®

VITALink MC/RC90
General Handling, Storage,
& Installation Manual

®
VITALink
Circuit Integrity Cable
All rights reserved. No part of this manual may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or
mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in
writing from the RSCC Wire & Cable LLC. Information subject to change without notice. User to determine suitability for
use in their application. RSCC Wire & Cable LLC is not liable for loss of profits, installation costs or other indirect costs,
incidental or consequential damage as a result of use of this manual. Authorities having jurisdiction should be consulted
in all cases as to the particular requirements covering the installation and use of Listed or Classified products, devices
and materials.

Edited By Robert Schmidt

 Installation Manual
IM-001
November 01, 2021
Issue 6

Table of Contents
1. Introduction.................................................................................................................................................................... 1
2. Handling and Storage ..................................................................................................................................................... 3
3. Precautions ..................................................................................................................................................................... 7
4. Installation Equipment................................................................................................................................................... 9
5. Installation Setup ......................................................................................................................................................... 10
6. Pulling the Cable and Securing .................................................................................................................................... 15
7. Cable Termination, Splicing, Testing ........................................................................................................................... 17
8. Cable Limits & Pull Calculations ................................................................................................................................... 23
9. Materials, Tools, and Connectors ................................................................................................................................ 28
10. Glossary of Terms ......................................................................................................................................................... 29
11. References .................................................................................................................................................................... 31
12. Appendix 1.................................................................................................................................................................... 32
 resistance rating which can be achieved through various
1 Introduction methods. This requirement is applicable but not limited to
This manual covers general storage, handling, installation, the following:
and termination recommendations for RSCC’s Metal
Sheathed cables. • Fire Pump Feeders
• Emergency Generator Feeders
In order to be compliant to RSCC’s fire rated 2 hour • Emergency Exhaust Fans
System 120, 1 hour System 60, their variants, or other • Emergency Lighting
VITALink fire resistive systems, please see individual • Exit Signs
instruction manuals for each system. These are available • Firemen’s Elevators
upon request.

It is assumed that the cable has been properly sized and Canada Fire Rated Applications
the installation properly designed. Since this manual is only The National Building Code of Canada (3.2.7.10) makes
a guide and not all situations can be covered, please call reference to emergency systems requiring conformance to
the RSCC Engineering Department for special installations. ULC S139 where appropriate. Note, ULC S139 is now
harmonized with UL 2196.
There are twelve sections to this manual, starting with this
introduction. Sections 2 and 3 discuss handling, storage, These systems include:
and precautions to take. Information on Installation • Fire Alarms
Equipment, Installation Setup, Pulling, and Terminations • Emergency Lighting
are found in Sections 3 through 7. An overview of • Emergency Equipment
calculations that should be performed prior to installation, • Fire Pumps
including pulling tension, bend radius and cable fill are • Areas of Refuge
detailed in Section 8. The last sections contain information
on connectors and tools, a glossary of terms, references, NFPA 130 and NFPA 502 are other standards. The
and armor size equivalencies in Appendix 1. applications listed above are not exhaustive lists.
VITALink® MC/RC90
In the USA, this armored cable is categorized as Type MC MI Cable Issues
cable in the NEC and can be used and installed as allowed One of the options available to designers is to specify a
by the code for Type MC. cable system, which is qualified to meet the fire endurance
requirements of the code. Originally, Mineral Insulated
Canada categorizes this armored cable as Type RC90 in the (Type MI) cables emerged as the only available technology
CEC and can be used and installed as allowed by the code to meet this stringent requirement.
for Type RC90.
Although these cables did fulfill the code requirements,
Contact RSCC for a full list of cable listings. they suffered from many inherent problems which
manifested in end user difficulties. Installation problems
The cable is recognized as VITALink MC or VITALink RC90,
such as cable stiffness, special mounting procedures,
they are one and the same but the geographical location
susceptibility to moisture, custom connectors, and
and code language dictates how the cable is described. This
termination difficulties forced installers to expend time,
document will describe the cable as VITALink MC for NEC
labor and resources to overcome these hurdles. Designers
applications, VITALink RC90 for CEC applications, and
had to deal with product limitations that included severe
VITALink MC/RC90 where distinction is not required.
length restrictions and very narrow product offering with
USA Fire Rated Applications respect to size and cable configuration.
The NEC (NFPA 70) recognizes critical electrical circuits
These issues have led to a reluctance by both installers and
which, in the event of a fire, must continue to perform their
designers to utilize fire resistive cables. They have pursued
intended functions. NEC Article 728 addresses “Fire-
costly alternatives such as rerouting, fire proof coating &
Resistive Cable Systems”. Articles 695 and Article 700
wrapping systems, and embedding cable in concrete.
address “Fire Pump” and “Emergency System” applications
respectively. Both require a minimum of a 2-hour fire The solution to that is VITALink MC/RC90.

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The VITALink® MC/RC90 Solution and a wide product array typical of standard Type
MC/RC90 cables. In addition RSCC offers a 2-hour UL fire
VITALink® MC/RC90 is a user friendly, fire resistive cable rated splice.
which incorporates the ease and familiarity of Type
MC/RC90 with a 2 hour fire endurance rating. Compared to VITALink® MC/RC90 allows designers to specify without
type MI, the concerns of terminating this cable in wet the burden of product limitations; while enabling installers
environments, vibration, ingress of moisture, heavy to reap the benefits of Type MC and Type RC90
investment in specialized labor for installation, and the convenience.
other hurdles outlined above have been eliminated. This is In order to be compliant to RSCC’s 2 hour System 120
accomplished through the use of our revolutionary Fire- 120A, 1 hour System 60, or other VITALink fire resistive
Roc™ insulation material. This proprietary thermoset systems, please see individual instruction manuals for
inorganic insulation is applied through the use of a each system. These are available upon request.
conventional extrusion process, allowing for long lengths

Termination Simplicity

Tools required to
terminate
VITALink® MC/RC90

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 should be in good condition to prevent damage to the
2 Handling and Storage cable. The reel should be capable of accommodating the
VITALink® MC/RC90 cables are very durable, but the
cable length with at least 1 1/2 inches of clearance below
following general handling and storage guidelines should
the top of the flange, but several cable diameters is
be observed. These sections provide prudent storage and
preferred. The reel shall have an adequate weight capacity.
handling measures that shall be followed to minimize the
Care shall be taken to assure that cable limits for bending
possibility of cable damage.
radius are not violated and the cable is not twisted during
re-reeling or installation. Appropriate precautions for
2.1 Handling
reeling and unreeling should be followed (see Cable Reels
Cables should only be handled or installed within suitable
in Section 5). Identification and/or marking information
temperature limits (see Minimum Installation Temperature
shall be transferred to the new reel using a permanent
in Section 3). Cable reels should be handled utilizing
marking method.
equipment designed for that purpose. Reels of cable must
not be dropped from any height, particularly from trucks Cables shall be handled carefully during unreeling to
or other transporting equipment. Lifting or handling of prevent damage due to kinking or bending to radii smaller
cable reels should be done in such a manner that the than allowable limits. During handling, cables shall not be
lifting/handling device does not make direct contact with laid on rough ground, run over, dragged over sharp objects
the cable or its protective covering. Care shall also be taken or other such treatment that could cause damage.
so that the flange of one reel does not impact cable on
another reel. If any of these cases occur, the cable shall be
examined for damage. The following methods are
recommended for lifting of cable (see Figure 1):

• A crane or boom type equipment may be used by

inserting a suitable shaft, which is properly secured,
through the reel arbor hole and lifting with slings. A
spreader or other device should be used to minimize sling
pressure against the reel flange.

