ARTICLE 3.

0 — GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR WIRING METHODS AND MATERIALS

DETAILED SUMMARY: ARTICLES 3.32 TO 3.33

1. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR CABLES

 WIRING MUST FOLLOW APPROVED METHODS THAT ENSURE SAFETY AND RELIABILITY.

 ALL CABLES MUST BE INSTALLED WITH PROTECTION AGAINST PHYSICAL DAMAGE AND
ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURE.

 CONDUCTORS SHOULD BE SUITABLE FOR VOLTAGE, CURRENT, AND TEMPERATURE

CONDITIONS.

 THE USE OF FITTINGS, SUPPORTS, AND TERMINATIONS MUST COMPLY WITH LISTING AND
INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS.

2. ARTICLE 3.32 – FLAT CONDUCTOR CABLE: TYPE FCC

SCOPE & USE:

 TYPE FCC CABLE IS DESIGNED FOR BRANCH CIRCUITS UNDER CARPETS IN DRY
COMMERCIAL ENVIRONMENTS (OFFICES, STORES).

 NOT ALLOWED IN:

o WET/CORROSIVE ENVIRONMENTS

o HAZARDOUS (CLASSIFIED) LOCATIONS

o RESIDENTIAL, EDUCATIONAL, OR HEALTHCARE SLEEPING/PATIENT AREAS

CONSTRUCTION:

 FCC IS A FLAT CABLE WITH PARALLEL BARE OR TINNED COPPER CONDUCTORS EMBEDDED
IN FLEXIBLE INSULATING MATERIAL.

 THE CABLE IS SANDWICHED BETWEEN TWO FLEXIBLE INSULATING SHIELDS.

 IT INCLUDES:

o INSULATING ENDS

o CONNECTOR COVERS

o SNAP-ON FLOOR COVERS (FOR PROTECTION WHERE EXPOSED)

o TERMINAL BLOCKS FOR CONNECTIONS

RATING:

 VOLTAGE: 300V BETWEEN CONDUCTORS, 150V TO GROUND

 AMPACITY:

o 20A MAX FOR GENERAL-PURPOSE/APPLIANCE CIRCUITS

o 30A MAX FOR INDIVIDUAL CIRCUITS

 TEMPERATURE: UP TO 90°C

INSTALLATION:

 MUST BE INSTALLED ON SMOOTH, HARD, DRY SURFACES.

 COVERED BY CARPET AND PROTECTED WITH ADHESIVE STRIPS OR APPROVED

COVERINGS.

 ALL JOINTS AND TERMINATIONS MUST RESIST MOISTURE AND MECHANICAL STRESS.

 SPECIAL CARE MUST BE TAKEN TO AVOID PHYSICAL DAMAGE OR EXCESSIVE WEAR.

DETAILED SUMMARY: ARTICLES 3.34 TO 3.35

1. ARTICLE 3.34 – NONMETALLIC-SHEATHED CABLE: TYPES NM, NMC, NMS

SCOPE:

 COVERS THE USE, INSTALLATION, AND CONSTRUCTION OF NONMETALLIC-SHEATHED

CABLES FOR BRANCH CIRCUITS AND FEEDERS.

DEFINITION:

 A FACTORY ASSEMBLY OF TWO OR MORE INSULATED CONDUCTORS, WITH OR WITHOUT A

BARE/COVERED GROUND WIRE, ENCLOSED IN A NONMETALLIC SHEATH.

USES PERMITTED:

 CAN BE USED IN:

o ONE- AND TWO-FAMILY DWELLINGS

o MULTIFAMILY DWELLINGS UP TO 4 FLOORS

o OTHER STRUCTURES AS PERMITTED BY CODE

 CAN BE RUN THROUGH WALLS, FLOORS, CEILINGS, OR EMBEDDED IN CONCRETE UNDER

SPECIAL CONDITIONS.

USES NOT PERMITTED:

 NOT ALLOWED:

o WHERE EXPOSED TO PHYSICAL DAMAGE

o IN COMMERCIAL GARAGES, HAZARDOUS AREAS, OR ELEVATOR HOISTWAYS

o EMBEDDED DIRECTLY IN POURED CONCRETE (UNLESS SPECIFICALLY PERMITTED)

INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS:

 SECURED AT INTERVALS NOT OVER 1.4 M (4.5 FT) AND WITHIN 300 MM (12 IN) OF BOXES.

 PROTECTED WHERE SUBJECT TO DAMAGE (E.G., FURRING SPACES, BEHIND WALLS).

 MUST MAINTAIN MINIMUM BENDING RADIUS AND SEPARATION FROM HEAT SOURCES LIKE
CHIMNEYS OR RECESSED LUMINAIRES.

CONDUCTOR REQUIREMENTS:

 INSULATED CONDUCTORS MUST BE RATED 90°C.

 TYPES NM-B, NMC-B, NMS-B MEET THE THERMAL RATING.

