Tray Cables
In regards to functionality and diversity in the specialty wire and cable industry, it is without a doubt tray cable stands out as the clear cut winner. Tray cable can be found almost anywhere, from inside buildings to factories, to the great outdoors. It is approved for installation aerially with a messenger, in conduits, ducts and cable trays. Tray cable is suitable for installation in not only wet and dry locations, but in direct burial applications as well. It is also sunlight resistant for use outdoors. Not only is it diverse in it’s applications, but in it’s simplicity and ease of use. Tray cable can be obtained in many sizes and conductor counts from 18awg up to 750MCM and anywhere from 2 conductors to 50 conductors and more in the control sizes.
Tray cable is often referred to as VNTC which stands for Vinyl Nylon Tray Cable. VNTC is made up of THHN or TFN insulation and a PVC jacket. This is by far the most common form of tray cable on the market although it’s not the only one, as we will discuss below.
Tray cable is typically rated for 600 volts and 90 Celsius. It’s most basic form, as stated earlier, is that it is comprised of THHN singles with a PVC jacket extruded overall. Other forms include Instrumentation and process control versions that are constructed of pairs and triads. These can be depending on size either 300 volt or 600 volt. The 300 volt option is know as PLTC, or power limited tray cable.
Aside from Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) insulation, tray cable can be found in other insulations including cross-linked polyethylene (XLP) and flame-retardant ethylene-propylene-rubber (FREP). When dealing with FREP insulation it is wise to know that it will also come with a chlorinated polyethylene (CPE) jacket.
One of the most important things to keep in mind with the control versions of tray cable (10awg – 18awg) is that they are available with or without an aluminum foil shield. This also pertains to instrumentation cable that usually has each pair shielded with and overall shield.
In conclusion, nothing out does the functionality and cost effectiveness of tray cable. With its broad range of uses and simplicity, it is a staple to the specialty wire and cable industry.
To learn more about tray cables including detailed specs, visit this link: Tray Cable
Tags: direct burial, FREP, PLTC, thhn, tray cables, tray rated cable, VNTC