We’ve published before on the types of tray cable and cable tray, but there are some other classes of tray cable that we would like to cover to offer a more encompassing view into the world of electrical wire and cable. 

That being the case, here are four more relatively broad classes of tray cable as well as their use cases and ratings, where applicable. 

XPTC (XHHW/XLP)

XPTC tray cable is typically protected by a special type of polyethylene (PE) insulation known as cross-linked PE or XLPE. This is a stronger, more durable, more chemically stable form of PE that is more suitable for use as an insulator for electrical wire and cable. XLP is also resistant to ozone and solvents, along with some other chemical stressors. 

It is commonly used in wet and dry locations for power transmission and while XPTC can be used as tray cable it can also be installed in raceways as well as in open air installations. 

It is weather and exposure resistant and some grades of XLP tray cable are also rated for direct burial, which expands its utility as an electrical conductor. 

One class, called XHHW, which signifies that it is resistant to high heat (HH) and water (W) means that the cable can be installed in locations where it will be subjected to high heat as well as wet conditions. 

VNTC

Another class of tray cable is VNTC, or vinyl nylon tray cable, typically has THHN (high-heat, nylon resistant) or TFFN cables protected by an outer jacket of PVC. It is a special class of tray cable that is suitable for power transmission in a wide range of commercial and some industrial installations. 

Like XLP tray cables, some VNTC tray cables are suitable for direct burial as well as in open air. Obviously the “TC” rating signifies that they are also suitable for use as tray cable as well as in raceways. 

Also, VNTC tends to be a relatively cost-effective option, making it an appealing option where the conditions allow. It should be noted however that the relatively lower cost comes at a price, as VNTC cable is generally not as resistant to moisture, high-heat, or chemical attack as XLP cables are. 

WTTC

WTTC, or “wind turbine tray cable” is a special type of tray cable that, as the name suggests, is specifically designed for power transmission inside and around wind turbines. Because of the rigors to which this type of cable will be routinely subjected, it requires some special specifications for those installations. 

WTTC must be made with insulation that is not just physically tough; it should resist oil and also perform well in extremely cold conditions. 

In addition to resistance to oil and cold temperatures, WTTC should also be resistant to abrasion as well as to extremes of temperature and humidity. Because of the nature of the installation, WTTC must also resist high EMI emissions as well as vibration and other mechanical stresses.

It must also be highly flexible because it is commonly installed in the tight confines of wind turbine raceways. 

LSZH

Another unique type of tray cable is LSZH, or “low smoke, zero halogen” tray cable. While relatively new, this type of tray cable is growing in popularity and is commonly installed in public spaces because it does not produce much (or any) toxic smoke when it is overheated or subjected to a flame. 

Like fire alarm cable, LSZH tray cables are resistant to fire and high heat, and are commonly installed in public spaces like commercial buildings, airports, hospitals, entertainment venues, and more. 

In addition to resisting high heat and not producing toxic smoke when overheated, they also generally offer a good degree of resistance to moisture, weather, sunlight, impact, and a variety of chemicals (dependent on specific rating). It is often installed in tight areas, especially those that are already packed with other electrical conductors.

Why Tray Cable (Instead of Conduit)?

Though we’ve covered this before, to rehash, some of the reasons that tray cable is an effective alternative to conduit include the following: 

• It is more cost effective and less labor intensive to lay tray cable.
• Cable tray is more versatile and allows for expansion. 
• Once cables are laid in tray, it is easier to inspect them for repair, replacement or upgrade.
• There is less risk of cable breakage; cables drawn through conduit sometimes break.
• Cable tray allows for greater heat dissipation than conduit does. 

That said, there are still some advantages of conduit, such as that they offer better protection against environmental hazards. 

Explore High Quality Tray Cable Here 

Explore our collection of tray cable and other specialty electrical wire and cable here and if you have any questions about the wire and cable we sell here, or its specifications, get in touch with us at Sales@EWCSWire.com and we will assist you.