• Forklift type equipment may be used to move smaller,

narrower reels. Fork tines should be placed so that lift
pressure is on the reel flanges, not on the cable, and must
reach all the way across and past the reel so the lift is
against both reel flanges.

• Reels may be moved short distances by rolling. Reels

should be rolled in the direction that the cable is wound
(see Figure 3). This will tend to tighten the cable windings,
not loosen them. Surfaces over which the reels are to be
rolled should be firm, level, and clear of debris including
protruding stones, stumps, and other material which may
damage the cable if the reel straddles them. Make sure
there are no objects in the way that could damage the
cable surface by preventing the reel flanges from bearing
the total weight.

Table 1 provides capacities of standard RSCC shipping

reels. If a cable is transferred to another reel, the drum
diameter of the reel shall be equal to, or greater than the
original reel drum diameter. Minimum drum diameters
shall be 20X the diameter over the armor. Reel flanges

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2.2 Storage
Both ends of the cable on a reel should be securely
Cables shall be stored to protect them against physical
fastened to the reel flange and sealed to prevent entrance
damage and the environment. Protection from
of moisture. When shipped, the exposed ends of RSCC
construction equipment, falling objects, chemical spills,
cables are protected by shrinkable, molded polyolefin end
and other hazards should be considered in selecting
caps. These caps are weatherproof and should adequately
storage areas and environments. Fencing or other barriers
seal the cable against moisture and other contaminants
may be used to protect cables and reels against damage by
during shipment and storage.
vehicles or other equipment moving about in the storage
area. Whenever end seals are damaged, missing or removed,
look for moisture in the cable. If moisture is found, use
Handling shall be in a manner that prevents deterioration
suitable measures to dry the cable core and rectify any
of and physical damage to the reel and to the cable. Reels
deleterious effects of the moisture, such as corrosion, prior
shall be stored upright on their flanges, not stacked (see
to installation. If storage is outdoors or in an environment
Figure 1). To prevent cables from settling into soft ground
where considerable dirt and moisture are present,
and prevent reels from rotting, storage should be on a firm
protection of the exposed cable ends with shrinkable,
surface, paved if possible, or on planking in an area with
molded polyolefin end caps or other suitable means is
good drainage. For these reasons, storage of cable should,
recommended.
preferably, be indoors.

For definitions of reel components see Figure 2.

Cables are protected from the direct effects of weather

with wrapping or lagging when shipped. When received,
the protective covering or wrap on the cable should be
inspected for evidence of shipment damage. Whenever
possible, the factory applied protective cover should be left
in place until removal is absolutely necessary. Additional
covering should be used to protect against the effects of
the environment in which the cable is stored, such as
outdoors or in excessively dirty, dusty areas. The cover
should be resistant to the environment and should be
chosen to shield cables from the deleterious effects of the
sun. If possible, ventilation should be provided to dissipate
any heat buildup.

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 How to Handle Cable Reels

Upended heavy reels will often be

Always load and store reels upright on damaged.
their flanges and block securely.

Do not lift by a single reel flange.

Cable or reel may be damaged
Reels can be hoisted with a properly
secured shaft extending through both
flanges.

Never allow fork tines to touch the

Cradle both reel flanges between fork cable surface or reel wrap.
tines.

Lower reels from a truck using a Never drop reels.

hydraulic gate, hoist or fork lift.
LOWER CAREFULLY.

Figure 1. Reel Handling

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Figure 2. Reel Components Figure 3. Roll Direction

Table 1. VITALink MC/RC90 Length Capacities on Standard Shipping Reels

Flange (Inches) 48 48 66 72 84 87
Traverse (Inches) 18 32 32 40 48 60
Drum (Inches) 24 24 30 40 48 60
Tare Wt: (Lbs) 110 194 350 520 750 880
Max. Net: (Lbs) 6,000 6,000 6,000 9,000 15,000 14,000
Maximum Diameter Reel Capacity In Feet
0.7 3,300 6,058 12,520 16,021 26,243 27,146
0.8 2,488 4,579 9,495 12,584 19,926 20,923
0.9 1,860 3,433 7,572 9,918 15,907 16,091
1 1,513 2,800 6,038 7,790 12,698 13,345
1.1 1,230 2,283 5,130 6,559 10,799 10,093
1.2 997 1,855 4,062 5,536 8,561 9,236
1.3 - - 3,450 4,672 7,279 7,660
1.4 - - 2,927 3,934 6,183 6,312
1.5 - - 2,723 3,296 5,758 5,881
1.6 - - - 3,082 4,897 4,816
1.7 - - - 2,572 4,139 4,525
1.8 - - - 2,422 3,901 3,657
1.9 - - - 2,003 3,278 3,458
2 - - - 1,898 3,107 3,280
2.1 - - - - 2,584 2,599
2.2 - - - - 2,461 2,476
2.3 - - - - 2,349 2,364
2.4 - - - - 1,925 2,262
2.5 - - - - - 1,734
2.6 - - - - - 1,665
2.7 - - - - - 1,600
2.8 - - - - - 1,540
2.9 - - - - - 1,485
3 - - - - - 1,433
1
Shaded area indicates that chosen reel is too small for cable.
2
Minimum drum diameter for all VITALink® MC/RC90 cables is 20X diameter over the armor.

