When industrial or commercial electrical systems are involved picking the cable is a very important choice. Each cable is made for a job and using the wrong one can create problems with installation and maintenance later on.

One cable type you may encounter is tray cable. Tray cable is often found in factories, manufacturing plants, commercial buildings, automation systems and other large electrical installations. Tray cable helps route power and control circuits through cable trays in a way.

What is tray cable and why is it used in these systems? Understanding the types uses and ratings of tray cable can make it easier to decide which cable is suitable for your project.

What Is Tray Cable? 

Tray cable is a cable designed for installation in cable trays and other approved wiring methods. Tray cable can contain insulated conductors inside one outer jacket allowing several electrical circuits to be routed in an organized manner.

Cable trays give a defined path for cables. Of running individual cables through different routes a tray system allows them to be supported and managed together.

Depending on the product tray cable can be used for power circuits, control circuits or other approved applications. However not every tray cable has the rating. The cable must be selected according to its voltage, temperature, environment and intended installation method.

Tray Cable at a Glance

• Commonly used for: Power and control circuits

• Common types: TC, TC-ER, VNTC

• Typical locations: Factories, plants, and commercial facilities

• Main benefit: Organized cable routing

• Installation: Cable trays and other approved wiring methods

Understanding TC Cable

You may often see tray cable listed as TC cable. TC stands for Tray Cable.

For example a manufacturing plant may have machines connected to electrical panels. A cable tray can provide a route for the wiring while the appropriate TC cable can carry the required circuits.

When selecting TC cable do not look at conductor size. The voltage rating, number of conductors, temperature rating, cable length and installation conditions also need to be considered. 

What Is TC-ER Cable? 

TC-ER cable is a type of tray cable that can be suitable for exposed runs between a cable tray and electrical equipment when the specific cable and installation meet the applicable requirements.

The "ER" generally refers to Exposed Run. This can be useful in installations where equipment is positioned away from the main cable tray.

For example a cable may need to leave the tray and continue toward a motor, machine or control panel. An rated TC-ER cable may be used for this type of connection where permitted.

However TC-ER does not mean that the cable can be installed anywhere without protection. The product rating and installation requirements should always be checked before use.

What Are the Main Tray Cable Types? 

There are types of tray cable and the right choice depends on what the cable needs to do and where it will be installed.

Power Tray Cable

Power tray cable is used for circuits that carry power to equipment and other parts of an electrical system. The appropriate cable depends on the required voltage, conductor size and installation conditions.

Control Tray Cable

Control tray cable is used for control circuits and connections between control equipment and machinery. Control tray cable is commonly found in automation systems, manufacturing facilities and machine-control applications.

TC-ER Cable

TC-ER cable is designed for cable tray applications and certain approved exposed runs. It can be useful when electrical equipment is located away from the main cable tray.

VNTC Tray Cable

VNTC tray cable is another type of tray cable used for specific industrial and commercial applications. Its construction and ratings can vary between products.

When choosing VNTC cable, check the individual product specifications to make sure it is suitable for your intended installation. 

Tray Cable Types at a Glance

Tray Cable Uses

There are many tray cable uses in industrial and commercial electrical systems.

Manufacturing plants often use tray cable to connect motors, machines, electrical panels and other equipment. Tray cable can also be used in processing facilities, warehouses, commercial buildings and industrial automation systems.

One of the reasons tray cable is useful is organization. When several electrical circuits need to travel across a facility cable trays provide a clear route for the wiring.

This can also make maintenance easier. Technicians can follow the cable tray. Identify where different cables are routed instead of searching through a collection of loose or separately routed wires.

The exact use of a tray cable depends on its rating and the requirements of the installation.

Tray Cable Industrial Applications

The range of tray cable applications is quite broad.

In manufacturing plants tray cables can be used for machinery, motors, control panels and production equipment. Industrial automation systems may use control tray cable to connect machines with control equipment.

Tray cable can also be found in processing plants, water and wastewater facilities, warehouses, utility-related installations and large commercial buildings.

