Communication cable tray bonding

G

giovanni0502

Member
Location
PA
Question: do cable trays containing only communication cables have to be bonded. I believe yes but dont think it can be enforced.

Code book: 2020 but 2023 would work too

Logic: 90.3= article 800 is exempt from article 250 or 392 requirements unless specifically called out in article 800

800.110 A1= raceways have to be installed per their article. This would make cable tray something that needs bonded under articles 392 and 250, except cable tray isn’t a raceway. Therefore it cant be enforced under this.

392.60= non-power cable tray is mentioned, but according to 90.3 and the informationsl note, this is class 2 or 3 type examples.

800.110 D= cable tray can be used for communication cabling, doesnt mention bonding.


Thoughts?
 
giovanni0502 said:
Question: do cable trays containing only communication cables have to be bonded. I believe yes but dont think it can be enforced.

Code book: 2020 but 2023 would work too

Logic: 90.3= article 800 is exempt from article 250 or 392 requirements unless specifically called out in article 800

800.110 A1= raceways have to be installed per their article. This would make cable tray something that needs bonded under articles 392 and 250, except cable tray isn’t a raceway. Therefore it cant be enforced under this.

392.60= non-power cable tray is mentioned, but according to 90.3 and the informationsl note, this is class 2 or 3 type examples.

800.110 D= cable tray can be used for communication cabling, doesnt mention bonding.


Thoughts?
Click to expand...
You're right to dig deep here—this one's nuanced. Based on NEC 2020 and 2023, bonding communication-only cable trays isn't explicitly required unless they also serve as an EGC or contain power conductors. Article 800.110(D) allows tray use but doesn't impose bonding. And since cable trays aren’t raceways, 800.110(A)(1) doesn’t apply bonding via 250 or 392 either.

So while bonding may be recommended for EMI or lightning protection in some cases (like per ANSI/TIA or BICSI standards), NEC enforcement for bonding isn’t solidly backed without other conductors or functions in play.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top