Article Overview
Metal-Clad (MC) armored cables are suitable and commonly used in cable tray installations, while AC cables are generally limited to dry, indoor locations.
Compatibility with Cable Trays
Armored cables, especially MC cables, are designed with a metallic sheath that provides mechanical protection, making them ideal for environments where cables may be exposed to physical stress, abrasion, or vibration . According to NEC Article 392, cable trays are intended to support open-air rated conductors, and MC cables are explicitly permitted for use in these systems . MC cables include a dedicated insulated grounding conductor, which enhances safety and allows installation in both indoor and outdoor locations, including wet areas, when properly jacketed .
AC vs MC Cables in Cable Trays
- AC (Armored Cable): Typically features an interlocked metal armor with an internal bonding strip. AC cables are limited to dry locations and are not generally recommended for outdoor or wet cable tray installations .
- MC (Metal-Clad Cable): Contains a separate insulated ground wire and can be used in wet, dry, indoor, or outdoor environments. MC cables are widely used in industrial and commercial cable trays for power, lighting, and control circuits .
Installation Considerations
When installing armored cables in cable trays:
- Ensure the cable is UL listed and marked as cable tray rated.
- Maintain proper support and securing intervals, typically not exceeding six feet for MC cables .
- Observe fill limits: power cables should not exceed 40% of the tray cross-section, and control cables should not exceed 50% .
- Separate high-power and low-power cables to prevent electromagnetic interference (EMI), .
- Avoid bending cables beyond their minimum bending radius to prevent damage to the armor or conductors .
Summary
MC armored cables are suitable and commonly used in cable trays, providing mechanical protection, grounding reliability, and compliance with NEC standards. AC cables can be used in cable trays but are restricted to dry, indoor environments. Proper installation, support, and adherence to NEC fill and separation requirements ensure safe and reliable operation .
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