Guide

Wire and Cable Application Guide

A guide to determining the suitability of UL Certified, Listed, Classified and Verified wire and cable for use in a specific installation.
UL Solutions Abstract Graphics - Orbiting Rings

How to use this guide

The wire and cable types covered in this guide have been divided into three tables as follows:

Table 1 — Building wires and cables, including some industrial cables

Table 2 — Low voltage cables, flexible cords, and fixture wires

Table 3 — Special purpose w ire and cable

In each table, wire and cable types are identified by the name of the category under which they appear in the Product iQ database. Most wire and cable types have the same category designation in Product iQ as they do in the NEC.

Definitions of the column headings and codes used in each column are provided in the section titled “Explanations and Notes for Marking Tables.” Table entries consist of:

Table entry Indicates
Yes The wire or cable is always evaluated for the use specified by the particular column. These uses are explained in the section titled “Explanations and Notes for Marking Tables.”
— (dash) The wire or cable is not evaluated for the indicated use, either as a requirement or as an option.
Numbers A specific rating. For example, 250 in the column headed by “Temperature (ºC) Dry” indicates a 250ºC temperature rating for dry locations.
Numbers in parentheses e.g., (3), (21) Specific notes detailing a rating and/or associated marking. The explanations of the notes can be found in “Explanations and Notes for Marking Tables,” following the tables.

Information on certification, listing and classification

Most codes and regulations require the certification of this equipment to applicable safety-related standards. They also may require this equipment to be certified to energy performance standards as well. Products that are certified to safety-related standards have been evaluated with regard to all reasonably foreseeable safety-related hazards, including fire, electrical shock and mechanical hazards. Such products are termed “UL Listed.” Products that are certified to a limited range of hazards, or for use under specific conditions are termed “UL Classified.” Alternatively, any of these products can be “UL Certified” and bear the UL Certification Mark.

It is important to distinguish the difference between “UL Listed” and “UL Classified” and the relation these terms have with the term “listed,” as used in various codes. The term “listed” in the codes generally indicates that the product is required to be evaluated in accordance with the appropriate standard(s) by an independent third-party certification organization such as UL Solutions. The term “listed” in the codes should not be confused with the term “UL Listed,” as explained previously. It is important to recognize that not all certification agencies make this distinction in their certification services.

Identification of Listed products

The UL Mark may have various information around it, as authorized by UL Solutions.                                                                                                                                                      

UL listed products marks

The Listing Mark of UL Solutions on the attached tag, the reel or the smallest unit container in which the product is packaged, with or without the UL Solutions symbol on the product, is the only method provided by UL Solutions to identify these products manufactured under its Listing and Follow-Up Service. The Listing Mark for these products includes the UL Solutions symbol (as illustrated above) together with the word “LISTED,” a serial number and the product or category name.

A product bearing the UL Mark for Canada is Listed to Canadian Standards for that specific product. A product bearing the combined Canada/U.S. Mark is Listed to both UL (U.S.) Standards and Canadian Standards for that specific product.

For wire and cable products, the complete Listing Mark is located on a tag attached to the reel or smallest unit container. Two types of UL Solutions symbols — “UL” in a circle or “UL” in parentheses — may be found on the wire or cable itself. These UL Solutions symbols may also be preceded by the letter “C,” indicating certification only for Canada, or preceded by a “C” and followed by “US”, indicating certification for both the U.S. and Canada. The product markings are intended to provide information only, and the complete Listing Mark is the only proof that a particular unit of wire or cable is actually UL Listed.

To provide consistent control and marking, and to address potential counterfeiting issues, holographic labels are required on all Listed, Flexible Cords and Cables, Class 4 cable, Communications cable, Communications cable verified to UL Performance Category Program, Data transmission cable verified in accordance with national or international specifications, Community antenna television cables, Data processing cable, Non-power-limited fire-alarm cable, Power-limited fire alarm cable, Instrumentation tray cable, Network powered broadband communications cable, Optical fiber cable and Power-limited circuit cable.

