National Electrical Code References
2002 NEC Cable Requirements
The types of cables permitted by the 2002 NEC are
indicated in Table 392.3 (A), Uses Permitted, Wiring
Methods.They include:
• Power and Control Tray Cable (Type TC) - NEC
Article 340
• Power Limited Tray Cable (Type PLTC) - NEC Sections
725-61 and 725-71
• Instrument Tray Cable (Type ITC) - NEC Article 727
• Optical Fiber Cables - Article 770
• Fire Alarm Circuit Conductors - Article 760
• Communication Cables - Article 800
• Mineral Insulated (MI) Cable - Article 333
• Metal Clad (MC) Cable - Article 334
Other cables, particularly those specially approved for
installation in cable trays, may also be permitted. Medium
voltage (type MV) and single conductor cables in sizes 1/0
and larger are permitted, with some restrictions, in
industrial establishments where qualified persons service
the installation.
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UL Grounding Requirements
All Quick Tray Wire Mesh CableTrays are UL classified with
regard to suitability for use as an Equipment Grounding
Conductor (EGC). Compliance with other appropriate
NEC cable articles is required.The Cable Tray Institute
(CTI) recommends compliance with National Electrical
Manufacturers, NEMA, Standards Publications Nos.VE1 and
VE2, and with the manufacturer's recommendations.
All Quick Tray Wire Mesh CableTray systems must
be grounded [392.7(A)]. This is true whether or not
the tray is being used as an equipment ground.There are
many ways to meet this requirement.The most effective
method is to treat the tray as if it were an equipment
ground, meaning that the whole system is continuously
bonded. However, the general requirement only calls for
each section to be grounded.
In order to be used as an equipment ground, several
requirements must be met [392.7(B)]. First, the system
must be bonded: where two sections meet, the connection
should be solidly connected by an approved means, that is,
a bolted connection. Additionally, supervision must ensure
that only qualified personnel service the cable tray system
[392.3(C)].
Therefore, when using Quick Tray Wire Mesh CableTray as
an equipment grounding conductor, maintain continuous
grounding by using the tray in conjunction with "nut and
bolt" and steel splices as shown below.
© 2004 Hoffman Enclosures Inc.
 National Electrical Code References

Additional Options for Grounding National Electrical Code Uses Permitted Article 392.3A

• Use a single conductor cable as the common EGC for all Cable Type Article
the circuits in the cable tray [NEC Section 392-3(b)(1) Armored Cable 320
Exception 2]. Communications Raceway 800
Electrical Metallic Tubing 358
• Use individual EGC conductors in each multiconductor
Electrical Nonmetallic Tubing 362
cable in the cable tray (NEC Section 250-95).
Fire Alarm Cables 760
Flexible Metal Conduit 348
Walking on Cable Trays Flexible Metal Tubing 360
Instrumentation Tray Cable 727
Walking on cable trays must not be permitted. It violates
Liquid-tight Flexible Metal Conduit 350
the new version of NEMA standard VE-2, manufacturers'
Liquid-tight Flexible Nonmetallic Conduit 350
marking and recommendations, and the intent of the NFPA
Metal-clad Cable 330
70 Electrical Safety in Employee Work Practices.Walking on
Mineral-insulated, Metal-sheathed Cable 332
electrical equipment, conduits, cables or other electrical
Multiconductor Service Entrance Cable 338
systems should also be avoided. In addition to the fall
Multiconductor Underground Feeder and Branch Circuit Cable 340
hazard, there is the risk of damage to equipment and
Multipurpose and Communications Cables 800
possible contact with conductors.
Nonmetallic Sheathed Cable 334
Power and Control Tray Cable 336
High Voltage Cables Power-limited Tray Cablesa –
Optical Fiber Cables 770
High voltage cables can be installed in Quick Tray Wire
aSections 725-61 (c) and 721-71 (f).
Mesh CableTray. NEC permits type MC (Article 334) and
type MV (Article 326) in industrial establishments where
qualified persons will service the installation.
Multiconductor cables rated over 600 volts must be
separated from lower voltage cables by a separate cable
tray or a solid fixed barrier.Type MC cables can be mixed
with lower voltage cables. See NEC 392-6(f).

Instrumentation, Signal, and

Telecommunications Cables
Instrumentation, signal, and telecommunications cabling
should be separated from power cabling, both to meet NEC
requirements and to avoid noise and electromagnetic pick-
up from adjacent power cables.This can be accomplished by
a separate cable tray system or by a divider within a cable
tray.The requirements for cables that have an outer metal
armor are less stringent than for plastic jacketed cables.The
general rule is to separate communication, control, signal,
and instrumentation cabling from power cabling. Power
cabling includes 460 volt motor power, 120 volt power, and
lighting circuits. Note that 120 volt circuits can generate
noise. Generally, a separation of two inches (51mm) is
minimum, but the individual circuit and cable are the
determining factors in separation requirements.

Data subject to change without notice ☎ 763 422 2211 • FAX 763 422 2600 • www.hoffmanonline.com © 2004 Hoffman Enclosures Inc 19