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3 Precautions 3.4 Cable Limitations
3.1 Preplan Before installation, the installer should determine that the
3.2 Personnel cable(s) can be installed according to the designed routing,
3.3 Handling and Storage tension/sidewall pressure limits, minimum bending radius,
3.4 Cable Limitations and minimum installation temperature requirements. The
3.5 Minimum Installation Temperature total degrees of bend between pull points should be
3.6 Equipment Ratings minimized and be per the NEC or CEC where applicable.
3.7 Equipment Condition Cables should not be pulled around corners that have
3.8 Material Compatibility sharp edges such as corners in cable trays, or other
3.9 Lubricant obstructions. Cables may be hand fed around such corners
3.10 Cable Fill or the use of cable sheaves of the proper radius or other
3.11 Cable Protection suitable devices may be employed, provided the minimum
3.12 Temporary Support allowable cable pulling radius and cable sidewall pressure
is not violated. The mechanical stresses placed upon a
General cable during installation should not be such that the cable
This section deals with some factors that should be
is excessively twisted, stretched or flexed.
considered prior to installation.
Bend in small increments, do not try to make the entire
All appropriate precautions should be taken when
bend in one operation, shape into final position gradually.
installing cables, including following OSHA and other
When bending multiple cables at the same place, shape the
applicable regulations including federal, state, local, and
inner cable and form the other cables to this one. This will
municipal laws shall be followed. Improper installation
provide uniform curves.
procedures can significantly damage or impair the
operation or performance of electrical cables. While 3.5 Minimum Installation Temperature
different cable constructions may have varying degrees of Handling or pulling cables in extremely low temperatures
resistance to physical damage, there is no technology that can cause damage to the cable shielding, jacketing, or
will guarantee a damage-proof cable. Therefore, in insulation. To prevent damage of this nature, cables should
addition to observing standard safety practices, at a not be removed from reels or coils, handled, or pulled,
minimum the precautions outlined in this section should without first warming in a heated area (at least 50°F/10°C)
be observed. for at least 24 hours prior to installation. Cable should be
installed as quickly as possible after warming. Minimum
3.1 Preplan installation temperatures will vary depending upon the
It is highly recommended that cable installations be
type of insulation and jacket material used on the cable. A
preplanned. Read all of the instructions to ensure the
value of -10°C (14°F) is typically recommended for all
routing can be followed while staying within the bend
cables because this will allow for a considerable degree of
radius, tension, and sidewall limits to prevent cable
rough handling. In cases where this is not possible, the
damage. These limits are described in detail in Section 8.
values shown in Table 2 may be used.

Understand how the cable will be supported and what Pulling lubricants shall be capable of functioning without
equipment will be needed to achieve the cable pull. freezing at the installation temperature.

3.2 Personnel Table 2. Minimum Installation Temperature

Personnel should be properly trained and qualified for the Cable Jacket Minimum Installation Temperature
specific task they are performing. Take care to ensure Material (˚C) (˚F)
personal protection equipment is used. PVC -10 14

3.3 Handling and Storage VITALink

-18 0
MC/RC90 LSZH
Appropriate precautions should be taken in the handling,
storage, and disposal of materials (see Section 2). No Jacket -50 -58

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3.6 Equipment Ratings 3.11 Cable Protection
Ensure that the cable reel is properly secured prior to cable Where subject to physical damage, conductors and cable
installation. Pulling devices and the pull rope should be shall be adequately protected.
used within their rating to prevent breaking of the rope or
During the time that the cables are exposed and during
devices under tension. Appropriate measures should be
cable pulling activities, they should be protected from
taken to protect personnel should breakage of the pull
nearby or overhead work to prevent damage to the cable
rope occur. Personnel should not stand in line with a pull
jacket/insulation (e.g., do not step on or roll equipment
rope that is under tension.
over cables, etc.). Take care to ensure that cables are not
3.7 Equipment Condition left exposed in high traffic areas where the potential for
Pull ropes should be stored clean, dry, out of direct inadvertent damage is significant. Care should also be
sunlight, and away from extreme heat. Some synthetic taken to protect existing cables, splices and/or
rope, particularly polypropylene, polyethylene, and aramid terminations from damage when installing new cables
(which are not properly treated) may be weakened by through enclosures.
prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. Pull ropes Special care should be exercised during welding, soldering,
should be checked before each pull for signs of aging or and splicing operations to prevent damage to cables.
wear, including frayed strands and broken yarns. A heavily
used rope will often become compacted or hard indicating Precautions should be taken when routing in close
reduced strength. If there is any question regarding the proximity to hot pipes or other heat sources because of
condition of the rope, it should not be used. No type of ampacity considerations.
visual inspection can accurately and precisely determine Cable should only be pulled into clean raceways or cable
residual strength.
trays. Prior to installing cable, all debris should be
3.8 Material Compatibility removed. Any abrasions or sharp edges that might damage
the cable should be removed. Bushings and dropouts
Metal components and cable armor shall be of materials
should be installed as required.
suitable for the environment in which they are to be
installed. Conservatively, a cable jacket may then be used 3.12 Temporary Support
in direct burial installations, and embedment in concrete. When cable pulling is completed or when cable is partially
3.9 Lubricants pulled, the portion of cable not yet routed to its final
destination should be coiled and supported to keep the
Most commercial cable lubricants are water based.
cable off the floor and prevent damage. The coil should be
Appropriate precautions should be taken when working
tied in at least two separate locations or a saddle or similar
around energized cables and equipment. Any cable
support should be used so that the cable does not support
lubricant spilled on the floor should be cleaned up or
the coil. Train the cable with as large a radius as practical
covered immediately. When used, cable lubricants must be
and not less than the minimum allowable. The cable should
capable of functioning without freezing at the installation
be protected so the ties do not damage the cable jacket. If
temperature. Polywater® LZ is recommended for
coil location requires additional protective measures, a
compatability with the VITALink MC/RC90 polymeric cable
protective cover should be provided.
jacket.
Do not leave long lengths of cable in a manner that will
3.10 Cable Fill subject cable to point stresses. If a long length of cable is
Raceways and cable trays should not be loaded beyond left hanging off of a ladder tray, the cable may be damaged
their maximum capacity. Cable trays should not be filled by the rung before connection is completed.
above the side rails. NEC and local code requirements
should be observed as required. See Article 392 of the NEC
for maximum fill in cable trays. For ampacity derating
consult the NEC and applicable ICEA standards. Note, for
raceway installations, consult RSCC Engineering
Department.

