VNTC Cable

Vinyl Nylon Tray Cable (VNTC) is a type of cable that is built to be installed in conduit or cable tray. This multi-conductor cable employs Class C, fully annealed stranded tinned copper conductors. The copper conductors align with ASTM standards B33 and B8. The annealed copper product used in this cable offers superior flexibility compared to standard copper conductors. The annealed metal undergoes a process in which the copper is heated and then slowly cooled, removing internal stress to make the copper more malleable. The VNTC Type TC Tray Cable is available with Type THHN or THWN conductors.

THHN conductors are high heat-resistant, while THWN offers heat resistance and water resistance as well. The copper conductors are insulated in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) insulation that bears a clear polyamide (nylon) coat.

THHN Tray Cable is a concentric lay stranded copper conductor that is insulated with a nylon jacket. The acronym THHN stands for: Thermoplastic High Heat resistant Nylon coated, referring to the insulation type. Similarly, THWN stands for: Thermoplastic Heat and Water resistant Nylon coated. The external jacket creates a protective armor to preserve the conductors from corrosion due to excessive dryness, moisture, and sunlight.

THHN Copper Building Wire’s versatile properties come mostly from its insulation. THHN stands for “Thermoplastic, High Heat resistant, Nylon-coated”. The insulation is made with a thermoset resin that is heated and slowly cooled, making an extremely tough rubber-like material that serves as an excellent protector for the conductors. Without the insulation, the cable would be much more susceptible to corrosion and abrasion which can potentially damage the cable to the point where the cable is not usable. The insulation also protects from electric shock so that the cable can be handled more safely and to drastically reduce the threat of fire.

The thermoset insulation that is used on THHN Copper Building Wire is used on many other products as a protective coating. Thermoset rubber is flexible, yet durable enough so that it is impervious to oil and chemicals. The material has a smooth surface and is available in colors. The cable is very aesthetically appealing for such a simple design. The cable is used in electronics as color-coded wire for identification purposes.

THWN which is also available as a VNTC cable option is a variation of the THHN cable, offering enhanced water protection. VNTC with THWN cable is an excellent cable for use in locations with high humidity, moisture and rain. The cable is also used in amusement parks or fountains with waterworks. Water resistance is an important property in cables because cables that are not impervious to water can cause serious damage or injury when exposed to water. Without the proper water protection, a wet cable becomes a dangerous fire hazard or can cause a deadly electric shock. If you plan to use VNTC cable in a wet location, be sure to use THWN cable within.

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.

Nassau Electrical Supply’s VNTC cables with PVC jacketing is also certified flame-retardant. The cable passes flame tests administered by UL, ICEA and CSA. The cable passes UL 1277, IEEE 383, IEEE 1202 and CSA FT4 flame tests. These tests measure a cable’s ability to repel flames at various distances and intensities. VNTC is a popular cable in locations with a high risk of fire. Contractors and electricians typically prefer flame-retardant cables in most situations because there are not many circumstances where fire is not a possibility. A flame retardant cable increases the chance that the cable will be salvageable after a catastrophe, and more importantly, is a safe cable that will not create even more damage by being exposed to flame.

This cable’s construction allows it to be used in wet or dry locations in temperatures up to 90°C when dry, 75°C when wet. The cable has a cold bend rating of -20°C and meets crush and impact requirements of Type MC cable. The cable passes UL, IEEE, and CSA flame tests and is therefore deemed suitable for use in hazardous locations. The cable offers great resistance to oil, so it is often used in motor leads or oil drilling applications. The VNTC Type TC Tray Cable can be used in direct burial applications, free air, or installed in raceways or conduit. VNTC cable’s cold bend rating of -20°C makes it a good cable for use in most locations. The cable can be exposed to drastic temperature changes and will not change shape or functionality.

Since VNTC is rated as a tray cable, it is equally important to chose a conduit or cable tray that will compliment the cable’s attributes. By itself, the cable offers excellent resistance properties to destructive elements. Most of the time, it is installed in fireproof, waterproof ducts to maximize its resistance, making it an extremely long-lasting cable.

Call Nassau Electrical Supply today for assistance in preparing your order of VNTC cable. Our knowledgeable staff will give you all of the information you need and steer you in the right direction to complete your project. We guarantee a great cable buying experience and a fair price! Call or email today!