SHEATH CONSTRUCTION:

 NM: FLAME-RETARDANT AND MOISTURE-RESISTANT

 NMC: PLUS FUNGUS- AND CORROSION-RESISTANT

 NMS: SAME AS NM, BUT WITH SEPARATION BETWEEN POWER AND COMMUNICATIONS
CONDUCTORS

2. ARTICLE 3.35 – CONCEALED KNOB-AND-TUBE WIRING

SCOPE & LEGACY USE:

 THIS SECTION ALLOWS USE ONLY FOR EXISTING INSTALLATIONS.

 NEW INSTALLATIONS ARE NOT PERMITTED UNLESS REPLACING OR REPAIRING EXISTING

WORK.

INSTALLATION GUIDELINES:

 CONDUCTORS MUST BE SUPPORTED BY CERAMIC KNOBS AND PASS THROUGH CERAMIC

TUBES AT STRUCTURAL PENETRATIONS.
  MUST MAINTAIN CLEARANCE FROM COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS UNLESS IN COVERED TUBES.

 NOT PERMITTED WHERE EXPOSED TO PHYSICAL DAMAGE OR IN DAMP LOCATIONS.

DETAILED SUMMARY: ARTICLES 3.36 TO 3.37

1. ARTICLE 3.36 – POWER AND CONTROL TRAY CABLE: TYPE TC

SCOPE:

 APPLIES TO TYPE TC CABLE USED FOR POWER, LIGHTING, CONTROL, AND SIGNAL
CIRCUITS, TYPICALLY IN INDUSTRIAL/COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS.

DEFINITION:

 TYPE TC IS A FACTORY ASSEMBLY OF TWO OR MORE INSULATED CONDUCTORS (WITH OR

WITHOUT BARE/COVERED GROUND), UNDER A NONMETALLIC JACKET.

USES PERMITTED:

TYPE TC CABLE IS ALLOWED:

1. FOR POWER, LIGHTING, CONTROL, AND SIGNAL CIRCUITS.

2. IN CABLE TRAYS, EVEN IF SEGMENTS ARE MECHANICALLY DISCONTINUOUS (UP TO 300 MM).

3. IN RACEWAYS (CONDUITS, ETC.).

4. OUTDOORS, IF SUPPORTED BY MESSENGER WIRE.

5. FOR CLASS 1 CIRCUITS (AS ALLOWED IN 7.25.2 AND 7.25.3).

6. FOR NON–POWER-LIMITED FIRE ALARM CIRCUITS, IF CONDUCTORS MEET 7.60.2.9.

7. BETWEEN TRAY AND EQUIPMENT, ONLY IF ALL THE FOLLOWING APPLY:

o CABLE IS TYPE TC-ER

o USED IN INDUSTRIAL SETTINGS

o CONTINUOUSLY SUPPORTED AND PROTECTED FROM DAMAGE

o MEETS CRUSH/IMPACT STANDARDS OF MC CABLE

o SECURED EVERY 1800 MM

o HAS AN INTERNAL EQUIPMENT GROUNDING CONDUCTOR

EXCEPTION: TYPE TC-ER CAN RUN UNSUPPORTED (UP TO 1800 MM) BETWEEN TRAYS OR
BETWEEN TRAY AND EQUIPMENT, IF NOT SUBJECT TO PHYSICAL DAMAGE.

8. IN WET LOCATIONS, PROVIDED IT'S MOISTURE- AND CORROSION-RESISTANT.

9. IN 1- AND 2-FAMILY DWELLINGS, IF LABELED “JP” AND SUITABLE FOR PULLING THROUGH
STRUCTURAL MEMBERS.

10. FOR DIRECT BURIAL, IF SPECIFICALLY IDENTIFIED FOR THAT USE.

USES NOT PERMITTED:

 IF EXPOSED TO PHYSICAL DAMAGE

 INSTALLED OUTSIDE TRAYS/RACEWAYS, EXCEPT WHERE EXPLICITLY PERMITTED

 WHERE EXPOSED TO SUNLIGHT, UNLESS MARKED “SUNLIGHT RESISTANT”

INSTALLATION DETAILS:

 BENDING RADIUS:

o CABLES ≤ 25 MM Ø: MIN BEND = 4× DIAMETER

 o 25–50 MM Ø: MIN BEND = 5× DIAMETER

o 50 MM Ø: MIN BEND = 6× DIAMETER

o IF METALLIC SHIELDED: 12× DIAMETER

 AMPACITY RATINGS:

o BASED ON:

 3.92.2.71(A) FOR ≥2.0 MM² CONDUCTORS

 4.2.1.5 FOR 0.75–1.25 MM² (IN TRAY)

 3.10.2.6 FOR USE IN RACEWAY/MESSENGER

CONSTRUCTION SPECS:

 NO METALLIC SHEATH OR ARMOR PERMITTED OVER OR UNDER THE NONMETALLIC JACKET.

 METALLIC SHIELDING IS ALLOWED UNDER THE JACKET OR AROUND CONDUCTOR GROUPS.

