Honeywell MiniSplit Cable

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augie47

augie47

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State Electrical Inspector (Retired)
Honeywell has a cable designed for use with Mini-Split HVAC units. The cable is clearly marked "Type TC" with no other type insulation noted.
Art 336 notes that in other than allowed in industrial installations, TC is required to be in a raceway.
For those who encounter this cable, how are you folks approaching this ?
 
augie47 said:
Honeywell has a cable designed for use with Mini-Split HVAC units. The cable is clearly marked "Type TC" with no other type insulation noted.
Art 336 notes that in other than allowed in industrial installations, TC is required to be in a raceway.
For those who encounter this cable, how are you folks approaching this ?
Click to expand...

I installed a Fujitsu split system last summer. It came with TC-ER cable with the instructions to run it with the line sets. My install happened be in an industrial setting. But when I spoke to the salesman he said that's how they do it in all installations including residential. Apparently it's pretty common.
 
augie47 said:
Honeywell has a cable designed for use with Mini-Split HVAC units. The cable is clearly marked "Type TC" with no other type insulation noted.
Art 336 notes that in other than allowed in industrial installations, TC is required to be in a raceway.
For those who encounter this cable, how are you folks approaching this ?
Click to expand...

I have heard about these cables for many years with other makers as well.

I have never seen them on the job, I suspect the HVAC guys don't buy them because we electricians would not use them.
 
I ran into this 2 years ago. The hvac guy ran the TC over 100 feet thru turns etc. They were not happy when I told them they could not use it... I don't see how they are running these wires anyway..
 
augie47 said:
Honeywell has a cable designed for use with Mini-Split HVAC units. The cable is clearly marked "Type TC" with no other type insulation noted.
Art 336 notes that in other than allowed in industrial installations, TC is required to be in a raceway.
For those who encounter this cable, how are you folks approaching this ?
Click to expand...

I would tell the HVAC contractor to order the right cable from Honeywell or put it in conduit. He bought the TC cable because it was cheaper than their MC cable.
 
In Washington we can use TC in places where NM is allowed.
The 2017 NEC adds an allowance to use TC-ER in one and two family dwellings. I am not able to paste from the adobe version of the 2017 NEC.
There also is this IN
Informational Note No. 1: TC-ER cable that is suitable
for pulling through structural members is marked “JP.”
 
I have used 18 gauge TC-ER marked "Sun Res Dir Burial" for the control circuits between the ATS and stand-by generator in a residential setting. Without conduit. I suppose this was non-compliant? I was told the "ER" stood for "exposed run"
 
iwire said:
Dave, I don't dispute that in the least. :)

I just don't like doing things over .... especially for stupid stuff like this and there is no way to fight this if an inspector had an issue with it.
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I know, I know. I used to run TC in houses till I found out it was not allowed and never got gigged so there is a chance I could get away with it, but I wouldn't try. By day I am a quiet and compliant electrician.
 
I recently got tagged in Washington for no disconnect for the indoor unit. I was concerned about the TC cable too (was not aware of the WA exception till Tom posted it just now). As is typical, I didnt install any of the stuff except the power to the compressor - the HVAC guys did. In Washington, HVAC guys typically have a limited/specialty electrical license. I added the disconnect, but just thinking now, I should have said, "talk to the HVAC guys about that one." as I feel that interconnect cable and disco should fall on them.
 
augie47 said:
Honeywell has a cable designed for use with Mini-Split HVAC units. The cable is clearly marked "Type TC" with no other type insulation noted.
Art 336 notes that in other than allowed in industrial installations, TC is required to be in a raceway.
For those who encounter this cable, how are you folks approaching this ?
Click to expand...

Not only does this install violate Art. 336 it also violates manufacturers instructions. Honeywell states their TC cable must be run in conduit once it enters a structure.
 

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Mgraw said:
True but are you going to run MC from the condenser to the indoor unit? If a HVAC guy is going to spend the money on TC cable why not spend a little more and buy the right cable.
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As I mentioned before the HVAC guys don't provide any cable at all. So seeing as we are buying it we use MC, we strip it and sleeve it out to the outdoor unit.
 
iwire said:
As I mentioned before the HVAC guys don't provide any cable at all. So seeing as we are buying it we use MC, we strip it and sleeve it out to the outdoor unit.
Click to expand...

I don't agree with that. HVAC guys(I am one) buy cable all the time. These cables are targeted to HVAC installers. They are usually sold by HVAC suppliers. In residential, in my experience, it is common for electricians to run power to the condenser and the HVAC installer does the rest.
 
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