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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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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