TRAY CABLE

Tray Cables have a long service life and excellent resistance to oil, chemicals, sunlight, cold bending, and cold impact. These multi-conductor cables are approved for wet or dry locations, as well as Class 1 Division II industrial hazardous locations per NEC 501-4(b) for (UL) Type TC tray cables. They can be installed in free air, in raceways, or direct burial, and are often used as raceway cables, underground cables, multi-conductor THHN cables, lighting cables, control cables, and signal and communication circuit cables.

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VNTC stands for Vinyl Nylon Tray Cable. It is a heavy-duty, multi-conductor 600V industrial cable constructed with individually insulated THHN or TFFN conductors encased in an overall flame-retardant, sunlight-resistant PVC outer jacket. It is widely specified for power, control, signal, and lighting circuits in cable trays, raceways, conduits, and direct burial applications.

The primary difference comes down to conductor size and stranding flexibility:

  • THHN/PVC (14 AWG and Larger): Uses heavier THHN (Thermoplastic High Heat-resistant Nylon-coated) conductors, making it the standard choice for primary power distribution, motor leads, and general control circuits.
  • TFFN/PVC (18 AWG & 16 AWG): Uses finer-stranded TFFN (Thermoplastic Flexible Fixture Nylon-coated) conductors to deliver maximum flexibility for compact control loops, relay panels, and tight instrumentation circuits.
  • Standard Type TC: Must remain continuously supported inside a cable tray, ladder rack, or fully enclosed conduit raceway.
  • Type TC-ER (Exposed Run): Has passed rigorous UL 1277 crush and mechanical impact testing. This rating allows electrical contractors to transition the cable out of the tray and run it exposed directly to machinery or equipment without needing to install rigid conduit, saving significant jobsite labor.

Yes. VNTC tray cables feature a rugged, sunlight-resistant (UV-proof) PVC outer jacket approved for direct earth burial and exposed outdoor applications. Additionally, per NEC Article 501, Type TC-ER cables are approved for use in Class I, Division 2 hazardous locations where flammable vapors or gases may be present under abnormal operating conditions.

Yes! Wire America custom-cuts VNTC tray cables by the foot so you purchase only the exact footage your job layout requires—eliminating scrap and leftover reel ends. Order online or contact our sales team directly at (833) 268-8644 for custom cut lengths, engineering data sheets, or bulk spool pricing.

  • Voltage Rating: 600 Volts
  • Temperature Rating (Dry): Continuous operation up to 90°C
  • Temperature Rating (Wet): Continuous operation up to 75°C (per internal THWN/TFFN conductor profiles)
  • Cold Bend Rating: Typically rated down to -25°C or -40°C depending on specific manufacturer outer jacket formulations

VNTC cable is an industrial workhorse deployed across manufacturing plants, water treatment facilities, chemical processing plants, utility sites, and commercial infrastructure. Typical uses include:

  • Feeding AC/DC electric motors and pumps
  • Interconnecting industrial machinery and automated processing lines
  • Wiring control panels, PLC panels, and relay racks
  • Powering commercial and industrial lighting circuits
  • Direct-burial branch runs to remote field instruments

Do Type TC-ER Tray cables resist chemicals and oil?

Yes. The individual nylon jacket over each PVC-insulated conductor provides an exceptional barrier against industrial oils, gasoline, solvents, and corrosive chemicals. The outer heavy-duty PVC jacket protects the entire assembly against physical abrasion, moisture, standing water, and chemical splash, meeting standard Oil Res I/II requirements.

What UL standards and NEC articles govern VNTC Tray Cable?

VNTC cable is manufactured and tested in accordance with strict industrial compliance standards:

  • UL 1277: Electrical Power and Control Tray Cables
  • UL 83: Thermoplastic-Insulated Wires and Cables
  • NEC Article 336: Type TC (Tray Cable) installation rules
  • Flame Tests: Complies with UL 1685 and CSA FT4 severe vertical tray flame tests

Yes. While unshielded VNTC is standard for power and general control circuits, overall shielded VNTC variants (featuring an aluminum/mylar foil shield with a tinned copper drain wire) are specified for high-noise electrical environments to prevent electromagnetic interference (EMI) on sensitive control and instrumentation lines.

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TRAY CABLE

Type TC Tray Cable is a versatile, multi-conductor power and control cable approved for installation in cable trays, raceways, and outdoor locations. Engineered for the rigors of industrial environments, Tray Cable is rated for 600V and features flame-retardant, moisture-resistant insulation—typically PVC/Nylon (THHN/THWN-2) or XLPE (XHHW-2). The most sought-after version is TC-ER (Exposed Run), which meets stringent crush and impact requirements, allowing the cable to transition from the tray to equipment without the protection of conduit (per NEC Article 336). Whether you are powering heavy machinery, routing control signals, or wiring lighting circuits, Type TC provides a durable, code-compliant solution for modern industrial infrastructure.

Installation Note: While TC-ER cable allows for "Exposed Runs" without conduit, the National Electrical Code (NEC) requires that the cable be protected from physical damage and supported every 6 feet. When terminating Tray Cable in outdoor or washdown environments, always use liquid-tight strain relief connectors to maintain the NEMA rating of your enclosure. If the cable is not rated for "ER," it must remain inside a tray or raceway for its entire length to remain code-compliant.

Key Features
  • Exposed Run (ER) Rating: Certified for use outside of cable trays in lengths up to 50 feet (or more with proper support), drastically reducing conduit and labor costs.
  • Direct Burial & Sunlight Resistant: Formulated to withstand constant UV exposure and subterranean moisture, making it ideal for outdoor and wet locations.
  • Oil & Chemical Resistance: The outer PVC or CPE jacket is engineered to resist degradation from industrial solvents, lubricants, and corrosive chemicals.
  • Flame Retardant: Meets the UL 1277 vertical tray flame test and IEEE 1202 standards to prevent the spread of fire along cable runs.
  • Flexible Stranded Copper: Utilizes soft-annealed stranded copper conductors (typically Class B) for easier pulling and termination in crowded enclosures.
  • Multiple Insulation Profiles: Available with THHN/THWN-2 (PVC/Nylon) for general use or XHHW-2 (XLPE) for superior thermal and moisture performance.
  • Standardized Color-Coding: Internal conductors are color-coded (often Method 1 or Method 4) to simplify complex control and power installations.
Common Applications
  • Industrial Plant Wiring: The primary choice for routing power and control signals in manufacturing facilities and assembly plants.
  • Machine Tool & Robotics: Used to connect central control cabinets to remote motors, sensors, and actuators.
  • Water & Wastewater Treatment: Durable enough for the damp, chemical-rich environments of municipal pumping stations.
  • Petrochemical & Refineries: Ideal for the long-distance power runs required in sprawling refinery complexes.
  • Commercial Power Feeders: Used in high-rise buildings for lighting circuits and secondary power distribution.
  • Renewable Energy Projects: Routing power from solar combiner boxes or wind turbine towers to the main collection point.
  • Food & Beverage Processing: Suitable for use in non-washdown areas where resistance to grease and cleaning agents is required.

Resources & Guides

What is UL 1277? The Standard for Type TC-ER Tray Cable
February 04, 2026
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