 CONDUCTOR INSULATION MUST MEET TABLE 3.10.3.1(A) AND BE RATED 90°C.

 INCLUDES AN EQUIPMENT GROUNDING CONDUCTOR (BARE, COVERED, OR INSULATED).

 JACKET MUST BE FLAME-RETARDANT AND RESISTANT TO MOISTURE AND DAMAGE.

2. ARTICLE 3.37 – SERVICE-ENTRANCE CABLE: TYPES SE AND USE

(STARTS ON PAGE 208—CONTINUES INTO NEXT SECTION, 209–219)

THIS ARTICLE INTRODUCES SE (SERVICE ENTRANCE) AND USE (UNDERGROUND SERVICE

ENTRANCE) CABLES.

 THESE ARE MULTI-CONDUCTOR ASSEMBLIES USED TO CONNECT SERVICE EQUIPMENT TO

THE UTILITY SUPPLY.

 SE CABLES ARE GENERALLY USED ABOVE GROUND.

 USE CABLES ARE USED FOR UNDERGROUND APPLICATIONS, AND ARE MOISTURE/SOIL
RESISTANT.

DETAILED SUMMARY: ARTICLES 3.37 (CONT.) & 3.38 (SECTIONS 209–219)

1. ARTICLE 3.37 – SERVICE-ENTRANCE CABLE: TYPES SE AND USE (CONTINUED)

DEFINITION:

 A SINGLE OR MULTI-CONDUCTOR CABLE ASSEMBLY WITH:

o AN OVERALL NONMETALLIC SHEATH

o INDIVIDUAL CONDUCTOR INSULATION

o OPTIONAL BARE OR COVERED GROUNDING CONDUCTOR

TYPES:

 TYPE SE: FOR ABOVE-GROUND SERVICE ENTRANCE AND FEEDER APPLICATIONS.

 TYPE USE: FOR UNDERGROUND USE, INCLUDING DIRECT BURIAL.

USE CABLE CANNOT BE USED FOR INTERIOR WIRING, ESPECIALLY ABOVE GROUND INSIDE
BUILDINGS.

USES PERMITTED:

TYPE SE:
  SERVICE ENTRANCE CONDUCTORS

 FEEDERS AND BRANCH CIRCUITS (INDOORS OR OUTDOORS)

 ABOVE GROUND IN DRY OR WET LOCATIONS

 ON EXTERIOR WALLS OF BUILDINGS

TYPE USE:

 UNDERGROUND SERVICE OR FEEDER CONDUCTORS

 DIRECT BURIAL IN EARTH

 WET LOCATIONS ONLY

USE CABLE CANNOT ENTER BUILDINGS ABOVE GRADE, UNLESS TRANSITIONING INTO AN
APPROVED RACEWAY.

INSTALLATION NOTES:

 MUST BE SECURED AND SUPPORTED LIKE NM CABLE:

o WITHIN 300 MM (12 IN) OF BOXES

o AT INTERVALS NOT EXCEEDING 1.4 M (4.5 FT)

 PROTECTION IS REQUIRED WHERE SUBJECT TO DAMAGE (E.G., EXTERIOR WALLS).

CONDUCTOR REQUIREMENTS:

 INSULATION MUST BE MOISTURE- AND CORROSION-RESISTANT.

 CONDUCTOR INSULATION RATED 90°C (MINIMUM).

 ALUMINUM CONDUCTORS MUST COMPLY WITH OXIDATION PROTECTION.

MARKING:

 JACKET MUST BE MARKED WITH:

o TYPE (SE OR USE)

o CONDUCTOR SIZE AND NUMBER

o VOLTAGE RATING

o FLAME OR SUNLIGHT RESISTANCE IF APPLICABLE

2. ARTICLE 3.38 – UNDERGROUND FEEDER AND BRANCH-CIRCUIT CABLE: TYPE UF

SCOPE:

 COVERS TYPE UF CABLE, A DIRECT BURIAL-RATED CABLE USED IN UNDERGROUND AND

EXTERIOR BRANCH CIRCUIT INSTALLATIONS.

DEFINITION:

 A SOLID-CORE, FACTORY-ASSEMBLED CABLE WITH:

o ONE OR MORE INSULATED CONDUCTORS

o A BARE OR COVERED GROUNDING CONDUCTOR

o ENCLOSED IN A SOLID MOISTURE-, CORROSION-, AND SUNLIGHT-RESISTANT

NONMETALLIC SHEATH

USES PERMITTED:
  UNDERGROUND DIRECT BURIAL

 EMBEDDED IN CONCRETE, MASONRY, OR EARTH

 INTERIOR WIRING WHERE EXPOSED TO MOISTURE

 WIRING IN WET, DRY, OR CORROSIVE LOCATIONS

 FOR FEEDERS OR BRANCH CIRCUITS IN:

o RESIDENTIAL YARDS

o AGRICULTURAL BUILDINGS

o EXTERIOR LIGHTING

USES NOT PERMITTED:

 NOT ALLOWED WHERE PHYSICAL DAMAGE IS LIKELY (UNLESS PROTECTED)

 CANNOT BE USED AS SERVICE ENTRANCE CABLE

 NOT PERMITTED IN HAZARDOUS LOCATIONS

INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS:

 MUST BE BURIED AT CORRECT DEPTHS:

o MINIMUM 600 MM FOR DIRECT BURIAL WITHOUT PROTECTION

o SHALLOWER IF UNDER CONCRETE, OR WITH CONDUIT/PROTECTION

 CABLE MUST BE SECURED AND PROTECTED FROM DAMAGE:

o SAME SPACING RULES AS NM CABLE

 BENDS MUST NOT DAMAGE SHEATH OR CONDUCTORS

CONDUCTOR SPECS:

 MINIMUM CONDUCTOR SIZE: 2.0 MM² (OR AS PERMITTED)

 CONDUCTOR INSULATION RATED 90°C, BUT AMPACITY BASED ON 60°C DUE TO SHEATH
RATING

 CABLE MUST BE FLAME-RETARDANT AND CORROSION-RESISTANT

DETAILED SUMMARY: ARTICLES 3.39 TO 3.40 (SECTIONS 220–230)

1. ARTICLE 3.39 – FLAT CABLE ASSEMBLIES: TYPE FC

SCOPE:

 COVERS TYPE FC CABLE ASSEMBLIES, USED FOR BRANCH CIRCUIT WIRING.

 DESIGNED FOR FAST INSTALLATION IN PREFABRICATED OR MODULAR STRUCTURES,

OFTEN IN COMMERCIAL SPACES.

DEFINITION:

 A FACTORY-ASSEMBLED FLAT CABLE:

o MULTI-CONDUCTOR

o FLEXIBLE INSULATING MATERIAL

o PRE-TERMINATED DEVICES (LIKE RECEPTACLES, SWITCHES)

 o WITH OR WITHOUT GROUNDING CONDUCTOR

USES PERMITTED:

 BRANCH CIRCUITS IN:

o MODULAR OFFICE PARTITIONS

o WORKSTATIONS

o LIGHTING SYSTEMS

o COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL STRUCTURES

 CAN BE INSTALLED IN:

o CEILING PLENUMS

o RAISED FLOORS

o RACEWAY SYSTEMS OR CONCEALED SPACES MUST BE INSTALLED IN ACCESSIBLE

LOCATIONS IF MAINTENANCE OR MODIFICATION IS EXPECTED.

USES NOT PERMITTED:

 NOT ALLOWED:

o WHERE SUBJECT TO PHYSICAL DAMAGE

o IN WET OR CORROSIVE ENVIRONMENTS

o HAZARDOUS (CLASSIFIED) LOCATIONS

INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS:

 MUST BE SUPPORTED AND PROTECTED AGAINST DAMAGE.

 ROUTED THROUGH APPROVED SUPPORTS, RACEWAYS, OR STRUCTURAL CAVITIES.

 MAXIMUM VOLTAGE: 300V

 TERMINATIONS MUST USE LISTED COMPATIBLE FITTINGS.

 NO SPLICES OR FIELD ALTERATIONS TO THE CABLE ITSELF.

 PRE-FABRICATED DEVICES MUST BE INSTALLED PER LISTING INSTRUCTIONS.

MARKING:

 MARKED WITH:

o CABLE TYPE (FC)

o VOLTAGE RATING

o MANUFACTURER INFO

o FLAME-RESISTANCE AND PLENUM RATING IF APPLICABLE

2. ARTICLE 3.40 – OPTICAL FIBER CABLE

SCOPE:

 COVERS NON–POWER-CARRYING OPTICAL FIBER CABLES, USED FOR DATA, CONTROL, AND
SIGNALING.
CABLE TYPES:

 OFNP: PLENUM-RATED, FLAME-RETARDANT, FOR USE IN AIR-HANDLING SPACES

 OFNR: RISER-RATED, FOR VERTICAL RUNS IN SHAFTS

 OFC: GENERAL-PURPOSE CABLE

 EACH MAY ALSO HAVE:

o "I" FOR INTERCONNECT CABLE

o "P" OR "R" FOR PLENUM OR RISER

o "C" FOR GENERAL USE

INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS:

 MUST FOLLOW REQUIREMENTS OF:

o 7.70 (COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS)

o FIRE RESISTANCE DEPENDING ON LOCATION (PLENUM, RISER, ETC.)

 NOT TO BE INSTALLED WITH POWER CONDUCTORS UNLESS PERMITTED.

 SUPPORT REQUIRED AT REGULAR INTERVALS (AS LISTED OR PER BUILDING TYPE).

 IN RACEWAYS, THEY MUST BE RATED FOR THE ENVIRONMENT (WET/DRY).

 BENDING RADIUS AND TENSILE STRENGTH LIMITS MUST BE FOLLOWED.