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4 Installation Equipment 4.5 Basket Weave Grips or Split Grips
4.1 Pull Device Basket weave grips are installed by compressing the grip
4.2 Pull Rope enough to insert the cable and then securely banding or
4.3 Pulling Eye taping down the trailing end. They are removed by
4.4 Swivel releasing the bands or tape and again compressing the grip
4.5 Basket Weave or Split Grip enough to slide it off the cable. A backup or push-pull
4.6 Luffing Grip action during the pull should be avoided, because unless
4.7 Rollers, Pulleys, and Sheaves securely banded, the grip could loosen enough to pull off.
4.8 Lubricants When pulling multiple cables with a basket grip, it may be
necessary to apply friction tape between the layers of the
General cables to prevent differential movement.
The properly chosen installation equipment, proper setup,
and understanding of the forces involved in the cable pull
4.6 Luffing Grips (Mares Tail)
will prevent injury to people and damage to equipment Only luffing grips with flat surface areas should be used.
and cable. The surface area should be as wide as practical. The straps
of the luffing grip should be installed around the cable to
4.1 Pull Device form a basket along five to ten feet of the cable. This type
Where mechanical assistance is required, pulling of grip is predominantly used to provide intermediate
equipment of adequate capacity such as a winch that assistance to the pull. Excessive tension, which may
provides a steady continuous pull on the cable should be damage the cable, should not be applied when using these
used. The pulling equipment should be size based on the grips.
maximum allowable tension plus a safety margin. The unit
should also be capable of developing the maximum speed 4.7 Rollers, Pulleys, and Sheaves
required with adequate margin. Cable rollers and sheaves used for cable pulling should
have a smooth surface, use cupped rollers of adequate
4.2 Pull Rope size, be in good working order, be properly lubricated, and
Pull rope diameter and length will depend on the pull to be free spinning. The radius of rollers, pulleys, and sheaves
made and construction equipment available. If a pull rope should be considered when calculating estimated sidewall
is used it should be sized to have a breaking strength not pressure. When using properly designed segmented
less than the maximum allowable tension times a safety sheaves (a fixed combination assembly of rollers), the cable
factor. This is a safety precaution to help ensure that the conforms to the radius of the overall assembly with no
pull rope does not break during the installation. Pull ropes appreciable increase in pressure from the individual rollers
should be chosen with minimum stretch to reduce the so, the overall radius of the assembly, rather than the
possibility of galloping. All cable monitoring equipment radius of the individual rollers, may be used. Typically, if
should be calibrated before use. these devices were used, they should be used on the
feeding end where the tension is near zero, so that sidewall
4.3 Pulling Eye pressure will be very low. If not properly utilized, these
Attachment should be to the conductors only and not the devices may cause damage. Therefore, segmented sheaves
insulation or other outer coverings. should be exposed to allow for inspection. Take care to
avoid exceeding the cable pulling radius with pulling
4.4 Swivel equipment (especially at sheaves and rollers).
A swivel should be used between the pulling rope and the
cable on all mechanically assisted pulls. On more difficult Although not required, forms made from preformed PVC
hand pulls, a swivel should also be used. The primary conduit bends cut in half may be used as a guide when
purpose of the swivel is to prevent damage to the cable forming bends. Make sure the minimum bend radius is
from possible twisting forces imparted when pulling the observed.
cable. Swivels should be selected that will swivel under
anticipated load conditions. Swivels that do not swivel
4.8 Lubricants
Polywater® LZ is recommended for compatability with the
under high load conditions should never be used.
VITALink MC/RC90 LSZH polymeric cable jacket. Lubricant

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for non polymeric jacketed cable shall not have any The force required to pull a cable off the reel is generally
deleterious effects on the metallic armor. referred to as back tension. This is normally taken to be
zero, since the cable is fed off the reel. This value may be
5 Installation Setup negative, and light braking may be applied to control the
5.1 Cable Reels flow of cable to avoid feeding at too great a rate. For
5.2 Cable Attachment Methods downward pulls, considerable braking may be required.
5.3 Pull Tension Monitoring
5.4 Supports The amount of tension necessary to pull a cable should be
5.5 Cable Spacing minimized. The required pulling tension may be reduced
5.6 Raceways by:
5.7 Cable Trays
1. Proper setup of the cable reel assembly (see Figure 4).
5.8 Concrete
The setup should ensure that the cable is not kinked or
5.9 Earth
bent beyond the minimum pulling radius or subject to
5.10 Bonding/Grounding
excessive twisting force. A suitable guide device should
5.11 Paralleling
be used to protect and guide the cable from the cable
5.12 Splices
reel into the raceway or tray. The radius of the feeder
5.13 Induced Currents in Metal Enclosures or Metal
device should not be less than the minimum bending
Raceways
radius of the cable. Cables exiting the raceway or tray
General should be protected by similar means.
2. Pulling in the proper direction. Where practical, a cable
In order to be compliant to RSCC’s fire rated 2 hour 120, 1
pull should begin nearest the end having the greater
hour System 60, or other VITALink fire resistive systems,
degrees of bends and exit the end having the least
please see individual instruction manuals for each
degrees of bends. Also, where vertical sections are
system.
encountered, a downward pull is preferred where reel
This section explains how to support and install the cable. breaking equipment can be deployed.
Termination of the cable is detailed in Section 7. 3. The number and degrees of bends the cable is pulled
around under tension should be minimized. This may
The rules outlined in this section apply to all areas that DO
be accomplished in tray installations by setting up at a
NOT require fire protection. Cable installed in areas that do
bend and pulling the cable straight past any bends at
not require fire protection may follow the adopted code
the far end of the installation and feeding additional
rules outlined in the NEC or CEC for Type MC or Type RC90
cable off the reel at the bend. The cable may then be
respectively.
hand fed around the bend(s) at either end.
Where independent circuits are required or desired, 4. Cable pull tension should be minimized by turning the
proper separation and segregation should be maintained reel and feeding the cable into the raceway or tray.
from other electrical circuits.

All conductors of the same circuit and, where used, the

grounded conductor and all equipment grounding
conductors shall be contained within the same raceway, or
cable tray, unless otherwise permitted in accordance with
the NEC or CEC as applicable. These requirements shall
apply separately to parallel circuits.

5.1 Cable Reels

Cable reels should be supported so that the cable may be
unreeled and fed into the raceway with light braking, so as
not to subject the cable to a reverse bend or overruns as it
is pulled from the reel.

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Figure 4. Reel Setup

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5.2 Cable Attachment Methods
If a cable is pulled into a raceway or tray segment, the cable If the maximum allowable tension is excessive, then a
should be attached to a pull rope. For VITALink® MC/RC90, breakaway link should not be used unless an estimated
both the armor and conductors should be gripped tension calculation is performed which indicates the
simultaneously. Cables may be gripped with a basket tension to be well within allowable limits.
weave device, by gripping the conductors with a pulling eye
or similar device, or by a combination of these methods. 2. Monitoring the actual tension applied using a tension
measuring device.
At the start of each pull, check that there is no movement
of the cable core pulling out of the armor. If any movement The pull force should be monitored for all high tension
is noted, it may be necessary to reinforce the grip between pulls (such as mechanical pulls, tuggers, etc.).
the armor and the core. One method that can be used is to
drive three or four nails about two inches apart and around
the circumference of the cable through the armor and into It is highly recommended that estimated tension
the conductor through the copper. These nails can be calculations be performed for all high tension pulls.
placed through the spaces of the basket grip weave. Be If possible, a direct reading tension measuring device
sure to cut off this section a sufficient distance behind the should be used. When this is not possible, and a
nails prior to terminating. dynamometer is used that is not placed in direct line with
Short lengths of cable may be laid in place or pulled with a the cable pull, the reading must be multiplied by the
basket grip only, providing the strain does not elongate the appropriate multiplying factor from Table 3 to obtain the
armor beyond the conductors. Longer cable lengths should true pulling tension (see Figure 5). When the angle falls
be pulled by the conductor and the armor. This may be between two tabulated values, the multiplying factor
done utilizing a pulling eye on the conductors, which is tied should be assumed to be the value for the larger angle. If
to the eye of a basket grip used on the armor and securing the angle is greater than 120 degrees please contact the
the tail end of the grip to the outside of the cable. RSCC Engineering Department for assistance.

