Tray cable is a multipurpose and multiconductor cabling used in industrial power/control, communications systems, traffic control, switching, lighting, and signal transmission. You will find tray cable installed in conduits, ducts, raceways, and cable tray systems. Tray cable jackets are resistant to fire, UV, chemicals, and oil. This ability to withstand unforgiving environments makes them ideal for wiring mission-critical machinery and systems.

What are the types of tray cable?

Two main classifications of tray cable are Power Limited Tray Cable (PLTC) and Vinyl Nylon Tray Cable (VNTC). Let us run through some of their key features.

Power Limited Tray Cable:

  • 300 volt rating
  • Flame Retardant/UV Resistant PVC jacket
  • 105 Degree Celsius operating temperature
  • Approved for Class I and II, Division 2 Hazardous environments
  • Industrial control, burglar alarms, point of sale systems, intercom

Vinyl Nylon Tray Cable:

  • 600 volt rating
  • Flame Retardant/UV Resistant/Burial Rated PVC Jacket
  • 194 Degrees Celsius (dry) and 167 degrees Celsius (wet)
  • Telemetering, power/control, traffic control, lighting, and signal transmission
  • Approved for Class I and II, Division 2 Hazardous environments

What overall jacket material is used in tray cable?

Typically tray cable jackets are made up of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Chlorinated Polyethylene (CPE), and Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH). The most common overall jacket is PVC, which is flame retardant sunlight resistant per UL 1277.

What are insulation materials used in tray cable?

For most PLTC the insulation is PVC. In 600V rated VNTC, each insulated conductor jacket meets UL 62  for Thermoplastic Flexible Fixture (TFFN) or UL 83 for Thermoplastic High Heat-Resistant Nylon Water-Resistant (THWN) or Thermoplastic High Heat-Resistant Nylon  (THHN) wire.

Can you put tray cable in conduit?

Absolutely. Tray cable is meant for conduit, cable trays, wireways, ducts, and channels. Tray cable is recognized by NEC for use in Class 1, 2 and Division 2 hazardous locations. These are defined as areas where flammable gasses, vapors, or liquids are present either some or all the time. 

Is tray cable direct burial?

Yes, all tray cable is rate for direct burial installation.

How many conductors are in tray cable?

Tray cable has at least 2 conductors and, depending on the wire gauge, can hold up to 50 conductors. These can either be individual multiconductor, or in multipair style. The color coding for multiconductor cable follows ICEA Method 1-E2 table.