XLP PVC Tray Cable

For a reliable, flame-retardant tray cable that meets federal safety regulations and offers optimal performance, consider XLP PVC Tray Cable.  XLP PVC Tray Cable is a rugged conductor that is available in single and multi-conductor versions.  The XLP PVC Tray Cable is a power cable that is designed for installation in conduit, cable tray or direct burial.  Even though a tray cable is typically installed inside a protective channel or raceway, it is still important to buy a cable that will not succumb to the inevitable destructive forces that it will be exposed to over time.

CVTC XLPE PVC Type TC begins with a class B stranded bare copper conductor that aligns with ASTM standards B-33 and B-8 for annealed copper conductors.  Class B copper is a common copper product used in electrical wiring because it has undergone the process of annealing, which is when the copper metal is heated and slowly cooled.  The annealing process releases internal stress in the copper, producing a flexible copper product that offers the same powerful conductive properties as standard copper.  The copper conductor is available in many sizes.  Larger gauges are able to carry higher amperages and are therefore used more often in heavy-duty industrial applications.  Smaller gauges are often used for more moderate tasks such as residential applications.  Multi-conductor constructions are available as well for tasks that require multiple circuits to be connected with one cable. 

XLP PVC Tray Cable conductors are insulated with crosslinked polyethylene, an excellent material that has become a popular material for the insulation of copper cables.  Crosslinked polyethylene (also known as XLPE) is specifically designed as a protective coating for applications like chemical storage.  It is created through a process of heating and cooling.  Once the process has finished, the result is a highly durable, seem-less material that can coat metals to protect from chemical corrosion as well as abrasion and temperature damage.

Another reason crosslinked polyethylene is such a popular material for insulation of cables is because it requires virtually no maintenance once set in place.  The crosslinked, seam-less construction makes the insulation into one large member that will not crack or split, even in dry conditions.  Prior to the use of crosslinked polyethylene as an insulation, linear polyethylene and fiberglass-reinforced plastic were popular insulation materials.  However, they both showed flaws that led to an early defectiveness in the cable.  Linear polyethylene is prone to splitting and cracking because instead of crosslinked construction, it has a linear, side-by-side construction, which can split at the seams.  Fiberglass-reinforced plastic is not a desirable insulation material because chemicals are able to penetrate the fibers and often requires special handling to avoid the insulation splitting during installation.

An exterior polyvinyl chloride (PVC) jacket encases the conductors and protects them from abrasion and corrosion due to flame, moisture, oil, sunlight, ozone, and chemicals.  PVC is a synthetic plastic polymer that is extremely popular in electrical, plumbing and other ductwork.  In fact, it is the third most commonly used synthetic polymer plastic behind polyethylene and polypropylene.  It is available in rigid or flexible construction. 

The PVC exterior of the cable is a rugged shield to block out destructive elements such as water, oil and sunlight.  Not all cables are resistant to such elements and they are all capable of destroying a cable over time.  It is important to buy a cable that is resistant to these types of damage to prevent the need of having to replace the cable after it has been installed.  PVC material has earned a reputation as a cable jacketing that can protect against a wide range of destructive forces.

Because of its rugged construction, XLP PVC Tray Cable is a preferred cable in locations with volatile environments such as places with a high risk of fire.  The XLP PVC Tray Cable is UL certified flame-retardant, meaning it can repel flames for a long period of time before being destroyed.  It is used in telemetering applications where heat and electrically stable insulation are required.  XLP PVC Tray Cable is also used often in power lighting applications in indoor and outdoor locations.  These are some popular examples of  uses for XLP PVC Tray Cable, but the cable really is suitable for just about any control application.