For high force pulls, care should be taken not to stretch the Table 3. Multiplying Factors for Use with Dynamometer
insulation, jacket or armor beyond the end of the Readings
conductor nor bend the ladder, trough or channel out of Angle Multiplying
shape. (Degrees) Factor
0 0.5
Cable grips and pulling eyes should be installed according 60 0.6
to manufacturer’s instructions. All cable connections to the 90 0.7
pulling device should be formed in a cylindrical 100 0.8
configuration and the leading section of the assembly 110 0.9
should be smooth and tapered. The following general rules 120 1
should be observed.

5.3 Pull Tension Monitoring

Cable tension should be limited to less than the maximum
allowable pulling tension (see Section 8), to help ensure
that the installation process does not damage the cable.
This may be accomplished by one of the following two
methods:

1. Limiting the amount of tension available by use of a

properly sized breakaway link.

Figure 5. Dynamometer Setup

Breakaway links should be sized to be less than the
maximum allowable pulling tension.

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5.4 Support and Secure
Article 330 of the NEC details information on how to
support the MC/RC90 cable. Some of the information is
repeated here. If discrepancies exist, the NEC or CEC shall
govern.

Install supporting hardware at intervals not exceeding 6

feet.

Per the NEC/CEC, a minimum of 1/4 inch clearance should

be provided at the points of support between the back of
the cable and the wall of supporting surface for cables
used in wet areas. Use of strut fulfills this requirement. 6 ft

Permanent supports should be properly installed to ensure

the rigidity of the raceway and cable tray so neither the
raceway nor the cable will be subjected to damage during
the pulling process. Cables should not be installed in trays
that are utilized to carry or support equipment, piping,
instrument tubing, or other facilities.

When transitioning from a straight run of VITALink®

MC/RC90 cable to a bend, use additional supports at the
start of the bend and the end of the bend as shown in
Figure 6.

It is recommended that support systems be completed as

Figure 6. VITALink MC/RC90 Cable Bends
soon as possible after the cable is installed. Fasten the
cable at the far end of the installation and work back Cables should not be held under tension after installation
toward the reel, straightening as you go. Straighten by and some slack is desirable in the region of the
hand if possible, do not use tools such as a hammer or terminations. In open installations, the cable must be
screwdriver, since this may deform the armor. adequately supported to prevent undue strain on the cable
and the termination.

5.5 Cable Spacing

When multiple multi-conductor cables are used in the
same installation, they should be appropriately spaced for
ampacity considerations (generally one cable diameter
apart minimum) or appropriately derated for ampacity.

When multiple single conductor cables are used, they may

be laid flat, side by side as close together as possible for all
cables in the same circuit. When properly designed, single
conductor cables may be spaced to increase ampacity.
Note, voltage drop should also be evaluated. Multiple
circuits should be appropriately spaced for ampacity
considerations, or appropriately derated for ampacity. The
NEC and CEC addresses the specifics for this.

For vertical support in raceway, call RSCC Engineering

Department for recommendations.

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5.6 Raceways over eight pounds per foot and sixteen feet for cable
Installations in raceways need special considerations, so weighing not more than two pounds per foot. When
please consult the RSCC Engineering Department. different size and weight cables are installed on the same
cable tray, spacing should be determined for the heaviest
5.7 Cable Trays cable used. Rollers for straight sections should be used
When installing in cable trays, follow the NEC, CEC, or other near each tray support assembly. Such a roller
governing code. Some considerations are listed below. arrangement should suffice for any weight cable to be
pulled in that tray.
Cable trays shall have suitable strength and rigidity to
provide adequate support for all contained wiring. 5.8 Concrete
VITALink MC/RC90 may be installed in conduit in concrete
Each run of cable tray shall be completed before the or earth. Minimum burial depth should be per Table 300.5
installation of cables. of NEC or as applicable CEC requirement.

Supports shall be provided to prevent stress on cables VITALink MC/RC90 may also be embedded in concrete.
where they enter raceways or other enclosures from cable Consult the RSCC Engineering Department for further
tray systems. Tray supports should be in accordance with information on these methods of installation.
the manufacturers instructions
5.9 Earth
Multiconductor cables are allowed to be installed in Cable trench depth should be sufficient to provide not less
random configuration. For ampacity considerations, it is than 24 inches of cover for cables rated 600 volts and less
suggested that, where practical, cables be installed in a and 30 inches for cables rated 601 volts to 22 kV. Cable
single layer and spaced a minimum of one cable diameter depth may be increased to minimize possible disturbance
apart. from surface digging or frost. The width should be large
enough to accommodate the cables to be installed with
Cable Trays shall be exposed and accessible as permitted sufficient separation between cables. The bottom of the
by the NEC/CEC. trench should be loosened and free of rocks and other
Sufficient space shall be provided and maintained about rough material.
cable trays to permit adequate access for installing and
maintaining the cables. Prepare a bedding of at least 6 inches of selected backfill
(finely screened dirt or sand) in the bottom of the trench
Cable trays should be suitably grounded. for the cable to rest upon. In laying the cable on this
bedding, allow it to snake slightly in the trench to allow
Sheaves and rollers should be used when installing cables slack when the earth settles. If several cables are to be laid
in trays by methods other than hand feeding. In straight in the same trench, it is desirable to keep them separated
runs, a sufficient number of rollers should be used to uniformly, so earth and sand can be filled in around them.
preclude the cable dragging on the tray. Sharp bends Be certain there are no crossovers. Avoid bruising or
should be avoided by using a sufficient number of sheave distorting the cable during backfilling. Backfill material
assemblies such that the effective cable bend radius should not contain large rock, large or sharply angular
conforms to the contour of the tray bend, to ensure the substances, paving materials, cinders, scrap wood,
cable bending radius is adequate. corrosive substances or other such materials.

