Key Takeaways
- Heavy machinery faces heat, oil, abrasion, high electrical loads and EMI, so its power and control cabling must be built to match.
- Tray cables are multi-conductor cables designed for cable trays, ducts and industrial control wiring, built to NEC Article 336 and UL standards.
- TC-ER-rated tray cables can be installed in short exposed runs without conduit, saving labor and materials.
- A single tray cable can combine conductors for motor power, brake control and sensor feedback, reducing wiring complexity and tray congestion.
- Choose tray cable based on conductor size, voltage rating, jacket material, shielding and the amount of movement in the application.
Reliability is the No. 1 concern in the world of heavy industrial machinery. Whether operating in a steel mill, chemical processing plant or automated logistics hub, the systems that power and control machines must be engineered to withstand punishing conditions. Heat, oil, abrasion, high electrical loads and electromagnetic interference (EMI) are just a few of the daily challenges.
At the heart of this rugged electrical infrastructure are tray cables—specialized multi-conductor cables that carry both power and control signals through cable trays, conduits or directly buried routes. This blog explores how tray cables solve the physical and electrical challenges that are routine in demanding heavy-duty environments. First, a quick look at what tray cables are.
What Are Tray Cables?
Tray cables are multi-conductor electrical cables specifically designed for use in cable trays, ducts and industrial control wiring. Engineered for high-performance applications, they’re available in a variety of configurations to serve both power and data transmission needs.
Tray cables are built to meet strict industry standards. UL Type TC (tray cable) are approved for use in cable trays and often for direct burial. TC-ER (tray cable-exposed run) are rated for use without conduit in exposed runs up to six feet in industrial establishments. MC (metal-clad) are typically used in areas requiring metal armor for added protection. PLTC (power-limited tray cable) are suitable for low-energy control circuits and communications.
Compliance with NEC Article 336 ensures that tray cables meet safety and performance requirements in industrial settings. They’re available shielded or unshielded, with various jacket materials such as PVC for general applications, PUR for resistance to abrasion and chemicals, and the highly flexible and oil-resistant TPE. For a complete overview of types and standards, see the ultimate guide to tray cables. So what makes them such a good fit for heavy equipment?
Why Tray Cables Excel in Heavy-Duty Applications
Tray cables are purpose-built to endure demanding conditions. Their jackets and insulation materials resist abrasion, sunlight, oil, chemicals and even moisture ingress. Whether installed in a fixed tray or routed flexibly along moving machinery, they maintain structural and electrical integrity.
When specified with a TC-ER rating, tray cables can often be installed without the need for conduit in exposed runs—streamlining labor and materials. This flexibility makes them ideal for both new construction and retrofits. Certain types are also approved for use in conduits and even direct burial, eliminating the need for extra protective sheathing. Learn when conduit is still required in do tray cables need to be in conduit?
Furthermore, tray cables often combine power and control conductors within a single sheath. This reduces wiring complexity, minimizes cable tray congestion and simplifies maintenance. A single tray cable might contain conductors for motor power, brake control and sensor feedback—eliminating the need to run multiple separate lines. Where motors and drives generate electrical noise, shielded versions help protect those control and feedback signals; see how to reduce EMI with proper shielded cable selection.
Plus, UL and NEC compliance ensures tray cables are suitable for use in regulated industrial zones, including areas prone to fire hazards or chemical exposure. Flame-retardant and halogen-free jacket options help mitigate the spread of fire and the release of toxic gases, protecting both people and equipment. With those advantages in mind, here’s how to choose the right cable for your equipment.
Choosing the Right Tray Cable for Heavy Equipment
- Conductor size: size conductors for the full load, including motor startup current and voltage drop on long runs. Our tray cable size chart is a good starting point.
- Voltage rating: most industrial power circuits use 600 V tray cable; higher ratings are available for specialized systems. Learn more in what is the maximum voltage rating of tray cables?
- Jacket material: match the jacket to the environment, such as PVC for general use, PUR for abrasion and oil, and TPE for extreme temperatures and chemicals.
- Shielding: choose shielded cable where VFDs, motors or other equipment create electrical noise near sensitive signals.
- Movement: for continuous motion, such as drag chains or robotic arms, choose a cable rated for continuous flexing and respect its bend radius.
Still have questions? Here are the ones we hear most often.
FAQs About Tray Cables for Heavy Equipment
What are tray cables used for in heavy equipment?
Tray cables supply power to motors, pumps and other machinery and carry the control and feedback signals that operate them, in applications such as production lines, steel mills, chemical plants, logistics hubs and pumping stations.
Can one tray cable carry both power and control conductors?
Yes. Many tray cables combine power and control conductors in a single jacket, which reduces the number of cables needed. All conductors must be insulated for the highest voltage present in the cable.
Do tray cables for heavy equipment need to be installed in conduit?
Not always. Tray cables are designed to run in cable trays, and TC-ER cables can run short distances outside the tray without conduit in industrial settings. Conduit may still be required underground, where cables face physical damage or where local codes require it.
Can tray cable be used on moving machinery?
Standard tray cable is designed for fixed installations and occasional movement. For continuous motion, such as drag chains and robotic arms, use a cable specifically rated for continuous flexing. See our guide to proper bending radius and flex-life in continuous-motion applications.
Conclusion
Tray cables are a rugged, versatile solution for powering and controlling heavy machinery. Their ability to combine power and control conductors, simplify installation and withstand aggressive environmental conditions makes them ideal for industrial applications. Built to comply with UL and NEC standards, they deliver long-lasting performance in harsh settings ranging from production lines to outdoor pumping stations.
L-com carries a wide selection of industrial tray cables German-engineered by TKD Kabel. We’ll fill your orders fast, with same-day shipping on all qualified, in-stock, online orders received Monday through Friday before 5 p.m. EST.
For more info about TKD cables, please contact Eileen Harvey via email at Eharvey@infiniteelectronics.com or submit this form.