication and optic ber cables, PLFA re alarm cables are also further marked relative to their re propagation potential, indicating the permitted area
also a hierarchy for permitted substitution for cables used in power-limited circuits, which includes communication cables.

Power limited re alarm cables (FPL-FPLP) are solid or stranded copper. Multi-conductors cannot be less than 26 AWG. Single conductors cannot be less than 18 AWG.
have a voltage insulation rating of not less than 300 volt. Power-limited re alarm cables are not permitted to be placed in cable trays with electric light, power, Cl
limited re alarm, and medium-power network-powered broadband communication circuits unless they are separated by a barrier. You cannot install audio system circ
640.9(C)] (using Class 2 or Class 3 wiring methods) in the same cable or raceway with PLFA conductors or cables.

NEC Table 760.154 Applications of Listed PLFA Cables in Buildings – details the application for each type of PFLA cable including applications where cable trays ma
buildings and which type of cable may be used in cable trays. In summary:

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* Example – The space over a hung ceiling used for environmental area handling purposes.

Note: Where permitted the cables and cable trays must be installed per the installation methods described in 760.130 and 760.145.
Non-Power – Limited Fire Alarm (NPLFA) circuits are re alarm circuits powered by a source that complies with NEC 760.41 and 760.43 (power source shall not exceed 60
contain overcurrent protection devices (OCPDs). OCPDs must not exceed 7A for 18 AWG or 10A for 16 AWG conductors. You must locate the OCPDs at the point whe
receives its supply.)

As with communication, optic ber cables, and PLFA cables NPLFA re alarm cables are also further marked relative to their re propagation potential, indicating the pe
use.

Table 760.176(G) NPLFA Cable Markings

Note that Multi-conductor non-power-limited re alarm circuit cables, Types NPLFP, NPLFR, and NPLF, shall not be installed in exposed air ducts.

Non-power limited re alarm cables are also solid or stranded copper. Size 18 AWG and 16 AWG conductors are permitted to be used, provided they supply loads that do
ampere for 18 AWG and 8 ampere for 16 AWG conductors. Conductors larger than 16 AWG shall not supply loads greater than the ampacities given in NEC 310.15, as app

NPLFA and Class 1 re alarm circuits are permitted to occupy the same cable, enclosure or raceway provided all conductors are insulated for the maximum voltage of any
the enclosure or raceway. Where connected to the same equipment, power supply and NPFLA circuits are permitted in the same cable, enclosure or raceway.

When installed in cable trays, re alarm circuit conductors, as well as any tray cable should comply with NEC Article 392 Cable Trays. In particular sections 392.22 (Numbe
Conductors), 392.60 (Grounding and Bonding), and section 392.80 (Ampacity of Conductors).

Although less commonly used, several other types of cables are permitted to be installed in cable trays. These include: Type AC, CATV, NM, NMC, NMS, SE, USE and UF. A
discussed in this Bulletin users should refer to the associated NEC Article for the proper wiring methods for each type of cable.

Section 392.10 (A) also permits various other raceways to be installed in cable tray i.e. EMT, RMC and PVC conduits. However, generally these types of raceways are more
economically supported with strut products rather than cable tray.