TC cable intended use is per art.336 -- I have had multiple discussion with UL evaluators about how TC cable exceeds the requirements of PLTC class 2 & 3 rated cables per NEC 725. IMO it is a shame the code language for tc cable in art 336 directs the use to within a raceway or cable tray system as it's intended industrial type use. With that said,
90.3 -Chapters 1 through 4 apply
except as amended by Chapters 5, 6, and 7 for the particular conditions.
336.10 Uses Permitted (1) For power, lighting, control, and signal circuits.
336.12 Uses Not Permitted
- Installed where it will be exposed to physical damage
725.130 Wiring Methods and Materials on Load Side of the Class 2 or Class 3 Power Source
Class 2 and Class 3 circuits on the load side of the power source shall be permitted to be installed using wiring methods and materials in accordance with either 725.130(A) or (B).
(B) Class 2 and Class 3 Wiring Methods. Conductors on the load side of the power source shall be insulated at not less than the requirements of 725.179 and shall be installed in accordance with 725.133 and 725.154.
725.179 Listing and Marking of Class 2, Class 3, and Type PLTC Cables
Class 2, Class 3, and Type PLTC cables and nonmetallic signaling raceways installed as wiring methods within buildings shall be listed as being resistant to the spread of fire and other criteria in accordance with 725.179(A) through (K) and shall be marked in accordance with 725.179(L).
(C) Types CL2 and CL3. Types CL2 and CL3 cables shall be marked as Type CL2 or CL3, respectively, and be listed as suitable for general-purpose use, with the exception of risers, ducts, plenums, and other space used for environmental air, and shall also be listed as being resistant to the spread of fire.
(D) Types CL2X and CL3X. Types CL2X and CL3X limited-use cables shall be marked as Type CL2X or CL3X respectively, and be listed as being suitable for use in dwellings and for use in raceway and shall also be listed as being resistant to flame spread.
90.4 Enforcement
. The authority having jurisdiction for enforcement of the
Code has the responsibility for making interpretations of the rules, for deciding on the approval of equipment and materials, and for granting the special permission contemplated in a number of the rules
TC Tray Cable is listed under UL1277. UL 1277 references UL standards 83, 1581. The flame test methods of these standards include the vertical wire flame test (VW-1) and the vertical tray flame test.
Power limited Circuit cable which includes type CL2, CL3 & PLTC cable are tested under UL standards 83, 1581. TC Cable type CL2, CL3, & PLTC pass the IEEE 383 flame test (70,000 BTU/hr).
Nonmetallic Sheathed Cable is listed under UL 719 which includes the UL standards 83, 1581.
CL2, CL3, PLTC, & Nonmetallic Sheathed Cable are applicable to be installed within residential and commercial properties in concealed spaces for class 2 and class 3 installations.