Industrial environments can be demanding. Cables may be exposed to heat, moisture, chemicals, vibration, sunlight or mechanical stress. Because of this tray cable must be selected according to the conditions of the installation.

A cable that works well in an indoor environment may not be suitable for an area with high heat, moisture, chemicals or other challenging conditions.

Tray Cable vs THHN: What's the Difference?

The tray cable vs THHN comparison is common when choosing electrical wiring but these two options are not the same.

THHN is generally an electrical conductor. It is commonly installed inside a conduit or raceway.

Tray cable is a cable assembly that can contain multiple conductors inside an outer jacket. Tray cable is designed for cable tray applications. May have additional approved uses depending on its specific rating.

For example an installation that uses conduit and individual conductors may use THHN. A system designed around cable trays may use a tray cable.

Neither option is automatically better. The right choice depends on the wiring method, electrical requirements, environment and applicable installation rules.

How to Choose the Right Tray Cable

Choosing between tray cable types starts with understanding the job the cable needs to perform.

First consider whether the cable will carry power or control signals. Then check the required conductor size, voltage, number of conductors, cable length and temperature rating.

The environment is also important. If the cable will be exposed to moisture, heat, chemicals, sunlight or vibration make sure its rating is suitable for those conditions.

You should also determine whether TC cable, TC-ER cable, VNTC tray cable, power tray cable or control tray cable is needed.

If buying online read the product specifications rather than choosing only from the product title. This can help avoid selecting a cable that does not match the requirements of the project.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A mistake is choosing tray cable only by conductor size. While wire size is important it is not the specification that matters. Voltage, temperature, environment and installation method should also be considered.

Another mistake is assuming that all tray cables have the ratings. TC cable, TC-ER cable, VNTC tray cable, power cable and control cable can have specifications and intended uses.

It is also important not to assume that every TC-ER cable can be used for any exposed run. The permitted use depends on the cable and installation conditions.

Finally do not ignore the manufacturer’s instructions. A cable that is suitable for one environment may not be the right choice for another.

What to Check Before Buying Tray Cable

Before purchasing tray cable check the conductor size, voltage rating, number of conductors, temperature rating, cable length and environmental suitability.

Also make sure the cable is designed for the wiring method you plan to use. If an exposed run is needed check the product rating instead of assuming that every TC-ER cable has the same capabilities.

For permanent electrical projects consulting a qualified electrical professional can help choose the right cable and installation method.

Final Thoughts

Tray cable is a practical option for many industrial and commercial electrical systems. From TC cable and TC-ER cable to VNTC tray cable different products are available for power and control applications.

Understanding what tray cable is the first step. It is also necessary to consider tray cable’s rating, conductor size, voltage, environment and installation method before choosing a product.

Whether tray cable is needed for a power and control project or for a control tray cable, in an automation system always choose a product that matches the requirements of the installation.

Taking a time to check the specifications before buying can help choose the right product and avoid unnecessary installation problems later.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is tray cable used for?

Tray cable is commonly used to route power and control circuits through cable trays and other approved wiring systems. It is widely used in industrial plants, commercial facilities, manufacturing systems, and automation applications.

2. What is TC cable? 

TC cable stands for Tray Cable. It is designed for use in cable trays and other approved wiring methods. TC cable is available in different sizes and configurations for various electrical applications.

3. What is TC-ER cable? 

TC-ER cable is a type of tray cable that can be suitable for certain exposed runs between a cable tray and electrical equipment when the specific product and installation meet the applicable requirements. 

4. What are the main types of tray cable? 

Common categories include TC cable, TC-ER cable, power tray cable, control tray cable, and VNTC tray cable. The right type depends on the circuit, equipment, and installation environment.

5. What is the difference between tray cable and THHN? 

THHN is generally an individual conductor used in an approved wiring method such as conduit. Tray cable is a complete cable assembly with multiple conductors and is designed for cable tray applications.

6. Where is tray cable commonly used?