Tray Cable Types: What to Confirm Before Ordering

Updated: August 5, 2026

Tray cable is available in many constructions for power, control, instrumentation and other industrial systems. Products that look similar can have different conductors, shields, jackets, voltage ratings and markings.

This guide explains the information contractors and purchasing teams should collect before requesting a quote. It does not determine which cable type belongs in a particular circuit or provide installation instructions.

What is tray cable?

Tray cable is a broad product category containing factory-assembled conductors covered by insulation and an outer jacket. Depending on the product, it may include grounding conductors, paired conductors, shields, drain wires or other components.

A cable tray is a support system. The fact that a project uses cable tray does not establish which cable type should be installed in it. The approved cable must come from the project design, equipment requirements and qualified professional responsible for the work.

Review Revco’s tray and instrumentation cable category to compare available product families.

Understanding common tray cable markings

Cable markings identify product constructions and evaluated characteristics. They should be matched to an approved specification rather than used as a stand-alone selection guide.

TC

TC identifies a tray-cable product type. Individual TC products can differ in conductor count, conductor size, grounding components, insulation, jacket, voltage rating and environmental markings.

TC-ER

TC-ER is an additional marking found on certain TC products. The letters are an important ordering detail, but they do not replace review of the full cable listing, manufacturer instructions and approved installation requirements.

PLTC

PLTC identifies a power-limited tray-cable product type. Products carrying this marking can still differ in conductor configuration, shielding, ratings and other characteristics.

ITC

ITC identifies an instrumentation tray-cable product type. Some product descriptions may show more than one cable designation. Record every marking instead of shortening the product name.

TC, TC-ER, PLTC and ITC should not be treated as interchangeable abbreviations. Use the complete designation specified by the project or equipment manufacturer.

What to confirm before ordering tray cable

1. Complete cable designation

Provide the full cable type and every suffix or additional marking shown in the approved documents. Do not order only by a general term such as “tray cable” or “instrumentation wire.”

If replacing an existing product, photograph the complete print legend and reel or carton label.

2. Cable function

Identify the function stated in the project documents, such as power, control, instrumentation, signaling or another defined system.

Cable function should come from the approved design. Do not classify the circuit from a product description alone.

3. Conductor configuration

Record the specified:

• Conductor size
• Number of conductors
• Conductor material
• Solid or stranded construction
• Grounding conductor, if specified
• Pairs, triads or other conductor groupings
• Required colors or identification

Similar cable types may be available with several conductor configurations. Check the full manufacturer part number before ordering.

4. Shielding

Confirm whether the specification requires an unshielded cable, individual shields, an overall shield or another defined construction.

For shielded cable, record the shield material, coverage, drain-wire information and conductor grouping shown in the approved documents.

Do not add or remove shielding based on a general recommendation. Shielding must match the system design and connected-equipment requirements.

5. Insulation and jacket

Provide the specified insulation and jacket materials. Products within the same cable family may use different compounds and carry different ratings.

6. Voltage and temperature ratings

Include the ratings stated in the project specification or equipment documentation. These ratings identify the product and should not be used by themselves to determine suitability.

Revco’s 600 V tray cable category shows examples of how conductor counts and other product details can differ within one voltage group.

7. Environmental markings

Record every environmental characteristic required by the project. These may involve sunlight, moisture, oil, chemicals, burial, flame performance or other conditions.

Do not assume every TC or TC-ER product carries the same environmental markings. Verify the exact product legend and manufacturer documentation.

8. Approved pathway and location

Tell the supplier how the approved project documents describe the pathway and environment. This may include tray, raceway, indoor, outdoor, wet, dry, corrosive or another defined condition.

This information helps compare required product markings. It does not replace approval of the wiring method by a qualified professional.

9. Connected equipment

Include the manufacturer and model information for connected drives, controllers, instruments, motors or other equipment when the equipment documentation specifies cable requirements.

10. Outside diameter

Record the finished outside diameter when the order includes glands, connectors or other cable-entry accessories. Conductor count alone does not establish the cable diameter.

11. Length and packaging

Provide the total footage, individual run lengths and preferred reel configuration. Long industrial cable runs may require specific reel lengths to match the approved takeoff and job logistics.

Availability, reel sizes, minimum quantities, cut services, lead times and return restrictions vary. Confirm these details before material is ordered or cut.

12. Required approvals

Include required listings, customer standards, approved manufacturers and submittal requirements. Obtain written approval before accepting an alternate cable construction.

Tray cable quote checklist

Include the following information with your quote request:

• Job name and location
• Complete cable designation
• Manufacturer and part number, if specified
• Cable function
• Conductor size, material and count
• Pair, triad or grouping requirements
• Grounding conductor requirements
• Shield and drain-wire construction
• Insulation and jacket materials
• Voltage and temperature ratings
• Environmental markings
• Approved pathway and location
• Connected-equipment information
• Outside diameter when accessories are required
• Total footage and preferred reel lengths
• Required date
• Pickup or delivery preference

Attach the cable schedule, equipment documentation, specification section or approved submittal whenever possible.

Common ordering mistakes

• Requesting “tray cable” without the complete designation
• Assuming TC and TC-ER are interchangeable
• Leaving conductor count or grounding information off the request
• Ordering shielded cable without defining the shield construction
• Assuming every product has the same environmental ratings
• Matching cable by jacket color instead of the print legend
• Ignoring connected-equipment cable requirements
• Ordering glands or connectors without checking outside diameter
• Failing to confirm reel length and cut availability
• Approving an alternate without written authorization

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between TC and TC-ER?

TC-ER carries an additional marking beyond TC. Treat that marking as a required product detail when it appears in the approved specification. Final use must follow the product listing and qualified project guidance.

Can a cable carry both PLTC and ITC markings?

Some products may display multiple designations. Record every marking and confirm that the exact product matches the approved project and equipment requirements.

Do all instrumentation cables need shielding?

No universal rule applies. Shielding must match the system design, equipment documentation and approved specification.

Can Revco determine the required conductor size?

Revco can help source cable matching an approved specification. Conductor sizing and system design belong to the project’s qualified electrical professional.

Does Revco sell tray cable in cut lengths?

Cut-length availability varies by product and branch. Confirm available reel sizes, minimum quantities, lead time and return restrictions before ordering.

What should I photograph when replacing existing tray cable?

Photograph the complete cable legend, manufacturer name, part number, conductor configuration, ratings, reel label and connected-equipment information.

Ordering tray cable on Long Island

Revco supplies tray, control and instrumentation cable to contractors, builders and facility teams across Long Island. Availability and packaging vary by product and branch.

Start with Revco’s tray and instrumentation cable selection or review available 600 V tray cable products.

Visit the Revco locations page to contact your preferred Long Island branch.

About Revco Lighting & Electrical Supply

Since 1978, Revco Lighting & Electrical Supply has served contractors, builders and trade professionals across Long Island. Our team helps customers source lighting and electrical products for residential, commercial and industrial projects.

Call (631) 283-3600 or contact your preferred Revco branch for product availability and quote assistance.