What is the difference between cable tray and raceway

Cables of either class or the dual rated cables are also available with an ER rating and as such may be installed as previously discussed under TC- ER cables with the exception that PLTC-ER and ITC-ER must be continuously supported using mechanical protection such as struts, angles, or channels and secured every six feet.

ITC cables may be installed in industrial establishments where the conditions of maintenance and supervision ensure that only qualified personnel service the installation. They may be installed either in cable trays, raceways, hazardous locations, as an aerial cable on a messenger, direct burial where identified for the use, under raised floors in rooms containing industrial equipment, under raised floors in information technology equipment rooms.

ITC cables may not be installed with power, lighting, Class 1 circuits that are not power limited, or non-power limited circuits unless they have a metallic sheath and or are terminated within equipment or junction boxes or separations are maintained by insulating barriers. This is generally accomplished through a barrier strip within the cable tray.

Whenever possible it is considered best practice to route power and instrumentation cables is separate trays. Type MC-Metal Clad Cables — NEC Article — Metal Clad cables are assemblies of one or more insulated circuit conductors with or without optical fiber members enclosed in an armor of interlocking metal tape, or a smooth corrugated sheath.

A plastic overall jacket can also be provided. In appearance MC cables are very similar to armored clad cables type AC cables. It is important to differentiate the two as they should not be confused. Type MC cables contain an equipment ground conductor while type AC cables have an internal bonding strip in contact with the armor. More importantly type MC cables are suitable for outdoor use while type AC cables are not permitted for outdoor use wet or damp locations.

Type MC cables are widely used in volt and MV power, lighting and control applications. They are permitted for use on services, feeders and branch circuits for power, lighting, control and signaling circuits in accordance with Article and of the NEC. Type MC cables may be installed indoors or outdoors, in wet or dry locations, hazardous locations Class I, Division I , in cable tray, as aerial cable on a messenger, in any approved raceway, direct burial where identified , or encased in concrete where identified.

MC cables are not permitted to be installed where subject to physical damage. MC cables must be supported and secured at intervals not exceeding six feet. In many industrial application type MC cables, routed in cable trays, have proven to be an excellent economic alternative to wire in conduit. Type MI-Mineral Insulated, Metal Sheathed — NEC Article - MI cables are a factory assembly of one or more conductors insulated with a highly compressed refractory mineral insulation, typically magnesium oxide, and enclosed in a liquidtight and gas tight continuous copper or alloy steel sheath.

They can also be provided with an overall plastic jacket for additional corrosion protection. Since MI cables use no organic material as insulation except at the ends , they are more resistant to fires than plastic-insulated cables.

MI cables have a two-hour fire rating for critical emergency service and can be used as plenum cabling without an overall nonmetallic jacket. MI cable is also used in process industries handling flammable fluids where small fires would otherwise cause damage to control or power cables. MI cable is also highly resistant to ionizing radiation and are used in applications at nuclear power facilities and nuclear physics apparatus. If a facility resides in a single room, it is common practice to install the cable tray so it follows the perimeter of the workspace.

Right angle fittings are readily available. It is generally mounted high enough so workers can pass underneath without stooping but not so high that it is close enough to the ceiling to limit access.

This presupposes a sufficiently high-ceiling construction in the first place. As the cable tray follows the perimeter of the room, power and data conductors can enter and exit at various locations, thence traveling in the raceway to the points of usage. For raceways terminating at a tray, a listed cable tray clamp or adapter fastens the raceway to the cable tray system.

Cable trays are available in a wide variety of sizes, styles including ladder, ventilated trough, ventilated channel, solid bottom and similar structures and materials, metallic or non-metallic. If made of conductive material, the cable tray is one of the permitted types of equipment grounding conductors. Where sections bolt together, paint is supposed to be scraped off and jumper wires installed to ensure ground continuity. Ladder trays generally get used where there are larger bundles or heavier cables.

The ladder cable tray has two side rails connected by cross members, or rungs. But it's much more complex than that: there are tons of different types of raceway, each suited for a unique application.

What are the differences? Which one is right for you? If those are your questions, then You've come to the right place. W hat is Raceways-Cable Tray Trunking? Cables are exposed and easily accessible — making inspection and future modifications uncomplicated. These solutions require minimal space. Cable ladders are typically supplied in 3 or 6-meter lengths. Cable tray Other common names: trough, ventilated cable tray Consists of a single sheet of metal. Many cable trays have slot patterns, which makes it easy to position equipment and fasten cable ties and other fixings, such as tubing clamps.

Suited for light electrical and instrumentation cables and tubing. The bottom coverage helps reduce electromagnetic interference, while the perforations enable water drainage and ventilation. Cable trays are the most aesthetically pleasing option.

In buildings with no panelled ceiling, cable trays can be a great option for hiding cables whilst keeping them organised. Cable trays are typically supplied in 3-meter lengths. Contact us. Print Email page.