Comm Circuits in cable tray

[ron]

Communications cables (Article 800) installed in solid bottom metal cable tray with solid metal covers in compliance with 300.22(C)(1).
Since the environment is a "other space used for environmental air", and since the cables are in enclosed cable tray, is a plenum rating required for the cables per 800.50 & 800.51?
Is enclosed cable tray its own little environment like regular conduit and the cable doesn't have to be listed for the environment outside of its small isolated world? Where would I find that reference in the NEC.

[ July 11, 2005, 12:11 PM: Message edited by: ron ]

 

[steve66]

Re: Comm Circuits in cable tray

300.22(C)(1). The last part says " Other types of cables and condutors shall be installed in EMT.....or, where accessible, surface metal raceway or metal wireway with metal covers or solid bottom metal cable tray with solid metal covers."

So I think you should be ok with regular cable if it is an "other space".

 

[benaround]

Re: Comm Circuits in cable tray

The cables have to leave the 'tray' sooner or later,what do you do then?

frank

 

[ron]

Re: Comm Circuits in cable tray

The tray extends below the suspended ceiling, then the non-plenum rated cable is terminated on the equipment.

 

[steve66]

Re: Comm Circuits in cable tray

I still think regular cable is OK.

Although 800.50 and 800.51 seem more restrictive on what type of cable can be placed in a tray, those trays aren't necessarily made of enclosed metal.

Look at 800.53 (E)(2). If your cable tray is a chapter 3 wiring method, it looks like you can install any listed comm cable.

Steve

 

[benaround]

Re: Comm Circuits in cable tray

ron,

I say your good to go.

frank