What are Tray Cables?

Tray cables are power cables used in industrial settings such as factories, utility substations, and more. Along with power, tray cables can also be used for communications. Tray cables were first invented to replace smaller cables that had issues with power and communications failure. Today, tray cables are required for many industrial applications in accordance with the National Electric Code (NEC).

As the name implies, tray cables are meant to be used in trays or other conduit like raceway or wiring ducts. The NEC requires that tray cable is supported every six feet. Tray cable must also meet the exposed run requirement for the property it is on.

The most valuable aspect of tray cable is its versatility. They are designed to be used in many rough environments and are built to be waterproof, UV resistant, and resistant to high temperatures. Whether for a light residential project or heavy machinery on a construction site, tray cable is built to get the job done.

Types of Tray Cables

There are a few different varieties of tray cables but they all share a few things in common. Tray cable is usable in Class 1 and 2, Division 2 hazardous locations as defined by the NEC. The most common variant of tray cable is VNTC.

VNTC (Vinyl Nylon Tray Cable) uses nylon insulation and a PVC jacket. Rated for 600V and 90° Celsius (194° Fahrenheit), VNTC is available from 10-18 AWG with 2-50 conductors (the number of available conductors depends on the AWG of the cable). Both shielded and unshielded versions of VNTC cable are available. VNTC is most commonly used in industrial or commercial applications, typically for power and control.

There is also an offshoot version called PLTC (Power Limited Tray Cable). Most of PLTC’s tech specs are the same as VNTC, but it has a lower voltage rating of 300V and a higher temperature rating at 105° Celsius (221° Fahrenheit). Additionally, PLTC can be used for Class 2 and Class 3 electrical circuits. PLTC is most commonly used for equipment that does not require high levels of power, such as intercom systems and burglar alarms.

A few other types of tray cables do exist, but they are designed with specific uses in mind and are less common than VNTC and PLTC. For example, WTTC (Wind Turbine Tray Cable) is an environmentally friendly cable designed for use with wind turbines.


Tray cable VNTC PLTC

A 10 AWG, 2 conductor VNTC tray cable

Getting Started with Tray Cables

ShowMeCables carries a number of tray cables that are available today. Our stock tray cables come in VNTC and PLTC varieties, available in 10-18 AWG for VNTC and 10-20 AWG for PLTC with anywhere from 2 to 50 conductors (the exact number of conductors available to choose from will be determined by the AWG of the cable). Each and every type is available in 100’, 250’, 500’, and 1000’ rolls and can also be cut by the foot for any custom length to best suit your application. Other types of tray cables can be quoted and ordered by our sales team.

Anytime you need a quote for any cabling requirements, you can reach our sales team directly at 888-519-9505 or sales@showmecables.com. Our experts will have a quote prepared and over to you within one business day.