Tray Cable for use in attic.

Status
Not open for further replies.
R

rmccarron

Member
Does the AHJ have to power to allow Tray Cable to be run thru an attic without being in a raceway or cable tray if that same AHJ deems that the installation of this Tray Cable to be maintaining effective safety. Some inspectors are allowing the installation thru the attic and some are not. Basic question is, Can They allow it?
 
The specific answer might better be answered by the legal authority in the AHJ's jurisdiction.
The NEC in 90.4 delegates the "approval" of wiring to the AHJ and the NEC may be used as a Guideline.
Some jurisdictions require any deviation from the NEC to be presented to an appeals board to show the proposed install is equal in safety,
 
Smart $ said:
Why do you even want to run tray cable in an attic?
Click to expand...

Generac Power Systems sells a Tray Cable to be used with their systems. I have used it outside (In a conduit) and it is very durable and easy to work with and also includes the color matched controls wires for the ATS to Generator connections.
 
rmccarron said:
Generac Power Systems sells a Tray Cable to be used with their systems. I have used it outside (In a conduit) and it is very durable and easy to work with and also includes the color matched controls wires for the ATS to Generator connections.
Click to expand...
Thanks for elaborating. Makes sense to me now. :thumbsup:
 
harpo

harpo

Smart $ said:
Thanks for elaborating. Makes sense to me now.

article 336.12(2) tc tray cable is not allowed outside of a raceway. generac was pushing this cable for use without a conduit. article 90.4 does not give the ahj the authority to install this wiring with out conduit. there are 2 exceptions that do not apply here.
Click to expand...
 
frank everingham said:
...

article 336.12(2) tc tray cable is not allowed outside of a raceway. generac was pushing this cable for use without a conduit. article 90.4 does not give the ahj the authority to install this wiring with out conduit. there are 2 exceptions that do not apply here.
Click to expand...
I realize this, quite possibly more than you know even now... :happyyes:

...and that is why I was wondering why he wanted to use it in the first place. I feel TC cable should be permitted to be installed in the same manner as NM wherever NM is permitted.
 
rmccarron said:
Does the AHJ have to power to allow Tray Cable to be run thru an attic without being in a raceway or cable tray if that same AHJ deems that the installation of this Tray Cable to be maintaining effective safety. Some inspectors are allowing the installation thru the attic and some are not. Basic question is, Can They allow it?
Click to expand...
I will give you my response (for what it is worth)....As an AHJ in the past...I was always guided by the issue of using 90.4 to permit equal or equivalent applications that are not clear and cut within the National Electrical Code and not as a tool to circumvent the minimum safety standards afforded by the NEC. So I would not permit something I knew was a code violation just because I had a "GUT" feeling it was probably ok.

The use of 90.4 as an AHJ has to be done with care.....(my opinion, to which others may disagree)..I could not use 90.4 to overrule something specific in the NEC or a local adopted code. Type TC Cable has not be evaluated for use in a residential application outside of a raceway or cable tray....while it will more than likely never be an issue....will work just as fine as any other cable....as of right now it has not been evaluated for that such use. Now, in the 2017 NEC you will see it be permitted for use in Generator applications in single family dwellings (which will probably open the flood gates next cycle) but as of right now their is no allowance for it.

Playing AHJ...If I permit it because my "GUT" knows it will be ok....only to have it be part of a fire (could happen) then I have to answer questions of malfeasance and misfeasance to a judge...a position that no AHJ really wants to be in when the opposition pulls out the code book and says...Judge....it does not say it is permitted without being in a raceway or cable tray in a residence....just don't want to be in that position as an AHJ...so I will tell the contractor...do it in accordance with the NEC....and not permit Type TC Cable in the attic exposed.

But.....the uses are slowly changing....so time will tell.
 
excellent explanation on the manner in which 90.4 should be addressed, IMO
(although I have foolishly not followed that reasoning occasionally)
 
MasterTheNEC said:
I agree....and I am sure it will be proposed in the 2020 NEC.
Click to expand...
I'm sure it will be too - since it has been in virtually every Code cycle since 1996. I have been amazed how "creative" CMP7 has been in rejecting a construction that is obviously superior to NM in every way. One cycle it was essentially, "But, but, but - it's Tray Cable".

I'm no longer familiar with any of the current CMP members so who knows? It only takes 1/3 of the members to veto it though - and they don't need a particular reason. The TCC just would fail it for lack of support.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top