Identification of UL Certified products

Launched in mid-2013, the enhanced UL Certification Mark can be used on both UL Listed and Classified products and is intended to make it easier for stakeholders to understand the scope of certifications by UL Solutions of a specific product. The enhanced Mark makes it possible to bundle multiple UL certifications for multiple geographies into a single Mark design. Today, this enhanced Mark is used for products certified to requirements of many geographies, including the U.S., Canada and Europe. This Mark utilizes a unique identifier to enable stakeholders to search the Product iQ database to quickly review detailed certification information.

All currently existing versions of the UL Listing and Classification Marks remain valid and should continue to be accepted as an indication of certification.

UL Solutions expects the transition to the enhanced Mark to happen over time, so you may not see it in the immediate future. For more information on this important development, please go to Marks and Label Hub. Access to the Marks and Label Hub is complimentary and open to all regulators, but registration is required to use it.

UL certified marks

Identification of UL Classified products

With UL Solutions Classification service, UL Solutions determines that a manufacturer has demonstrated the ability to produce a product that complies with its requirements for the purpose of classification or evaluation regarding one or more of the following: (1) specific risks only, such as casualty, fire or shock; (2) performance under specified conditions; (3) regulatory codes; (4) other standards, including international and regional standards; or (5) other conditions UL Solutions may consider desirable. UL Solutions conducts UL Solutions Follow-Up Services as an audit of the means the manufacturer uses to determine continued compliance of the product with UL Solutions requirements. The UL Classified Mark may appear in various forms as authorized. The UL Classification includes: (1) the symbol of UL Solutions; (2) the word “CLASSIFIED”; (3) a product identity and a statement to indicate the extent of UL Solutions’ evaluation of the product such as “AS TO (nature of hazard) ONLY,” or a rating or classification as specified in the general information pertaining to the product category, or designation and title of standard published by other organization, or identification of specified product; and (4) a control number assigned by UL Solutions.

ul classified product identity

Identification of Verified products

The UL Verification Mark is used to identify products evaluated under UL Solutions performance Verification services . Some examples are products certified under the performance Verification program for cable, Proprietary Structured Cabling Program, ISO/IEC 11801 and ANSI/TIA 568.2-D.

The presence of this Mark provides confidence to end users, IT managers, LAN system designers and the regulatory community that products have been evaluated for transmission performance in order to meet the unique needs of the telecommunications industry community.

There are two formats to the UL Verification Mark (holographic label) that appear on products: Listing and Verification (as shown in Illustration A) and Verified-Only (as shown in Illustration B).

identifying verified products

General characteristics

Markings

The requirements for the exact text and location of the markings, and the method of identification, vary among the different types of wire and cable. Wherever possible, the product is surface marked with information necessary for proper installation. When surface marking is not possible — or for other considerations — a portion of the marking may be located on a marker tape, or on the tag, reel or the smallest unit container, as permitted by the requirements of each product category. Whenever possible, the rating or characteristic is plainly indicated. Other methods — for example, colored tracers under the jacket or insulation — may be used to identify a certain characteristic, such as temperature rating for some fixture wires. To completely determine the suitability of a particular wiring system, a review of the product, tag markings and carton markings may be necessary.

Some wire and cable may be marked with multiple Type designations. These products have been evaluated for uses of all Type designations marked.

All markings on or associated with wire and cable, as well as the Listing and guide information of the appropriate category, should be consulted to determine all ratings and limitations for proper installation in accordance with the requirements of the NEC.

UL Solutions evaluates wiring products with respect to the marked ratings and uses indicated by the Type designation associated with the UL Mark. Wiring products are not evaluated with respect to marked ratings and uses associated with other certification organizations.

Conductor material

Compact stranded copper conductors are identified by “compact” or “cmpct”; otherwise, wire and cable with bare or coated copper conductor material is not marked with stranding identification.