USES PERMITTED:

 COMMUNICATIONS/DATA TRANSMISSION

 INTERCONNECTION OF ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS

 SIGNAL CONTROL AND MONITORING (LOW-POWER, NON–HAZARDOUS)

MARKING:

 MUST SHOW:

o TYPE (OFNP, OFNR, ETC.)

o FLAME RATING

o MANUFACTURER

o VOLTAGE LIMITATIONS (IF ANY)

DETAILED SUMMARY: ARTICLES 3.41 TO 3.42

1. ARTICLE 3.41 – COMMUNICATIONS CABLES: TYPES CMP, CMR, AND CM

SCOPE:

 COVERS NON–POWER-LIMITED COMMUNICATIONS CABLES USED FOR:

o TELEPHONE

o VOICE

o SOUND

o DATA TRANSMISSION
CABLE TYPES & RATINGS:

CABLE TYPE APPLICATION FLAME RATING COMMON USE

CMP (PLENUM) AIR-HANDLING SPACES HIGHEST HVAC PLENUMS

CMR (RISER) VERTICAL SHAFTS MEDIUM FLOOR-TO-FLOOR

CM (GENERAL) GENERAL PURPOSE BASIC OPEN SPACES

USES PERMITTED:

 CMP: IN PLENUM SPACES, RISERS, AND GENERAL AREAS

 CMR: IN RISERS AND GENERAL SPACES (NOT PLENUMS)

 CM: IN GENERAL-PURPOSE APPLICATIONS ONLY

HIGHER-GRADE CABLES (LIKE CMP) CAN SUBSTITUTE LOWER GRADES (CMR, CM)

USES NOT PERMITTED:

 IN HAZARDOUS (CLASSIFIED) LOCATIONS

 CM OR CMR IN PLENUMS, UNLESS THEY HAVE AN ADDED SLEEVE OR RACEWAY

 WHERE EXPOSED TO PHYSICAL DAMAGE, UNLESS PROTECTED

INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS:

 MUST BE:

o SUPPORTED PROPERLY (E.G., CABLE TRAYS, RACEWAYS, STRUCTURAL MEMBERS)

o INSTALLED TO PREVENT DAMAGE OR STRAIN

 CABLES IN AIR-HANDLING SPACES MUST BE PLENUM RATED OR ENCLOSED IN RACEWAY

 RACEWAY SEPARATION NEEDED FROM POWER CABLES UNLESS COMBINED IN SAME

LISTING

MARKING:

 MUST SHOW:

o TYPE (CMP, CMR, CM)

o VOLTAGE CLASS

o FLAME RATING

o MANUFACTURER ID

2. ARTICLE 3.42 – COMMUNITY ANTENNA TELEVISION AND RADIO DISTRIBUTION CABLES: CATV,
CATVP, CATVR

SCOPE:

 REGULATES COAXIAL CABLE SYSTEMS USED FOR:

o TELEVISION

o FM RADIO

o BROADBAND SIGNAL DISTRIBUTION

CABLE TYPES:

TYPE APPLICATION FLAME RATING

CATVP PLENUM AREAS HIGH

CATVR RISER SHAFTS MEDIUM

CATV GENERAL USE BASIC

USES PERMITTED:

 CATVP IN ALL LOCATIONS, INCLUDING PLENUM SPACES

 CATVR IN VERTICAL RISERS AND GENERAL LOCATIONS

 CATV IN GENERAL SPACES, BUT NOT IN RISERS OR PLENUMS

USES NOT PERMITTED:

 IN AREAS WHERE CABLE MAY OVERHEAT OR BURN EXCESSIVELY

 IN HAZARDOUS LOCATIONS

 WHERE SUBJECT TO MECHANICAL DAMAGE

INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS:

 SUPPORT REQUIRED IN ACCORDANCE WITH 7.70.4.4

 MUST BE KEPT SEPARATE FROM POWER CONDUCTORS (UNLESS PERMITTED UNDER

EXCEPTIONS)

 IN AIR PLENUMS, ONLY CATVP OR LISTED RACEWAYS MAY BE USED

 FIRESTOP MUST BE MAINTAINED WHEN PENETRATING FIRE-RATED ASSEMBLIES

MARKING:

 REQUIRED TO SHOW:

o TYPE (CATV, CATVR, CATVP)

o MANUFACTURER

o FLAME CLASSIFICATION

o LISTING AGENCY IDENTIFICATION

DETAILED SUMMARY: ARTICLES 3.43 TO 3.44

1. ARTICLE 3.43 – MEDIUM VOLTAGE CABLE

SCOPE:

 COVERS SINGLE OR MULTI-CONDUCTOR CABLES RATED OVER 2000V UP TO AND INCLUDING

35,000V.

 USED IN DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS FOR INDUSTRIAL, UTILITY, AND COMMERCIAL SITES.

