Question about proper cable for 48 VDC 5 to 10 A

[Installer]

A vendor is selling us a system sending 48 VDC ranging from 5A to 10 A from a DC converter in an Equipment Rack up seven floors in a cable shaft to power Communications Processors.

The Amps would vary with the number of Communication Processors. This would be a Class 3 application since its greater than 100VA. The vendor is using 10 AWG 2 conductor stranded cable.

The cable shaft contains Communications cabling as well as 120 VAC AC circuits in conduit.

The vendor is using Plenum Cable.

We’re trying to verify the vendor’s cable selection

Article 725 says CL3R applies.

We can’t locate 10 AWG-2 CL3R cable anywhere. We can find it in smaller gauges, around 12 to 18 AWG.
What make us feel queasy is the insulation is usually a thin PVC jacket and is minimal.
Also its always called "remote control and alarm cable"
48 VDC at 10 A seems substantial.

Is there anyway we can require the vendor to use 10 AWG/2 MC cable in this application?

 

[tortuga]

Can you just run MC?

 

[hbiss]

That was my first thought too.

-Hal

 

[Installer]

We can't make them do this without a NEC or OSHA Code provision or something similar. The vendor has to only meet contractual provisions.
Anything anyone could think of would be greatly appreciated

 

[Installer]

Why do PV (photovoltaic) DC circuits fall under NEC Section 690.31(D) and other DC Circuits fall under Article 725?
NEC Section 690.31(D) requires MC cable
Article 725 allows CL3R cable in a PVC jacket.
If we could build on this we would have some basis for requesting the use of MC cable.

 

[Speedskater]

CL3R is a less demanding spec than cables rated for 120/240 Volts.

 

[winnie]

If you are the customer, you can always require the vendor to exceed code minimums. The vendor can always require more $$$ when you request such. So the question you are currently asking could be restated: the vendor's interpretation of code minimum is less than what we as the customer want; is there some aspect of code minimum that the vendor is missing?

You state "We can’t locate 10 AWG-2 CL3R cable anywhere. We can find it in smaller gauges, around 12 to 18 AWG." Isn't that the vendor's problem? They might need to use a different cable simply because of availability.

If they do find 10 AWG-2 CL3R cable, then the next question I'd ask: is it mechanically suitable for the 7 floor vertical installation? The cable might require additional mechanical support that makes it unsuitable or more expensive than the cables that you as the customer would prefer.

But in the end you could always say 'We want MC cable. How much more would you charge?'

-Jonathan