Cable tray manufacturers may recommend the number, For future use, suitable as-built data of the actual location
type, and location of the sheaves and rollers as well as of the cable before backfilling should be recorded. In areas
instructions for their application. When this information is of heavy traffic or places where excavating is likely to
not available, the following general guidelines may be occur, protective slabs should be placed over the screened
used. The most economical spacing of rollers depends on dirt covering to protect the cables and warn workers of the
the weight of cable to be pulled. In general, the spacing of presence of cables. Where physical protection is not
rollers should range between ten feet for cable weighing required, use electrical warning tape installed not less than

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1 foot above the cables. Note, per the NEC, that increases in non-grounded
conductor size due to voltage drop will warrant an increase
Control cable should be separated from power cables by a in ground size proportionately.
minimum clear spacing of 1 foot. Crosses and contact
between cables should be avoided. Additional separation 5.12 Splices/Terminations
may be required due to electromagnetic interference. Non fire rated splices shall follow practices outlined in
Separation should be maintained by inert nonmetallic governing code. Fire rated splices shall follow the
spacers where cables must cross. Cables should be instructions sheets for the fire resistive system being
separated from crossing pipe lines or other underground installed.
structures by a minimum clearance of 1 foot. Additional For 14, 12, and 10 AWG conductor sizes, cable shall be
separation may be required due to ampacity secured within 12 inches of boxes, cabinets, fittings or
considerations.
other cable terminations.

Additional protection may be required when the cables are 5.13 Induced Currents in Metal Enclosures or
run under roads, or as they enter or exit the ground.
Metal Raceways
5.10 Paralleling Where conductors carrying alternating current are
Conductors to be joined in parallel should be 1/0 AWG or installed in metal enclosures or metal raceways, they shall
larger. See NEC Article 310.10(H) or CEC as applicable. be arranged so as to avoid heating the surrounding metal
by induction. To accomplish this, all phase conductors and,
The paralleled conductors in each phase, neutral, or where used, the grounded conductor and all equipment
grounded circuit conductor shall: grounding conductors shall be grouped together.
(1) Be the same length Where a single conductor carrying alternating current
(2) Have the same conductor material passes through metal with magnetic properties, the
(3) Be the same size in circular mil area inductive effect shall be minimized by (1) cutting slots in
(4) Have the same insulation type the metal between the individual holes through which the
(5) Be terminated in the same manner individual conductors pass, or (2) passing all the
conductors in the circuit through an insulating wall, or
Where conductors are used in parallel, space in enclosures
brass plating sufficiently large for all of the conductors of
and termination points shall be given consideration.
the circuit. Non-ferrous boxes are available.
Where equipment grounding conductors are used with
parallel conductors, they shall be sized per Article 250 of 6 Pulling the Cable and Securing
the NEC or CEC as applicable. 6.1 Reels
6.2 Trays
5.11 Bonding/Grounding 6.3 Bends
Metal raceways, cable armor, and, other metal enclosures 6.4 Monitoring
for conductors shall be metallically joined together into a 6.5 Lubricants
continuous electric conductor and shall be connected to all 6.6 Firestop
boxes, fittings, and cabinets so as to provide effective
electrical continuity. Equipment grounding conductors General
smaller than 6 AWG shall be protected from physical Cable pulling should occur after all of the supporting
damage by a raceway or cable armor except where run in hardware has been installed and the installation setup is
hollow spaces of walls or partitions, where not subject to complete. Raceways and cable trays should be examined
physical damage, or where protected from physical for acceptability prior to pulling activities.
damage.
Set up to pull as much of the cable as possible, preferably
VITALink MC/RC90 copper armor is listed for use as an the total length. Position sheaves and pulling ropes,
equipment ground. See Table 12 in Appendix 1 for a list of avoiding all obstructions so the cable will move freely
armor ground size equivalents. during the pulling operation.

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Attach the pull rope to the cable by suitable means. The cable rests on the side rail then permanent tray edging
armor should be fastened to the pull rope and/or the should be provided. Material used for tray edging should
conductor in order to prevent relative movement of the be fire retardant, have a large surface area, be compatible
conductors and armor. Utilize supplementary pulling lines with the installation, and have a suitable temperature
with luffing grips as applicable. rating.

Maintain a slow but steady speed of up to 25 feet per

In other than horizontal runs, the cables shall be fastened
minute, avoiding stops and starts as much as possible.
securely to transverse members of the cable trays.
Adjust the pulling speed to eliminate galloping (surging), if
necessary.
Additionally, when required to maintain an orderly and
Prior to final termination, the ends of cables should be neat arrangement of cables or to maintain spacing
capped to prevent the entrance of water or other between power cables, cable ties should be used. Cable
contaminants if located outdoors, in other wet locations, ties should be installed at intervals not exceeding 6 feet
or where contamination is possible. spacing. Cable ties should be installed snug, but not to a
point to cause damage to the cable. The ties should be
6.1 Reels compatible with the cable and tray, and suitable for the
The cable should be pulled straight off of the reel. Use light environment.
back pressure on the cable reel to avoid reverse bending or
overrunning as the cable leaves the reel. Back pressure can Cables should be placed neatly, and orderly across the full
be applied by a reel brake or by wedging a two-by-four width of the tray to maintain a uniform level. The cable
against the flanges of the reel. The cable has a tendency to should be properly spaced for ampacity concerns. Cables
unwind itself as it is pulled off of the reel. The inner most should be segregated by voltage level (such as medium
cable end may detach from the reel and swing up and over voltage and low voltage cables) and separated by function
causing personal injury or damage to the cable. Before (i.e., power and instrument cables should be installed in
pulling ensure the inner most part of the cable is secured separate trays).
to reel by wrapping a rope tightly around the cable end.
Use tape to ensure it does not slide off and secure it to the Cables installed in trays having an expansion gap or fitting
reel by wrapping the rope to the flange by passing it (to accommodate differential movement) should be placed
through the penetration in the reel flange. in the tray in such a manner that a slack section of cable is
present. The expansion gap allows for free movement of
6.2 Trays the trays without damage to the cable. The cables should
When hand feeding (laying) cable in trays and trenches not be tied down within five feet of each side of the gap.
having open tops or removable covers, it is recommended
that: 6.3 Bends
• Personnel be positioned at corners and periodically When pulling around a bend, use as large a radius as
along the route to “hand feed” the cable into the cable possible, if necessary, hand feed to keep long smooth
tray, or curves. Sheaves or other guiding devices can be used
provided the bends are not too severe. For difficult pulls
• Personnel be positioned to “hand feed” the cable along
involving several bends or changes in elevation, a jacketed
the side of the cable tray and then lay it into the tray.
cable is recommended for additional mechanical
protection.
If cable is installed by sliding it into the tray (for short
distances only), a flame retardant plastic cloth should be 6.4 Monitoring
used to provide protection. Lubrication may be necessary. In addition to pull tension monitoring, an experienced
The plastic cloth should be removed after cable pulling is cable pulling observer should be stationed at the pulling
complete. end and be in contact (visually, by radio or by phone) with
the other members of the crew.
During installation, where a cable rests on a tray side rail,
such as at cable exit points, temporary tray edging should 6.5 Lubricants
be used to protect cable. If, after the cable is installed, the