DEFINITION:

 MEDIUM VOLTAGE CABLE: INSULATED CABLE WITH OR WITHOUT METALLIC SHIELDING AND
JACKETING, DESIGNED FOR MEDIUM-VOLTAGE SYSTEMS (TYPICALLY 5KV TO 35KV
SYSTEMS).
USES PERMITTED:

 IN RACEWAYS, CABLE TRAYS, DUCTS, AND DIRECT BURIAL

 FOR FEEDER AND BRANCH CIRCUITS

 IN DRY, WET, OR UNDERGROUND ENVIRONMENTS

 AS PART OF A UTILITY INTERFACE OR CUSTOMER-OWNED DISTRIBUTION

COMMON IN: SUBSTATIONS, INDUSTRIAL PLANTS, AND LARGE CAMPUS-TYPE INSTALLATIONS

USES NOT PERMITTED:

 WHERE SUBJECT TO PHYSICAL DAMAGE, UNLESS PROPERLY PROTECTED

 IN PLACES NOT RATED FOR CABLE INSULATION CLASS OR TEMPERATURE

CONSTRUCTION FEATURES:

 CONDUCTOR: COPPER OR ALUMINUM

 INSULATION TYPES:

o EPR (ETHYLENE PROPYLENE RUBBER)

o TR-XLPE (TREE-RETARDANT CROSS-LINKED POLYETHYLENE)

 SHIELDING: METALLIC TAPE OR WIRE SHIELDING REQUIRED FOR MOST APPLICATIONS

 JACKET: OPTIONAL, BUT OFTEN USED FOR MOISTURE AND MECHANICAL PROTECTION

INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS:

 MINIMUM BENDING RADIUS:

o AS PER TABLE 1 OF 3.43 OR MANUFACTURER’S SPECS

 TERMINATIONS AND SPLICES MUST BE:

o RATED FOR VOLTAGE CLASS

o MADE USING LISTED ACCESSORIES

 METALLIC SHIELDING MUST BE GROUNDED PROPERLY

 SEPARATION FROM OTHER SYSTEMS AS REQUIRED BY CODE

MARKING:

 MUST INDICATE:

o VOLTAGE RATING

o INSULATION TYPE

o CONDUCTOR SIZE/TYPE

o MANUFACTURER ID

o SHIELD TYPE IF APPLICABLE

2. ARTICLE 3.44 – WIND TURBINE TRAY CABLE (TYPE TC-WTS)

SCOPE:
  APPLIES TO TYPE TC-WTS, A SPECIALTY CABLE FOR USE IN WIND TURBINE APPLICATIONS.

DEFINITION:

 A ROBUST TRAY-RATED POWER/CONTROL CABLE DESIGNED TO:

o WITHSTAND MECHANICAL STRESSES

o OPERATE UNDER THERMAL AND DYNAMIC LOAD CYCLING

o FUNCTION IN THE UNIQUE CONDITIONS WITHIN WIND TURBINE TOWERS

USES PERMITTED:

 WITHIN WIND TURBINE GENERATORS, NACELLES, AND TOWERS

 IN CABLE TRAYS OR RACEWAYS

 FOR POWER, LIGHTING, CONTROL, AND SIGNAL CIRCUITS

 IN WET, DRY, AND OILY ENVIRONMENTS

 INSTALLED VERTICALLY OR HORIZONTALLY

DESIGNED TO HANDLE TORSION, VIBRATION, AND FLEXING

CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS:

 CONDUCTOR: COPPER OR ALUMINUM

 INSULATION: THERMOSET OR THERMOPLASTIC RATED 90°C WET/DRY

 JACKET: MUST BE:

o SUNLIGHT-, OIL-, MOISTURE-, AND FLAME-RESISTANT

o FLEXIBLE AND RUGGED

 CABLE MUST PASS TORSION AND IMPACT TESTS PER LISTING STANDARDS

INSTALLATION NOTES:

 MAY BE USED UNSUPPORTED BETWEEN CABLE TRAYS AND EQUIPMENT IF:

o PROPERLY SECURED AT INTERVALS

o NOT SUBJECT TO PHYSICAL DAMAGE

 AMPACITY MUST BE CALCULATED BASED ON:

o 3.10.2.6 FOR RACEWAYS OR DIRECT BURIAL

o 4.2.1.5 FOR CABLE TRAY

 GROUNDING CONDUCTOR REQUIRED

MARKING:

 MUST SHOW:

o TYPE TC-WTS

o VOLTAGE RATING

o FLAME TEST COMPLIANCE

o MANUFACTURER
 o SUNLIGHT/OIL/MOISTURE RESISTANCE RATINGS

DETAILED SUMMARY: ARTICLES 3.45 TO 3.46

1. ARTICLE 3.45 – POWER AND CONTROL TRAY CABLE: TYPE TC

SCOPE:

 COVERS TYPE TC CABLES, USED FOR POWER, LIGHTING, CONTROL, AND SIGNAL CIRCUITS.

 DESIGNED FOR INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS, OFTEN ROUTED IN CABLE

TRAYS.

