In a future newsletter, I’ll expand on protection by location and TC-ER code rules.

However, protection by location code deviations, and changes in recent code update cycles have removed most of these concerns. The main cons were around unclear code rules on acceptable installations when they come off the cable trays. The lack of inner jacket and armor allows you to use less expensive connectors and less connector installation labor. The smaller OD makes the cable lighter and allows for tighter bend radius and less tray fill. The pros of tray cables include cost savings, especially for smaller conductor/pair counts and gauge sizes up to about 2 AWG. You will still need an HL marked on the jacket armored cable for your Class 1 Div 1 locations. One exception is that Tray Cable will typically not be HL marked for use in Class 1 Div 1 locations but per 18-152(1)(C) and Table 19 they can be installed in cable trays in Class 1 Div 2 and Class 2 Div 2 hazardous locations. You will find that Tray Cables can be used in almost all the same applications as Teck90 cables, including cable trays, direct burial, duct banks, troughs, continuous rigid supports, and concrete encasement. CE Code Table 19 lists the various Type TC Tray Cable conditions of use.

Cable basics