When is a Cable Tray a Raceway?

[dicklaxt]

Just a bit of trivia,certainly it is often used in context to be so but is it really???????????


I can only think of one case where it may be classified as such by definition and that is kinda stretching it,,,,,,,,,,,,

1.If it is a solid bottom tray with a cover

are there more possibilities,this is oft times a topic of discussion/argument amongst the trades I have been associated with.........

dick

 

[qcroanoke]

Just a bit of trivia,certainly it is often used in context to be so but is it really???????????


I can only think of one case where it may be classified as such by definition and that is kinda stretching it,,,,,,,,,,,,

1.If it is a solid bottom tray with a cover

are there more possibilities,this is oft times a topic of discussion/argument amongst the trades I have been associated with.........

dick

392.1 Scope. This article covers cable tray systems, including ladder, ventilated trough, ventilated channel, solid bottom, and other similar structures.

392.2 Definition.
Cable tray system. A unit or assembly of units or sections and associated fittings forming a structural system used to securely fasten or support cables and raceways.

It is a support system per the NEC definition.
If you want to debate wether or not it is a raceway the NEC is not going to help.

 

[dicklaxt]

Note I said Trivia,,,,,,,,,,,,,I know what the definition is but like I said if you use a solid bottom tray with a cover can an argument be made that it now qualifies it as a race way and are there other conditions that may do the same,,,,,,,,,,I'm playing a game not installing raceways or cabletrays

dick

 

[qcroanoke]

Note I said Trivia,,,,,,,,,,,,,I know what the definition is but like I said if you use a solid bottom tray with a cover can an argument be made that it now qualifies it as a race way and are there other conditions that may do the same,,,,,,,,,,I'm playing a game not installing raceways or cabletrays

dick

I know. I have had this debate with my supervisor. He is in the "it's a raceway" camp.
I'm not. :0)

 

[Strathead]

Just a bit of trivia,certainly it is often used in context to be so but is it really???????????


I can only think of one case where it may be classified as such by definition and that is kinda stretching it,,,,,,,,,,,,

1.If it is a solid bottom tray with a cover

are there more possibilities,this is oft times a topic of discussion/argument amongst the trades I have been associated with.........

dick

It is semantics, but "cable tray" con't be a raceway, wireway and surface metal reaceway can.
If you can comply with 376, then it is a wireway and OK, If it is listed as surface metal raceway then it can.

 

[eric9822]

A cable tray would never be a raceway. A solid bottom tray with a cover is still a cable tray.

 

[dicklaxt]

By "raceway" definition,if a wireway is considered a raceway then a solid bottom cabletray with a cover is a wireway so it is also a raceway where does it end thats where the argument comes in.I wonder what a good lawyer and a sympathetic judge would say?

dick

 

[eric9822]

By "raceway" definition,if a wireway is considered a raceway then a solid bottom cabletray with a cover is a wireway so it is also a raceway where does it end thats where the argument comes in.I wonder what a good lawyer and a sympathetic judge would say?

dick

Logically speaking I agree. Unfortunately we are dealing with the NEC and logic does not always apply. A wireway is a raceway as defined in article 100. Raceways are designed expressly for holding wires, cables, or busbars with additional features as permitted in the NEC. As defined in 392.2 a cable tray is part of a structural system used to fasten or support cables or raceways. If a solid bottom covered cable tray could be considered a raceway then I don't think the definition would include the support of raceways.

 

[Strathead]

It is semantics, but "cable tray" con't be a raceway, wireway and surface metal reaceway can.
If you can comply with 376, then it is a wireway and OK, If it is listed as surface metal raceway then it can.

Sorry about the spelling. I can't edit it now.

 

[Strathead]

Logically speaking I agree. Unfortunately we are dealing with the NEC and logic does not always apply. A wireway is a raceway as defined in article 100. Raceways are designed expressly for holding wires, cables, or busbars with additional features as permitted in the NEC. As defined in 392.2 a cable tray is part of a structural system used to fasten or support cables or raceways. If a solid bottom covered cable tray could be considered a raceway then I don't think the definition would include the support of raceways.

I respectfully disagree if I understand you premise correctly.

A NEMA 1 metal wireway is not required to be a listed assembly. The contruction requirements are included in the code. Regardless of whether a cable tray is a cable tray, if it fulfills all of the requirements of a wireway, it can be used as a wireway. When the same item is used as a cable tray, it can't be used as a wireway.

 

[dicklaxt]

A solid bottom cable tray with a removable cover fits the definition of a wireway in ART 376.2 therefore a cable tray under those conditions and per the definition of a raceway in Art 100 where a wireway is included, then by the laws of the english language and words having specific meaning then a cable tray can be a raceway.

You see it's hard to say a cable tray is not a raceway based on the above.

I really don't care whether it can or can't, there is argument in both directions ,it just depends on where you start :happyno::happyyes::happysad::?

It's Friday,I voted today but they wouldn't let me vote for Sarah ,,,,

dick

 

[eric9822]

I respectfully disagree if I understand you premise correctly.

A NEMA 1 metal wireway is not required to be a listed assembly. The contruction requirements are included in the code. Regardless of whether a cable tray is a cable tray, if it fulfills all of the requirements of a wireway, it can be used as a wireway. When the same item is used as a cable tray, it can't be used as a wireway.

A solid bottom cable tray with a removable cover fits the definition of a wireway in ART 376.2 therefore a cable tray under those conditions and per the definition of a raceway in Art 100 where a wireway is included, then by the laws of the english language and words having specific meaning then a cable tray can be a raceway.

You see it's hard to say a cable tray is not a raceway based on the above.

I really don't care whether it can or can't, there is argument in both directions ,it just depends on where you start :happyno::happyyes::happysad::?

It's Friday,I voted today but they wouldn't let me vote for Sarah ,,,,

dick

I agree to disagree. This has been argued before BTW. There were opinions on both sides. http://forums.mikeholt.com/showthread.php?t=146064&p=1407999&highlight=#post1407999

 

[weressl]

Just a bit of trivia,certainly it is often used in context to be so but is it really???????????


I can only think of one case where it may be classified as such by definition and that is kinda stretching it,,,,,,,,,,,,

1.If it is a solid bottom tray with a cover

are there more possibilities,this is oft times a topic of discussion/argument amongst the trades I have been associated with.........

dick

When it stops being a cable tray. When you have solid bottom and solid cover the cables installed within still have to be one of the cable choices allowed by Article 392 Cable Trays. Ex. single conductor type XHH_ only allowed to be installed in cable tray if over a certain size AND labeled -TC. There are no such restriction for raceway installation of the same type.