DEFINITION:

 A FACTORY-ASSEMBLED CABLE WITH:

o MULTIPLE INSULATED CONDUCTORS

o OVERALL NONMETALLIC JACKET

o CAN INCLUDE BARE OR COVERED GROUNDING CONDUCTORS

USES PERMITTED:

 IN CABLE TRAYS, RACEWAYS, OR SUPPORTED OPEN RUNS

 INDOORS OR OUTDOORS

 IN WET, DRY, OR HAZARDOUS (CLASSIFIED) LOCATIONS, WHEN APPROVED

 FOR:

o POWER CIRCUITS

o LIGHTING SYSTEMS

o MOTOR AND CONTROL WIRING

o INSTRUMENTATION

USES NOT PERMITTED:

 NOT ALLOWED:

o WHERE SUBJECT TO SEVERE MECHANICAL DAMAGE

o AS OVERHEAD UNSUPPORTED SPANS BEYOND LIMITS

o WHERE EXPOSED TO CONTINUOUS FLEXING (UNLESS SPECIALLY RATED)

SPECIAL PROVISIONS:

 MAY BE USED:

o DIRECT BURIED, IF MARKED "DIRECT BURIAL"

o IN EXPOSED RUNS BETWEEN CABLE TRAY AND EQUIPMENT (ER-RATED CABLES

ONLY)

 MUST BE SUPPORTED AT INTERVALS (MAX 1.8 M OR 6 FT)

 MARKED TC-ER

INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS:
  CONDUCTORS MUST BE RATED 600V (UNLESS OTHERWISE MARKED)

 FLAME-RETARDANT PER UL TESTS

 GROUNDING CONDUCTOR REQUIRED

 MUST BE SECURED AND PROTECTED WHERE SUBJECT TO PHYSICAL STRESS

 AMPACITY DETERMINED USING:

o 3.10.2.6 FOR RACEWAYS

o 4.2.1.5 FOR CABLE TRAYS

MARKING:

 CABLE MUST SHOW:

o TYPE TC

o VOLTAGE AND TEMPERATURE RATINGS

o FLAME TEST REFERENCE

o MANUFACTURER

o SUNLIGHT-, OIL-, OR MOISTURE-RESISTANCE IF APPLICABLE

o TC-ER FOR EXPOSED RUN USE

2. ARTICLE 3.46 – FLAT CABLE ASSEMBLIES FOR USE IN HAZARDOUS (CLASSIFIED) LOCATIONS:
TYPE ITC-HL AND MC-HL

SCOPE:

 COVERS TYPE ITC-HL AND TYPE MC-HL CABLES USED IN:

o HAZARDOUS (CLASSIFIED) LOCATIONS LIKE REFINERIES, CHEMICAL PLANTS, ETC.

DEFINITIONS:

 TYPE ITC-HL: INSTRUMENTATION TRAY CABLE FOR HAZARDOUS LOCATIONS

 TYPE MC-HL: METAL-CLAD CABLE FOR HAZARDOUS LOCATIONS

o BOTH ARE ROBUST, WITH ENHANCED ARMOR AND SEALING FEATURES

USES PERMITTED:

 FOR CIRCUITS IN:

o CLASS I, DIVISION 1 (FLAMMABLE GASES OR VAPORS)

o CLASS II, DIVISION 1 (COMBUSTIBLE DUST)

 INSTALLED:

o IN CABLE TRAYS

o DIRECTLY BURIED

o IN CONDUIT SYSTEMS

 FOR:

o CONTROL, SIGNAL, OR POWER CIRCUITS

o ZONE-CLASSIFIED HAZARDOUS AREAS

CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS:

TYPE KEY FEATURE JACKET/ARMOR

INSTRUMENTATION (LOW
ITC-HL OVERALL ARMOR + HL RATING
POWER/SIGNALS)

METAL-CLAD (CORRUGATED/INTERLOCKED)
MC-HL POWER/CONTROL (HIGHER CURRENT)
ARMOR

 BOTH TYPES INCLUDE:

o FULL COVERAGE METALLIC ARMOR

o GAS/VAPOR-TIGHT JACKET

o MUST PASS IMPACT AND CRUSH TESTS

INSTALLATION NOTES:

 MUST ENTER EQUIPMENT USING LISTED HL FITTINGS

 ARMOR MUST BE GROUNDED

 CANNOT BE INSTALLED UNSUPPORTED ACROSS OPEN SPANS

 MINIMUM BEND RADIUS AND TORQUE SPECS MUST BE FOLLOWED

MARKING:

 MUST INCLUDE:

o TYPE (ITC-HL OR MC-HL)

o VOLTAGE RATING

o FLAME RESISTANCE RATING

o MANUFACTURER

o “HL” MARKING FOR HAZARDOUS LOCATION SUITABILITY

DETAILED SUMMARY: ARTICLES 3.47 TO 3.48

1. ARTICLE 3.47 – INSTRUMENTATION TRAY CABLE: TYPE ITC

SCOPE:

 COVERS TYPE ITC CABLES, USED FOR:

o INSTRUMENTATION

o CONTROL

o LOW-ENERGY CIRCUITS

 COMMON IN INDUSTRIAL FACILITIES, PARTICULARLY WHERE PROCESS CONTROL AND

AUTOMATION ARE KEY.

