exterior cable in cable tray

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mjmike

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A project we are working on will require a cable installed in an exterior application that may be subject to brief submergence. It will be installed in cable tray. We were looking to use an SOOW cord, but have since been considering type TC cable since it is a permanent installation. Any comments on the best cable to use in this situation? We are planning on specifying southwire's XHHW/CPE control cable. Will type TC cable hold up to the elements? It must be a cable because it needs to utilize a NEMA 6 rated 3/4" KO fitting on a device it serves to maintain a watertight seal.

In the NEC, I also see use permitted #7 that says something about TC-ER cable (exposed run). Not sure what they mean by this because right above that, they say it can be used in cable tray which is exposed? Voltage will be 480V 3-phase. thanks
 
Second the motion. We have a couple of power plants as customers, and the usual way to get from point A to point B is with cable tray. I have all my fire alarm wire that goes in the field run as TC. It's listed for darn near everywhere.
 
TC-ER can be used outside of the tray in limited applications up to 6' in length. If the cable is not marked -ER, it can't be.
 
don_resqcapt19 said:
TC-ER can be used outside of the tray in limited applications up to 6' in length. If the cable is not marked -ER, it can't be.
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It's not limited to 6' in length outside the tray. That's just the maximum securing interval distance.

The limited applications is the kicker on this. Has to be industrial, continuously supported, and protected from physical damage, with all the associated implications. In many cases, that isn't possible without installing strut or channel. In those cases, it's commonly simpler to run conduit and be done with it, just to have consistent installation practices.
 
Don't forget that if it will be exposed to sunlight, the cable will have to be additionally marked as sunlight resistant.
 
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