The National Electrical Code (NEC) includes Article 322, which pertains to the installation and use of flat conductor cable.
Flat conductor cable, also known as ribbon cable, is a type of electrical cable that is commonly used in low voltage applications. It consists of multiple conductors that are arranged side by side in a flat ribbon, which is then enclosed in an insulation material such as plastic or rubber. Flat conductor cable is often used in applications where space is limited, such as in computers, printers, and other electronic devices.
Article 322 of the NEC sets forth the requirements for the design, installation, and use of flat conductor cable. These requirements are intended to ensure the safety and reliability of electrical systems that use flat conductor cable.
Section 322.10 of the NEC establishes the general requirements for the use of flat conductor cable. Flat conductor cable must be used only in applications where it is specifically listed and labeled for use. This ensures that the cable is designed and tested for the specific application and is safe for use in that application.
Section 322.12 of the NEC outlines the requirements for the construction of flat conductor cable. Flat conductor cable must be constructed with insulated conductors that are protected by a sheath or jacket. The cable must be designed to withstand the mechanical stresses that may be imposed on it during installation and use, and it must provide adequate protection to the conductors inside. The NEC also provides guidance on the minimum thickness of the sheath or jacket required based on the type of cable and the application.
Section 322.16 of the NEC establishes the requirements for the installation of flat conductor cable. Flat conductor cable must be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and in compliance with the applicable NEC requirements. The NEC provides guidance on the minimum bend radius and the maximum pull tension that may be applied to the cable during installation. It is important to note that flat conductor cable should not be twisted or bent sharply, as this can damage the insulation and the conductors inside.
Section 322.18 of the NEC outlines the requirements for the protection of flat conductor cable from damage. Flat conductor cable must be protected from damage due to nails, screws, or other fasteners that may be driven into the walls, ceilings, or floors. The NEC provides guidance on the types of protection required based on the location of the cable and the potential for damage.
Section 322.20 of the NEC establishes the requirements for the use of connectors with flat conductor cable. Connectors must be designed and installed so that they provide adequate mechanical protection to the cable and do not damage the insulation or the conductors. The NEC also provides guidance on the types of connectors that may be used with flat conductor cable and the minimum spacing requirements between connectors.
Section 322.22 of the NEC outlines the requirements for the grounding of flat conductor cable. Flat conductor cable must be grounded to the equipment grounding conductor or to the grounding electrode system of the building. The NEC provides guidance on the methods that may be used to ground flat conductor cable, such as the use of grounding screws, clips, or pigtails.
In conclusion, Article 322 of the NEC sets forth the requirements for the design, installation, and use of flat conductor cable. Flat conductor cable is an important component of many electrical systems, and its proper installation and use are critical to the safety and reliability of the system. By following the requirements set forth in Article 322, electricians and contractors can ensure that flat conductor cable is installed safely and in compliance with national safety standards.
It is important to note that flat conductor cable is often used in low voltage applications, which may lead some to believe that it is not as important to follow the NEC requirements for this type of cable. However, this is not the case, as even low voltage electrical systems can pose a safety hazard if they are not installed and maintained properly. Compliance with the NEC is required by law in many states and jurisdictions, and failure to comply can result in fines, penalties, and legal action in the event of an electrical fire or other safety hazard.
One of the key requirements of Article 322 is the general requirement that flat conductor cable must be used only in applications where it is specifically listed and labeled for use. This ensures that the cable is designed and tested for the specific application and is safe for use in that application.
Another important requirement of Article 322 is the construction of the flat conductor cable itself. The cable must be constructed with insulated conductors that are protected by a sheath or jacket, and the cable must be designed to withstand the mechanical stresses that may be imposed on it during installation and use. The minimum thickness of the sheath or jacket required is specified by the NEC based on the type of cable and the application.
Additionally, Article 322 requires that flat conductor cable be installed in compliance with the manufacturer’s instructions and in compliance with the applicable NEC requirements. The NEC provides guidance on the minimum bend radius and the maximum pull tension that may be applied to the cable during installation. It is important to note that flat conductor cable should not be twisted or bent sharply, as this can damage the insulation and the conductors inside.
It is also important to protect flat conductor cable from damage due to nails, screws, or other fasteners that may be driven into the walls, ceilings, or floors. The NEC provides guidance on the types of protection required based on the location of the cable and the potential for damage.
Furthermore, Article 322 specifies the types of connectors that may be used with flat conductor cable and the minimum spacing requirements between connectors. Connectors must be designed and installed so that they provide adequate mechanical protection to the cable and do not damage the insulation or the conductors.
Finally, Article 322 requires that flat conductor cable be grounded to the equipment grounding conductor or to the grounding electrode system of the building. The NEC provides guidance on the methods that may be used to ground flat conductor cable, such as the use of grounding screws, clips, or pigtails.