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When cables are laid in trays, pulled over rollers and 7.1 Cable Terminating
sheaves, or directly buried, lubrication is not required. General procedures for terminating are provided below. Be
When cables are pulled in contact with a stationary advised that RSCC cannot be responsible for the
surface, friction at these points will cause an increase in the effectiveness of a termination or splice because we have
tension required to install the cable. Therefore, for these no control over the fabrication of these items.
cases, lubrication is recommended.
The environment should be clean and dry. Tools should be
6.6 Firestop in good working order and used for the purpose that they
Through opening in wall or floor shall be firestopped using are designed. Terminating materials must be high quality
an approved firestop system. See Through-Penetration and be compatible with the cable. Manufacturer
Firestop System (XHEZ) category for presently classified instructions for the application of insulating and jacketing
firestop systems. The firestop system shall not have any materials should be followed.
deleterious effects on the cable.
As shown in the following section, remove the outer jacket
(if present) and armor from the end of the cable a sufficient
7 Cable Termination, Splicing, Testing distance to allow separation of the conductors, provide the
7.1 Cable Terminating
necessary length to connect to the equipment being used,
7.2 Switchgear
and provide the necessary termination creepage distance.
7.3 Jacket Removal
Any underlying tapes and fillers should then be removed.
7.4 Armor Removal
7.5 Inner Jacket Removal • In removing this material, care should be taken not to
7.6 Cable Splicing damage any underlying layer, particularly the cable
7.7 Cable Test insulation.

General • Install the connector per manufacturer’s instructions.

The following section provides general information on Connections to enclosures should be through the use of
cable terminating, splicing, and testing. connectors approved for use with copper metal clad cable
in the particular environment that it is installed.
Prior to final termination, the capped cable ends should be
inspected to see that they were intact and have not been • Generally, a seal should not be applied around the
damaged. connector. Contact the RSCC Engineering Department for
further information.
A sufficient length of cable should be removed from the
pulling end to ensure that an adequate length of • Strip the insulation from each conductor for a distance
undamaged cable is available for termination. Cables that equal to the depth of the terminal lug plus 1/4 inch. Care
are electrically paralleled for the same circuit should be cut should be taken to avoid cutting, nicking, or scoring of the
as closely as possible to the same length prior to conductor strands.
termination. The cable(s) should be identified with • Apply compression terminal lugs or connectors per
nonconductive tags on both ends of the installation. manufacturer instructions. When using a compression
Cable slack should be provided at transition points connector, a calibrated, properly sized compression tool
between non-connecting trays or raceways, and should be used.
equipment. A sufficient length of cable core should be • Insulate the applied terminal lug with a shrinkable
pulled into equipment, panels and boxes to permit neat insulating sleeve or tape. The sleeve or tape should be of
arrangement of conductors and compliance with the sufficient length after application to cover the connector
following: barrel and at least 2 inches of the conductor insulation.
• Cable should be trained so that the minimum bending • Properly terminate and ground the armor of the cable if
radius for permanent training is not violated. that function is not provided by the connector.
• Any minimum required separation distance is • Utilize an insulating bushing to protect the conductors in
maintained. enclosures, boxes, etc.

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• Use proper hardware and tightening torque to connect
the terminal lugs.
Min. 12"
Junction Box
Splice Raceway
7.2 Terminating at Switchgear/Equipment
When entering an electrical room or other protected area
for termination on equipment/cabinets, a junction box is VITALink Pliable Seal
MC/RC90

required on the end of the fire rated cable in the fire rated MC
Connector

room per the following:

Fire Pump
Fire Rated Wall
Controller or
1. Once the cable enters the fire rated room, a minimum Transfer
of 12 inches, terminate the VITALink® MC/RC90 cable Switch

into the appropriate size junction box per NEC or

applicable CEC. Use a listed MC/RC90 connector
suitable for a corrugated copper sheath, a listed lock nut
and insulating bushing to terminate the cable to the
box. Connector should be suitably grounded.
Equipment grounding conductors should be carried
Contact RSCC Engineering department for other types of
through and maintained as required. Utilize a grounding installations.
hub as required.
2. Using the appropriate raceway for the specified area,
connect the junction box to the equipment.
3. Install appropriate thermoset wiring between the
junction box and the equipment. RSCC’s Firewall® LSZH
(NFPA 130 and NFPA 502 complaint) may be used.
4. Splice VITALink® MC/RC90 to the wire using an
approved method. Note a transition splice may be
required based on ampacity considerations.
5. Seal the end of the raceway in the junction box to keep
gases from migrating down into the equipment in the
case of a fire. This may be done using a pliable
compound.

Note: All wiring methods and installation procedures shall

comply with NEC /CEC and local amendments. NEC Article
110.14 should be considered in regard to the temperature
limit of the wiring to the equipment. The VITALink®
MC/RC90 cable may be sized at 90°C if so desired. CEC
requirements shall be observed as applicable.

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7.3 Jacket Removal (when provided)
1. Measure the length of jacket to be removed and mark.
With a sharp knife score around the jacket to about
half its thickness. Do not score the armor. (Figure 7)

Figure 7
2. Starting at the end of the cable, cut the jacket
completely through for the first half inch, continue
scoring, but not more than half the thickness of the
jacket, back to the score mark. (Figure 8)

Figure 8
3. Using pliers, pull the jacket away from the armor
starting at the end of the cable and proceed to tear
lengthwise along the score mark to the ring score.
Remove the jacket. (Figure 9)

Figure 9

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7.4 Armor Removal
1. Mark where the armor is to be cut. Use a tubing cutter
to cut the armor. The cutting wheel should be adjusted
at the crest of a corrugation and rolled back and forth
in ever increasing arcs while advancing the wheel until
a 360 degree turn can be made without the tool
wobbling off track. As the cutter revolves around the
cable into the depth of a corrugation and out, slight
tightening and loosening of the tool is required. Do not
try and cut the armor in one pass. Let the tool do the
work. (Figure 10)

Figure 10

2. If required, mildly flex the cable until the sheath parts

at the cut. Make sure the armor does not cut through
the inner jacket. (Figure 11)

Figure 11

3. Slightly rotate sheath back and forth while pulling to

remove sheath. Do not rotate completely around. If
present, filler cord may be entangled. When present,
remove tape and filler cord. Remove any burrs. Install
the connector according to the connector
manufacturer’s instructions. (Figure 12)

For longer lengths, armor may be removed in sections.

Contact RSCC Engineering for more information.

Figure 12

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7.5 Inner Jacket Removal
1. It’s recommended to attach the cable connector and
install into box prior to removing the inner jacket as it
provides protection.

Use a knife to longitudinally cut into the cable end

about an inch. DO NOT score the inner jacket (as
shown in Figure 13) because there is a possibility that
the insulation underneath will get cut. Leave inner
jacket on where possible for additional protection. An
adequate length of free conductor should be provided
per NEC/CEC.

