When selecting multi conductor tray cables, reliability, voltage rating, environment tolerance, and compliance with electrical codes are key factors. This guide highlights five relevant options and compares their features to help engineers, electricians, and facilities managers choose suitable tray cables for power, control, and signaling applications.
Summary of Selected Products
| Product | Brand | Length / Configuration | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vinyl Nylon Tray Cable (VNTC) – 14 AWG – 3 Conductor – 600V – 100 ft | Custom Cable Connection | 100 ft, 3 conductors | VNTC Tray Cable |
| Vinyl Nylon Tray Cable (VNTC) – 14 AWG – 3 Conductor – 600V – 50 ft | Custom Cable Connection | 50 ft, 3 conductors | VNTC Tray Cable |
| Vinyl Nylon Tray Cable (VNTC) – 14 AWG – 3 Conductor – 600V – 250 ft | Custom Cable Connection | 250 ft, 3 conductors | VNTC Tray Cable |
| Belden 9410 300V Power-Limited Multi-Conductor Tray Cable | Belden | 1 spool 500 ft | Power-Limited Tray Cable |
| 12/2 Metal Clad (MC) Cable with Aluminum Armor and Copper Conductors | Stock Wire | 50 ft or more (cut options listed) | MC Cable |
Vinyl Nylon Tray Cable (VNTC) – 14 AWG – 3 Conductor – 100 ft
Product overview: This 14 AWG, 3-conductor VNTC tray cable provides flexible, flame-retardant power and control capabilities for indoor and outdoor installations. Its direct burial capability, wet and dry location suitability, and compatibility with tray, conduit, and other raceways make it a versatile choice for both light industrial and larger projects. The cable’s flame retardant properties align with NEC requirements for cable trays and conduits, supporting safe operation in various environments.
Key features: 14 AWG, 3 conductors; direct burial suitability; flame retardant; sunlight and weather resistance; suitable for power, control, and signaling applications; compliant with applicable NEC provisions.
Vinyl Nylon Tray Cable (VNTC) – 14 AWG – 3 Conductor – 50 ft
Product overview: A 50-foot roll of 14 AWG VNTC tray cable with three conductors, suited for flexible, flame-retardant power and control transmission. It is designed for use in both wet and dry locations and can be deployed in trays, conduits, air ducts, or direct burial in suitable conditions. The cable’s dual compatibility with indoor and outdoor settings makes it a practical option for varied industrial layouts.
Key features: 14 AWG, 3 conductors; direct burial and environmental resilience; flame retardant; multi-environment usability; widely applicable in utilities and construction.
Vinyl Nylon Tray Cable (VNTC) – 14 AWG – 3 Conductor – 250 ft
Product overview: A longer spool suitable for larger installations, maintaining the same 14 AWG and three-conductor configuration. Its flame-retardant, VNTC formulation supports installations in trays, conduits, and raceways while offering direct burial compatibility in appropriate environments. This option minimizes the number of splices for extensive projects.
Key features: 14 AWG, 3 conductors; 250 ft length; flame retardant VNTC; sunlight resistance; suitable for direct burial and multiple installation methods.
Belden 9410 300V Power-Limited Multi-Conductor Tray Cable
Product overview: Belden’s 9410 tray cable is a power-limited multi-conductor option designed for tray and conduit installations. It is suitable for control, signaling, and low-voltage power distribution in industrial settings. The 500-foot spool variant supports long runs with fewer connections, aligning with code-compliant, cost-efficient installations where space and reliability matter.
Key features: 300V rating; multi-conductor design; recommended for trays and conduits; suitable for power and control circuits; long-length spool availability.
12/2 Metal Clad (MC) Cable with Aluminum Armor
Product overview: A 12/2 MC cable option featuring aluminum armor and copper conductors. This cable is well-suited for commercial, industrial, and multi-residential installations where additional abrasion resistance and lightweight armor are desirable. It supports concealed and exposed installations and can be fished or embedded in plaster, offering versatility in both new builds and renovations.
Key features: 12/2 configuration; aluminum armor with copper conductors; lighter than traditional steel-armored MC cable; suitable for concealed or exposed installations; adaptable to various building types.
Belden 1033A 20 AWG 300V Tray Cable
Product overview: Belden’s 1033A is a 20 AWG, 300V tray cable designed for low-voltage signaling and control circuits within tray environments. This option is appropriate for data or sensor networks where compact conductors are advantageous, while still requiring tray or conduit routing in industrial settings.
Key features: 20 AWG, 300V; suitable for signaling and control; compatible with tray installations; compact conductor size for dense cable runs.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
- Voltage rating and current capacity: Choose cables rated for the expected system voltage and load. Higher voltage cables require appropriate insulation and protection in trays and conduits.
- Conductor count and gauge: Match the conductor count to the required control or power circuits. Thinner gauges (like 20 AWG) are suitable for signaling, while heavier gauges (14 AWG) handle higher current.
- Insulation and jacket materials: VNTC insulation provides flame retardance and moisture resistance; ensure the jacket type aligns with exposure to sunlight, moisture, or direct burial.
- Environmental and installation constraints: Wet vs. dry locations, soil burial, exposure to sunlight, and whether the cable will be run in trays, conduits, or ducts. Some cables are explicitly rated for direct burial and outdoor use.
- Armoring and protection: MC cables with aluminum or steel armor offer abrasion resistance and mechanical protection for installations in industrial settings or concealed installations.
- Code compliance and hazardous locations: Some cables are approved for use in hazardous locations (Class I/II Div. 2). Verify NEC and local code requirements for your installation.
- Length and procurement practicality: Long spool options reduce the need for splices and improve installation efficiency, but check compatibility with current project lengths and handling constraints.
- Cost considerations vs. performance: Weigh quotes based on insulation, shielding, armor, and environmental suitability—long-term reliability and maintenance can offset initial costs.
- Avoid mixing cable families unnecessarily: Keep within a cable family for a given run to simplify installation and future maintenance.
- Documentation and markings: Ensure each cable is clearly labeled for its intended purpose and location to aid future service and safety audits.