DEFINITION:

 TYPE ITC: INSTRUMENTATION TRAY CABLE, RATED UP TO 150V AND 5A

 INCLUDES:

o MULTIPLE CONDUCTORS
 o SHIELDING (OPTIONAL BUT COMMON)

o OVERALL JACKET (OFTEN THERMOPLASTIC)

USES PERMITTED:

 IN:

o CABLE TRAYS

o RACEWAYS

o DIRECT BURIAL (IF LISTED)

o WET, DRY, AND HAZARDOUS LOCATIONS (IF MARKED ITC-HL)

 FOR:

o CONTROL SYSTEMS

o MONITORING DEVICES

o SIGNAL TRANSMISSION IN PROCESS ENVIRONMENTS

MUST BE INSTALLED PER ARTICLE 7.70 AND SECTION 3.45 FOR TRAY SYSTEMS

USES NOT PERMITTED:

 IN PLACE OF POWER CABLES

 WHERE SUBJECT TO PHYSICAL DAMAGE, UNLESS ARMORED

 IN HAZARDOUS (CLASSIFIED) AREAS UNLESS RATED ITC-HL

INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS:

 CONDUCTORS: SOLID OR STRANDED COPPER

 MAX CURRENT: 5A

 VOLTAGE: MAX 150V

 MAY BE INSTALLED:

o EXPOSED BETWEEN TRAY AND DEVICE IF:

 ≤15 FT AND

 ≤30V AND

 <5A AND

 MECHANICAL PROTECTION IS PRESENT

SPECIAL FEATURES:

 MAY BE SHIELDED FOR NOISE REDUCTION

 CAN BE ARMORED OR JACKETED FOR DURABILITY

 FLAME-RATED TO MEET TRAY CABLE STANDARDS

MARKING:

 MUST INDICATE:

o TYPE ITC OR ITC-HL

 o VOLTAGE AND TEMPERATURE RATING

o MANUFACTURER

o FLAME TEST COMPLIANCE

o "DIRECT BURIAL" OR "SUNLIGHT RESISTANT" IF APPLICABLE

2. ARTICLE 3.48 – FLEXIBLE CORDS AND CABLES

SCOPE:

 COVERS VARIOUS FLEXIBLE CORD AND CABLE TYPES, USED IN PORTABLE AND MOVABLE
APPLICATIONS.

 INCLUDES:

o TYPE SJ, SJO, SJT, SJTO, SJE, SJOOW, ETC.

DEFINITION:

 FLEXIBLE CORDS: MULTI-CONDUCTOR, OFTEN STRANDED COPPER, WITH VARIOUS

INSULATION AND JACKETING TO ALLOW BENDING AND MOVEMENT

USES PERMITTED:

 CONNECTION OF:

o PORTABLE TOOLS

o APPLIANCES

o TEMPORARY LIGHTING

o INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY

 WIRING IN OR TO EQUIPMENT THAT MOVES DURING OPERATION (E.G., ROBOT ARMS,

CONVEYORS)

 EXTENSION CORDS (WHEN USED SAFELY)

USES NOT PERMITTED:

 AS SUBSTITUTE FOR FIXED WIRING

 THROUGH WALLS, CEILINGS, OR FLOORS

 SECURED TO BUILDING STRUCTURE

 IN CONCEALED LOCATIONS

 WHERE PHYSICAL DAMAGE IS LIKELY, UNLESS CORD IS ARMORED OR EXTRA HARD USAGE
RATED

TYPES AND RATINGS:

TYPE JACKET MATERIAL VOLTAGE NOTES

S THERMOSET 600V HARD SERVICE

SJ THERMOPLASTIC 300V JUNIOR HARD SERVICE

SOOW OIL/WATER RES. 600V EXTRA HARD, FLEXIBLE, INDUSTRIAL

SJT THERMOPLASTIC 300V COMMON FOR OFFICE TOOLS

“W” = WEATHER RESISTANT, “OO” = OIL-RESISTANT INSIDE AND OUT

INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS:

 MUST BE PROTECTED FROM SHARP BENDS AND STRAIN

 USE LISTED STRAIN RELIEF CONNECTORS WHEN TERMINATING INTO BOXES/EQUIPMENT

 DO NOT EXCEED AMPACITY RATINGS

 TEMPORARY USE MUST COMPLY WITH TEMPORARY WIRING RULES (3.01.4)

MARKING:

 PRINTED ON CABLE SURFACE:

o TYPE (SJT, SOOW, ETC.)

o VOLTAGE RATING

o FLAME TEST

o OIL/WEATHER RESISTANCE (IF APPLICABLE)

o MANUFACTURER