If the conductor material is either aluminum or copper-clad aluminum, the product, tag or carton markings (depending on the product category) identify the conductor material. These markings will appear as “AL,” “ALUMINUM,” “AL (CUCLAD),” “ALUMINUM (COPPER-CLAD),” “CU-CLAD AL” or “COPPER-CLAD ALUMINUM.”

For some wire and cable, other metals may be used as conductor material. The associated markings for that wire and cable are explained under the heading “OTHER.”

Flammability

UL Solutions investigates wiring products with respect to their intended locations and uses as permitted by the NEC. Flammability or resistance to spread or propagation of fire is one of the considerations that enters into the overall investigation of wire and cable. For instance, products that are inherently permitted by the NEC to be installed in cable trays or that are marked for such use are investigated for fire conditions that could exist in a cable tray.

Similarly, cables covered for use in accordance with Articles 722, 725, 760, 770, 800, 805, 820 and 830 of the NEC are investigated with respect to their application: plenum, riser, general use or limited residential use. Suffixes to the Type designation identify the use as defined in the appropriate NEC articles:

Suffixes to the Type designation identify the use as defined in the appropriate NEC articles:

  • -P: Plenum
  • -R: Riser
  • -No Suffix, -G: General purpose
  • -X: Limited residential use

Some wire and cable may also have a suffix “ST1” (formally known as “-LS”), which means that the entire construction complies with the requirements for flame retardant, limited smoke wiring materials as evaluated per UL 1685, the Standard for Vertical-Tray Fire-Propagation and Smoke-Release Test for Electrical and Optical-Fiber Cables, or UL 2556, Wire and Cable Test Methods.

Environmentally friendly ratings

Low Smoke Halogen Free

Cables marked with “-LSHF” indicates that the cable compounds and components have been evaluated to UL 2885, the Outline of Investigation for Acid Gas, Acidity and Conductivity of Combusted Materials and Assessment of Halogens, and the complete cable utilizing these compounds and components has been evaluated to IEC 61034-2.

RoHS

Cables marked with “-RoHS” indicates that the cable nonmetallic compounds and components have been evaluated to UL 746R and metallic components have been evaluated to UL 1368, the Outline of Investigation for Restricted Use Substances in Metallic Components.

Wire and cable marking tables 1, 2 and 3

wire and cable marking table 1
wire and cable marking table 1b
wire and cable marking table 2a
wire and cable marking table 2b
wire and cable marking table 2c
wire and cable marking table 3a
wire and cable marking table 3b

Explanations for column headings in marking table

The column headings of Tables 1, 2 and 3 identify:                                                                                                                                          

Wire and cable category/type

Lists each wire, cable and flexible cord category as it appears in the Product iQ database. Generally, the category, type or both are on the product.

NEC article

Indicates the primary NEC article that references the category/type. The NEC article is typically not marked on the product.                                                                                     

(CCN)- UL category control number

Products are Listed or Classified by UL Solutions under an appropriate product category. A four-letter category code is the UL Solutions product category code designation. Each UL Solutions product category code provides a direct link to the guide information for the product category. The guide information includes the scope of the products covered, information relating to limitations or special conditions applying to the product, the requirements used for the investigation of the products, installation and use information, and information on product markings and the UL Mark to be used on the product. Guide information is available in the Product iQ database. This category code is not marked on the product.

Explanation of notes for marking tables

Temperature (°C) dry and temperature (°C) wet

These two columns indicate temperature rating for the wire and cable when used in dry locations or when exposed to water or moisture such as in wet and damp locations.

