Cable Tray Pulls

[DataCenterGuy]

Is anyone aware of an actual "Prohibition" in Article 392 (or elsewhere) against pulling Communications Cables from end-to-end through a straight run of Ladder-type Cable Tray with a drag line? Tray is approx. 65-Ft. long, 4-in. Deep, and is still accessible, but contractor deviated from design route without RFI or Submittal, now insists NEC 392 "Prohibits" pulling, and wants client to pay to add conduit or erect scaffolding. We are aware of "Support" vs "Raceway" definitions, but find no actual "Prohibition". LV cable has been pulled through cable tray for years. Is it really illegal??

 

[mdshunk]

The max rated pulling tension may prevent it, for more practical reasons. What you describe should be a cakewalk. I'm not even sure why that contractor is balking. What you want him to do it more or less how you use cable tray.

 

[walkerj]

Table 392.3(A) under cable tray "uses permitted" specifically allows "communications cables" and "communications raceways".

As long as you aren't sharing the tray with power cables with no dividers, and as long as the cables are plenum-rated in plenum areas, you are good to go.

 

[walkerj]

The max rated pulling tension may prevent it, for more practical reasons. What you describe should be a cakewalk. I'm not even sure why that contractor is balking. What you want him to do it more or less how you use cable tray.

Marc is one smart fella.

 

[DataCenterGuy]

The max rated pulling tension may prevent it, for more practical reasons. What you describe should be a cakewalk. I'm not even sure why that contractor is balking. What you want him to do it more or less how you use cable tray.

The reason, unfortunately, is pretty obvious. He created a problem, doesn't want to make it right, and wants an excuse for someone else to pay him more to "fix" it his way. We're all in agreement. Just wanted confirmation that there wasn't a legitimate interpretation buried somewhere we have been missing all these years. Thanks.