Tray Cable

 
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Old 01-24-2007, 03:00 PM   #1
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Tray Cable


In the county I live in the local ispectors will not allow TC type cable in residetioal wiring. Does anyone know why or point me to a place in the code book that says you can't use it?

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Old 01-24-2007, 05:58 PM   #2
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Re: Tray Cable


Here's your code:

ARTICLE 336
Power and Control Tray Cable: Type TC

336.12 Uses Not Permitted. Type TC tray cable shall not
be used under the following conditions or in the following
locations:
(1) As an aerial cable unless supported by a messenger in
outdoor locations
(2) For non-power limited fire alarm circuits unless the
conductors comply with 760.27.
(3) For installation in a wet location unless the cable is
resistant to moisture and corrosive agents.
(4) For installations where the cable is exposed to physical
damage.
(5) Used where exposed to direct rays of the sun, unless
identified as sunlight resistant.
(6) Direct burial, unless identified for such use.
(7) For exposed runs unless all of the following conditions
are met:
a. The installation is in an industrial establishment
with written safety procedures, where the conditions
of maintenance and supervision ensure that only
qualified persons service the installation.
b. The exposed run is between a cable tray and utilization
equipment or device.
c. The cable is continuously supported and protected
against physical damage using mechanical protection,
such as struts, angles, or channel.
d. The cable is secured at intervals not exceeding 1.8
m (6 ft).
e. The TC cable complies with the crush and impact
requirements of Type MC cable and is identified for
such use.
f. An equipment grounding conductor for the utilization
equipment is contained within the TC cable. In
cables containing conductors size 6 AWG or
smaller, the equipment grounding conductor shall
be provided within the cable or, at the time of installation,
one or more insulated conductors shall be
permanently identified as an equipment grounding
conductor in accordance with 250.119(B).
(8) For installation in other than cable trays, raceways, or
where supported by a messenger.


Item #8 is what keeps you from using it to wire your house. Unless it's in cable tray, raceway, or supported by a messenger cable.
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Old 01-24-2007, 06:50 PM   #3
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Re: Tray Cable


now the question is why. What is the reasoning here?
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Old 01-24-2007, 06:52 PM   #4
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Re: Tray Cable


Quote:
Originally Posted by melo View Post
now the question is why. What is the reasoning here?
That's the great thing about the code. Other people decide over a period of years and years what the code is going to be, another batch of people vote that code into law for your jurisdiction, and all we have to do is follow it. I think it's pretty nice that we don't have to worry about why.

My question for you.... why in the devil do you want to wire your home with tray cable? Romex is way cheaper.
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Old 01-25-2007, 05:04 PM   #5
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Re: Tray Cable


I just feel obligated to know. And I still don't. Plus there is a lot of reasons I have heard of and none of them have been correct. When someone ask's me why we can't use TC cable, instead of looking like a moron and saying "I don't know" I can at least give them a reason.

I also work at a large paper manufacuring plant and can get my tray cable for free from time to time. Plus it is ten times better than romex.
Free is a hard price to beat.
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Old 01-25-2007, 05:31 PM   #6
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Re: Tray Cable


Quote:
Originally Posted by melo View Post
Plus it is ten times better than romex.
The nice thing about the NEC is that anyone at all can make a code change proposal, and the panel will consider it and rule up or down on its inclusion in the code. You're too late for the 2008 version, but you can absolutely submit a proposal for the 2011 NEC. If you need assistance on the process or the style that is to be used for the proposal language, repost. Best of luck to you.
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Old 03-07-2007, 02:55 AM   #7
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Re: Tray Cable


Can I wire my house in MI cable?
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Old 03-07-2007, 05:17 PM   #8
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Re: Tray Cable


Quote:
Originally Posted by Magnettica View Post
Can I wire my house in MI cable?
If you want to, I think. That's miserable stuff to work with. I used a bunch of it in a YMCA remodel for emergency circuits when I was a pup. I forget what the reasoning was behind it, but I don't remember it being much fun to terminate. It was like a zillion piece connector went on the end.
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Old 04-06-2007, 03:53 PM   #9
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Re: Tray Cable


The REAL answer here is that you can "rip" off this stuff for free and want use it in your own home....It's basically used in commercial applications....end of story. Gee pay for some Romex.
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