Numbers in parentheses indicate the following:

  1. Wire evaluated for use at 90°C dry and wet is marked with the suffix “-2” after the Type designation.
  2. Cable is to be used at the ampacity for 60°C conductors in accordance with NEC, Table 310.16.
  3. Cords evaluated for water resistance have a “W” in the Type designation, i.e., Type SJTW. The terms “water resistant” or “water resistant 60°C” may also be marked in addition to the “W” designation.
  4. The wire or cable has been investigated for the temperature rating marked on the product, tag, reel or smallest unit container.
  5. Types MV-90 and MV-105 are evaluated for use in wet or dry locations at 90°C and 105°C, respectively. Type MV- 90 DRY is only evaluated for use in dry locations at 90°C.
  6. Cable evaluated for wet-location use may be marked “WET-LOCATIONS CABLE” or “WET-LOCS CABLE.” Such marking is not required on the cable, refer to the marking on the tag, reel or carton.
  7. 250°C for special applications in locations where environmental conditions require operation at above 90°C temperature. Temperatures of fittings are limited to 85°C in dry locations and 60°C in wet locations.
  8. Wire or cable evaluated for wet-location use is marked “60°C WET” or “75°C WET or “90°C WET.”
  9. Temperature rating may be indicated on the product by colored marker threads located under either the insulation or the separator, as in the following table:
Table Rating (°C) Color
RFH-2, FFH-2 75 Green
TFN, TFFN, RFHH-2, RFHH-3 90 Red
XF, XFF, SFF-1, SFF-2, PFF, PGFF, PAFF, PTFF, ZF, ZFF 150 Orange
SF-1, SF-2, PF, PGF, ZHF, KF-1, KF-2, KFF-1, KFF-2 200 Black
PAF, PTF 250 Two Black

10. The cable is marked with one of the following temperature ratings or codes; when no code is indicated, the product is marked with the rating.

Rating Code
60°C dry 60ºC wet BC-1W1
75°C dry 60ºC wet BC-2W1
75°C dry 75°C wet BC-2W2
80°C dry 60°C wet BC-3W1
80°C dry 75°C wet BC-3W2
90°C dry 60°C wet BC-4W1
90°C dry 75°C wet BC-4W2
90°C dry 90°C wet BC-4W3
105°C dry 60°C wet BC-5W1
105°C dry 75°C wet BC-5W2
105°C dry 90°C wet BC-5W3
105°C (dry only)
125°C (dry only)
200°C (dry only)

Voltage (V)

Indicates voltage rating. If the rating is not marked on the product, the wire or cable has been evaluated for the rating entered in the table. If marked higher than the rating in the table, it is rated as marked. Notes in the tables indicate the following:

20. The voltage rating (kV) is one of the following, as marked: 2.4, 5, 8, 15, 25, 28 or 35.

21. 600V or 2kV. Type MC cable containing Type MV conductors has the voltage rating of the conductors. Type MV cable in Type MC cable armor is surface or tape marked “Type MV Type MC” and it has a Type MV cable Listing Mark.

22. Type designation indicates suitability for use in accordance with the appropriate NEC article, with respect to voltage and power limitations.

23. The voltage rating (dc) is one of the following, as marked: 30, 48, 60, 90 or 150.

Suffix Rating (V)
-1 300
-2 600

25. The wire or cable may be evaluated for various voltage ratings. The rating is marked on the product, a tag attached to the reel or smallest unit container.

26. Voltage rating is indicated on the product by a suffix after the Type designation as follows:

Suffix Rating (kV)
-5 5
-10 10
-15 15

Other

Uses, exposures and constructional features not otherwise covered in the tables are referenced in this column through the following notes. If not otherwise specified, the product has not been evaluated for any other condition unless marked on the product.

55. Nickel or nickel-based alloy may be used with the product. Marking not required.

56. Product is marked with the ampacity: “____ amp” or “____ A.”

57. Optical Fibers. When these are present, the product is marked “Contains optical-fiber member(s)” or “OF” after the wire or cable Type designation.

58. Gas/Vapor Blocked. When evaluated for gas/vapor blocking, the product is marked with “Gas/Vapor Blocked,” the minimum length required to attain the blocking, and the designation of the hazardous location for which the wire or cable is intended, such as “Class ____, Group ____.”

59. The overall jacket on Types ITC, TC and PLTC is a “gas/vapor tight continuous sheath,” as indicated in Sections 501.15(D) and 501.15(E) of the NEC.

