Tri-rated cable is a go-to choice for safe and efficient electrical wiring, widely used in houses, offices and any other commercial or industrial building with switch gear. In this ultimate guide to tri-rated cable, we’ll be explaining what it’s used for, and how to pick the right one for your project.
What Is Tri-Rated Cable?
Tri rated cable, known for its triple certification, meets the requirements set by the British (BS), Underwriters Laboratories (UL) in the USA, and Canadian Standards Association (CSA). This high-quality, flexible cable is designed to operate in high-temperature environments up to 105°C, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of electrical applications.
Its robust insulation made from High Temperature PVC, allows for the cable's use in environments where standard PVC cables might fail, especially in terms of temperature resistance and fire performance.
Conductor Materials and Construction of Tri-Rated Cable
Tri-rated cable has a class 5 flexible Cu conductor. This makes the cable significantly more flexible, perfect for wiring that needs to move or bend around corners.
Tri-Rated Cable Insulation Material
Tri-rated cable has a high temperature PVC outer sheath, designed to withstand temperatures up to 105°C without melting or catching fire.
Tri-Rated Cable Voltage Rating (06./1kV)
Tri-rated cable has a voltage rating of 1000V in the BS 6231 standard, while UL and CSA give the cable a rating of 600V. 0.6/1kV means the cables can be used for a wide range of applications, such as switchgear, control gear and panel wiring. The voltage rating, combined with the temperature rating, makes tri-rated cables highly versatile.
Tri Rated Cable Applications
Industrial Uses for Tri Rated Cable
In industrial environments, tri-rated cables are commonly used in control panels, where their heat resistance is crucial for safe operation amidst the high temperatures generated by machinery. These cables also connect various industrial equipment, ensuring reliable power distribution even in demanding conditions.
Commercial and Domestic Tri Rated Cable Applications
Tri-rated cables serve important functions in both commercial and domestic settings. Their durability and safety make them suitable for lighting installations and power circuits in offices, retail spaces, and homes. Whether it's for running the lighting in a commercial complex or wiring a home's entertainment system, tri-rated cables provide a dependable solution that meets stringent safety standards.
Tri Rated Tails and Tri Rated Wire
Tri-rated tails refer to specific lengths of tri-rated cable that are used to make final connections in electrical installations, such as between a distribution board and an electrical device. These tails are often pre-cut and pre-terminated to simplify installation.
Unlike standard tri-rated cables, tails are designed for specific connection points and may have additional insulation or termination features to accommodate the unique requirements of these connections.
The Versatility of Tri Rated Wire
Tri-rated wire is celebrated for its adaptability across a multitude of applications, from industrial machinery to domestic appliances. This versatility stems from its high temperature and voltage ratings, making it suitable for environments that would degrade lesser cables.
Whether it's for wiring control panels in a factory, powering up kitchen appliances, or setting up the lighting in an office building, tri-rated wire offers a reliable and safe choice. Its range of sizes and colours also aids in compliance with wiring regulations, enabling clear identification of circuits and purposes within an electrical system.
By understanding these key aspects of tri-rated cable and wire, professionals can ensure their electrical installations are not only compliant but also safe, efficient, and tailored to the specific needs of their applications.
Choosing the Right Tri Rated Cable
When choosing tri-rated cable, several factors need to be considered to ensure it fits the requirements of your project:
Size and Current Rating
The size of the cable should be selected based on the current it needs to carry. This involves understanding the load that will be placed on the cable and ensuring the cable’s current rating exceeds this to prevent overheating. Please see the table below of approximate figures.
Size (mm²) | Approx. OD (mm) | Weight (kg/km) | Max. Current (amps) | Cond. Res @ 20ºC (Ω/km) |
0.5 | 2.6 | 12 | 11 | 39.00 |
0.75 | 2.8 | 15 | 14 | 26.00 |
1.0 | 3.0 | 18 | 17 | 19.50 |
1.5 | 3.3 | 23 | 21 | 13.30 |
2.5 | 3.7 | 33 | 30 | 7.98 |
4 | 4.3 | 50 | 41 | 4.95 |
6 | 5.0 | 71 | 53 | 3.30 |
10 | 6.3 | 123 | 75 | 1.91 |
16 | 8.9 | 225 | 100 | 1.21 |
25 | 10.4 | 300 | 136 | 0.78 |
35 | 11.9 | 410 | 167 | 0.55 |
50 | 14.7 | 605 | 204 | 0.39 |
70 | 16.8 | 830 | 259 | 0.27 |
95 | 18.8 | 1050 | 321 | 0.21 |
120 | 20.2 | 1265 | 374 | 0.16 |
150 | 23.0 | 1625 | 429 | 0.13 |
185 | 25.1 | 1945 | 496 | 0.11 |
240 | 28.9 | 2530 | 595 | 0.08 |
300 | 32.5 | 3120 | 685 | 0.06 |
Length
Consider the length of the cable run. Longer runs may require a larger cable size due to voltage drop considerations, ensuring that equipment receives sufficient voltage to operate effectively.
Tri Rated Cable FAQs
What exactly is a tri-rated cable?
A tri-rated cable is a type of electrical wire that conforms to three different standards: the British Standards (BS), the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) in the USA, and the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) in Canada. It's designed to operate in high-temperature environments up to 105°C and is commonly used in electrical panels and equipment.
How do I determine the correct size of tri-rated cable for my project?
The correct cable size depends on the current it needs to carry and the conditions of the installation, such as the ambient temperature and whether the cable is in an enclosed space. You should refer to current rating tables provided by the cable manufacturer and consider any de-rating factors applicable to your specific installation scenario.
Can tri-rated cables be used outdoors?
Tri rated cables are primarily designed for indoor use, especially within control panels and equipment. If used outdoors, they should be protected by conduit or similar protection to shield them from UV light, moisture, and mechanical damage.
What makes tri-rated cables resistant to high temperatures?
The insulation material of tri-rated cables is specially formulated PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) that can withstand higher temperatures than standard PVC. This allows the cable to operate effectively in environments up to 105°C without degrading.
Are tri-rated cables flame retardant?
Yes, one of the key features of tri-rated cables is their flame-retardant properties. The special PVC insulation is designed to inhibit the spread of flames, making them a safer choice for installations where fire risk needs to be minimised.
Tri-Rated Cable at Cableworld
At Cableworld, we supply a vast collection of electrical cables including tri-rated cable to help power your projects. Contact sales today to discuss your cable needs.
