NEC clearance with cable tray

[swartzmech]

Does anyone know what the NEC clearance has to be from a cable tray containing #8's for power and an energized piece of equipment (A/C condenser & pump within metal enclosure)? Currently the tray is about 4' above the condenser.

 

[dpc]

Don't think the NEC cares at all about this. The tray could run right down to the equipment.

 

[7anoter4]

Hi swartzmech
I agree with dpc the NEC doesn't care about the minimum height above the floor.
But as mentioned in 318-3 b only solid bottom trays will be permitted if "conditions of maintenance and supervision [does not] assure that only qualified person [that means electricians] will service the installed cable tray system". I think that in an industrial zone as mentioned above only rigid conduits[well grounded] are recommended to drop up to an equipment from the cable tray[my opinion!].
Best Regards

 

[controlsdude]

I think a cable tray manufacturer would know the ends and outs of these specs.

I used this manufacturer

http://www.cablofil.com/

Cable tray installation guidelines
NEMA Standards Publication VE 2-2001
see attached file


This was a freebee from the manu website on Nema standards. NEC just has guidelines.

It seemed like the standards we used was driven by the manu and customer and the local supplier's guidelines on installation.

 

[swartzmech]

Thanks very much dpc, 7anoter4, and controlsdude. BTW, all of my tray exits will be RGS.