60. Copper-clad steel conductor may be used with product. Copper clad aluminum may be used as the center conductor in a coaxial construction. Marking not required.

61. Each pair of thermocouple-extension wires is marked with the nominal AWG size and one of three designations — “THCPLEXTN,” “For thermocouple-extension use only” or “Thermocouple-extension wire only,” — plus identification(s) from either of the following columns for the combination(s) of thermocouple-extension conductor metals used:

Only cables containing thermocouple-extension wire may have the markings on the cable instead of having each pair marked.
Type Designation Combination of Metals
JX Iron/Constantan
KX Chromel/Alumel
TX Copper/Constantan
EX Chromel/Constantan
SX, RX Copper/Alloy
BX Copper/Copper
NX Nickel-Chromium-Silicon/Nickel-Silicon-Magnesium
GX Tungsten/Tungsten-26% Rhenium
CX Tungsten-5% Rhenium/Tungsten-25% Rhenium
DX Tungsten-3% Rhenium/Tungsten-25% Rhenium

Appendix

Suitable for use with or without a raceway                                                                                                                                                                        

Wire, cable and cord designations

In general, the letter designations assigned to wire, flexible cord and cable in the NEC, for identification purposes, are established according to a coding system that provides information on intended use, insulation type and insulation temperature rating. This coding system, to which there are exceptions, does not cover all NEC designations. The coding system is as follows:

Conductors for general wiring

NEC Article 310, Table 310.104(A)
B Braid
FEP Fluorinated ethylene propylene insulation
H 75°C (Note: Lack of “H” indicates 60°C)
HH 90°C
N Nylon jacket
PFA Perfluoroalkoxy insulation
R Thermoset insulation
S Silicone (Thermoset) insulation
T As first letter – Thermoplastic insulation
TFE Polytetrafluoroethylene
U Underground use
W Moisture resistant
X Cross-linked polymer insulation
Z Modified ethylene tetrafluoroethylene insulation
Examples: RHW –Thermoset insulation, 75°C, Moisture resistant
THHN –Thermoplastic insulation, 90°C dry, nylon jacket

Flexible cord and cable

NEC Article 400, Table 400.4
E As first letter — Elevator cable
E After first letter — Thermoplastic elastomer insulation and jacket
EV Electric Vehicle Cable
H Heater cord
NI “Non-Integral ,” used for parallel cords such as Type NISPT-1 to denote insulated conductors and jacket are separate
O Oil resistant. Single “O” means jacket only is oil resistant; double “O” means jacket and conductor insulation are oil resistant
S Extra hard usage Flexible Cord
SJ Hard usage Flexible Cord
SV Not hard usage Flexible Cord
T As the first letter — Tinsel cord. Single flattened 27 AWG conductor wound around insulating core, for very low current, highly flexible application
T After the first letter — Thermoplastic insulation and jacket
XTW Parallel cord for decorative lighting strings
CXTW Twisted pair cord or single conductor for decorative lighting strings
W As the last letter — Suitable for use in wet locations and sunlight resistant
W As the only letter — Portable Power Cable
Examples: SJTO — Hard usage, thermoplastic, oil resistant jacket
-1, -2, -3 SPT-2 — Parallel Cord, thermoplastic

Fixture Wire

NEC Article 402, Table 402.3
F Fixture wire, standard stranding
FF Fixture wire, flexible stranding
G Glass braid
H 75°C insulation
HH 90°C insulation
K Aromatic polyimide tape insulation
N Nylon jacket
P Fluorinated ethylene propylene insulation
R Thermoset insulation
S Silicone (Thermoset ) insulation
T Thermoplastic insulation
X Cross-linked synthetic polymer insulation
Z Modified tetrafluoroethylene insulation
-1, 2, 3 Insulation thickness, thinnest to thickest for some types. Actual insulation thickness varies, with insulation types and AWG size.
Examples: SF-1 — Silicone rubber fixture wire
TFF — Thermoplastic, flexible stranded fixture wire
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