2 0 Tray Cable: Applications, Properties, and Installation of Heavy Duty Electrical Wiring

An Introduction to 2 0 Tray Cable

2 0 tray cable, sometimes referred to as 2-ought tray cable, is an electrical wiring product used for routing and supporting cables in various applications. It gets its name from the wire gauge size - 2/0 indicates a conductor with a cross-sectional area of 67,430 circular mils or approximately 107 square mm. This size cable is commonly used for heavy-duty electrical purposes due to its high current-carrying capacity and durability.

Applications of 2 0 Tray Cable

Some of the common applications of 2/0 tray cable include:

• Industrial power distribution systems
• Commercial buildings
• Data centers and server rooms
• Solar farms
• Wind turbine power collection
• Electric vehicle charging stations

In these applications, 2/0 cable provides a robust wiring method to handle significant electrical loads. The large conductor size allows it to carry high amperage currents over long distances with minimal voltage drop.

Construction and Composition

2/0 tray cable consists of annealed copper or aluminum conductors protected by cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) or ethylene propylene rubber (EPR) insulation. The insulated conductors are cabled together and covered with a sunlight and oil resistant PVC jacket specially formulated for outdoor use.

Common conductor configurations include:

• Single conductor
• Duplex (two insulated single conductors cabled together)
• Triplex (three insulated single conductors cabled together)
• Quad (four insulated single conductors cabled together)

The cable assemblies also include a bare copper ground wire for safety and fault protection. 2/0 tray cables are very flexible and come in reels or wooden spools for convenient installation.

Key Properties

Some notable properties that make 2/0 tray cable suitable for heavy-duty applications include:

• High ampacity - Up to 380 amps allowing significant power transfer
• Temperature tolerance - Rated for wet/dry operation from -40°C to +90°C
• Crush and impact resistance - Durable construction withstands abuse
• Oil resistance - Jacket resists oils, grease, and solvents
• UV stability - Designed for long-term outdoor exposure

Cable Tray Compatibility

2/0 power cable works very well with cable tray installations. Cable trays provide support and routing for electrical cables in exposed runs. Common types of cable trays used with 2/0 cable include:

• Ladder tray - Two longitudinal side rails with transverse rungs
• Trough tray - U-shaped solid bottom with open top
• Center spine tray - Single central spine with support rungs on both sides
• Wire mesh tray - Woven wire mesh construction
• Channel tray - U-shaped with additional top cover

Cable trays provide a neat, organized method for routing cables and protecting them from environmental hazards. They allow maintenance and additions while keeping cables bundled together. Properly-sized trays offer adequate cable fill capacity for multiple 2/0 cables.

Installation Considerations

When installing 2/0 tray cables, there are some important factors to consider:

• Support distances - Follow specified span lengths between tray supports
• Bending radius - Maintain proper bend radius to avoid cable damage
• Fill capacity - Leave adequate space for ventilation and future cables
• Separation - Keep a safe distance from potential EMI sources
• Termination - Use compatible lugs and connectors rated for large cables
• Grounding - Properly bond cable trays and establish electrical ground

By accounting for these considerations, 2/0 tray cable systems can be installed while meeting all electrical code requirements for safety and performance.

Conclusion

With its robust construction and high current capacity, 2/0 tray cable provides an efficient and safe method for routing power feeds in exposed industrial and commercial settings. Matching the cable size and tray type for the intended electrical loads allows the system to be customized for optimal usage. When properly installed, 2/0 tray cable delivers reliable power transmission and withstands exposure to extreme conditions.

FAQs

What are some common applications for 2/0 tray cable?

2/0 tray cable is commonly used in industrial power distribution, data centers, commercial buildings, solar farms, wind turbines, and electric vehicle charging stations due to its high current capacity and durability.

What types of cable trays work with 2/0 cable?

Popular cable trays used with 2/0 cable include ladder tray, trough tray, center spine tray, wire mesh tray, and channel tray. They provide support, protection, and organized routing for the cables.

What size wire lugs and connectors should be used with 2/0 cable?

Always use cable lugs and connectors specifically rated and sized for 2/0 wire. Select components designed for large, high ampacity copper conductors to create secure, high quality terminations.

How can 2/0 cable be identified?

2/0 tray cable can be recognized by the "2/0" labeling printed directly on the cable jacket. The large cable diameter and thick individual insulated conductors are also indicative of its 2-ought wire gauge size.