Figure 13 – Incorrect Method

2. Cut through inner jacket at very end of the cable, then

pull apart and peel back inner jacket to end of
longitudinal cut. (Figure 14). The cut provides a path
for the jacket to be removed as tension is applied. Use
a conductor to help peel the jacket back. Be aware of
bend radius limits.

Figure 14 – Correct Method

3. Pull inner jacket up at end of longitudinal cut while

cutting in a circular manner. Pull off inner jacket.
Inspect insulation for any damage. (Figure 15)

Figure 15

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7.6 Cable Splicing Table 4. Box Size per NEC 314.28
Minimum Box Length for Straight Through Splice (Inches)
Splicing should be avoided with this construction type since
3/C Conduit Box 4/C Conduit Box
the impervious nature of the armor can be compromised.
AWG/Kcmil Size Size AWG/Kcmil Size Size
Continuous lengths are best. If splices are used, they
8 1 8 8 1 8
should be rated for the environment. A fire rated splice
6 1 8 6 1.25 10
that is part of a listed system is required in an area without
4 1.25 10 4 1.25 10
fire protection. For areas with fire protection, a box may be
3 1.25 10 3 1.5 12
used with an approved splicing system. Please call the RSCC
2 1.25 10 2 1.5 12
Engineering Department for additional information and to
1 2 16 1 2 16
request the following fire rated splice publications in pdf
1/0 2 16 1/0 2 16
format:
2/0 2 16 2/0 2.5 20
Fire Rated Splices 3/0 2 16 3/0 2.5 20
• VITALink® MC/RC90 Taped Splice Kit — Pig Tail 4/0 2.5 20 4/0 2.5 20

• VITALink® MC/RC90 Taped Splice Kit — Two-Way 250 2.5 20 250 3 24

350 3 24 350 3.5 28
• VITALink® MC/RC90 Block Splice Kit 500 3 24 500 3.5 28

• VITALink® MC/RC90 Fused Block Splice Kit

Contact RSCC for other splices. Minimum Box Length for Angle Splice (Inches)
3/C Conduit Box 4/C Conduit Box
7.7 Cable Test AWG/Kcmil Size Size AWG/Kcmil Size Size

After installation and prior to energizing, insulated cable 8 1 6 8 1 6

should be tested in accordance with established 6 1 6 6 1.25 7.5
procedures. All measurement and test equipment should 4 1.25 7.5 4 1.25 7.5
be calibrated. 3 1.25 7.5 3 1.5 9
2 1.25 7.5 2 1.5 9
1 2 12 1 2 12
1/0 2 12 1/0 2 12
2/0 2 12 2/0 2.5 15
3/0 2 12 3/0 2.5 15
4/0 2.5 15 4/0 2.5 15
250 2.5 15 250 3 18
350 3 18 350 3.5 21
500 3 18 500 3.5 21
Based on flexible metal conduit without a ground wire, and
RHW-2 conductor size per the NEC.

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 Secondly, knowing the weight of the cable and the details
8 Cable Limits & Pull Calculations of the installation configuration, the “Estimated Pulling
Tension” that may occur during installation can be
8.1 Conductor Tensile Strength Limits calculated.
8.2 Cable Attachment Limits
8.3 Minimum Bend Radius Limits Maximum Allowable Pulling Tension
8.4 Sidewall Pressure Limits The maximum allowable pulling tension on the cable(s) is
8.5 Estimating Pull Tension the lesser of the maximum allowable tension based on
8.6 Estimating Sidewall Pressure conductor strength (Tc), the maximum allowable tension
based on sidewall pressure (Tp), and the limit based on the
General attachment method to the cable.
When cables are pulled into raceways or trays, they are
likely to be subjected to physical stresses that they will 8.1 Conductor Tensile Strength
never again be required to endure. The prime cause of It is assumed that the method used to attach the cable to
pulling forces is the friction of the cable against the the pull rope transfers all forces to the conductor. The
supporting and contact surfaces. If the supporting surface tensile strength of the conductor then becomes a limiting
is straight and horizontal, this friction is caused by the factor for the force that can be applied. Copper elongates
weight of the cable in contact with this surface. If the slightly before breaking, which changes the resistance
surface is not horizontal, the weight of the cable also characteristics. A safety factor is used to prevent this. This
affects the pulling load, but is dependent upon the angle of tension is determined by the following equation:
inclination. This angle may add to or lessen the total pulling
force, depending upon whether the pull is up or down. Equation 1. Tensile strength of one conductor
Tc = K x F x kcmilT
When a cable is pulled around a bend, it is in contact Tc = Maximum allowable tension based on conductor
against the inner arc of curvature of the bend. If any tensile strength (pounds)
substantial amount of pulling force has been developed in K = Factor based on material strength with a safety
the cable, the friction load due to the pressure at this point margin; 0.008 for annealed copper
will greatly surpass that due solely to the weight of the F = Factor to account for possible unequal tension
cable. Thus, bends in the run increase the pulling load distribution
significantly. kcmilT = The sum of the circular mil area of all conductors
in thousand circular mils (kcmil)
Factors that shall be considered prior to installation, to
minimize the possibility of cable damage, are as follows:
When all conductors are the same size, the equation
• Tensile strength of the conductors becomes:
• Method of attachment to the cable
Equation 2. Tensile strength of multiple same size
• Sidewall pressure
conductors
• Estimated pulling tension Tc = K x F x kcmil x N
• Force required to pull the cable off the reel kcmil = Circular mil area of one conductor in thousand
• Coefficient of friction between the cable and circular mils (kcmil)
adjacent surfaces N = Total number of conductors pulled
• Percentage of raceway area filled
• Bend radius The tension distribution factor (F) is 1 for a single multi-
conductor cable, 0.8 when pulling more than one cable of
Each of these items is discussed in the following sections equal conductor size, and 0.6 when pulling multiple cables
starting with tension calculations. Two tension calculations of unequal conductor size. Ground wires and armor should
are required for each cable installation. The first not be considered in these computations. The conductor
calculation is the “Maximum Allowable Pulling Tension” for circular mil area and the maximum allowable pull tensions
the particular cable to be installed. This value is dependent for one, three, and four annealed copper conductor(s) of a
upon the method of attachment to the cable, the allowable single cable (N=1, 3, and 4, and F=1) using the above
sidewall bearing pressure, and the construction of the equation is provided in Table 5 below.
cable.
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Table 5. Maximum tension based on copper conductor Obviously, for pulling cable under tension, the radius
tensile strength limit should be as large as practical to minimize the danger of
Conductor Size Equivalent 1/C Tc 3/C Tc 4/C Tc flattening the armor or other damage occurring. For
(AWG or Kcmil) Circular Mil (Pounds) (Pounds) (Pounds)
Area (Kcmil) permanent training, when no subsequent straightening or
re-bending is required, the minimum allowable radius can
14 4.11 – 99 132
12 6.53 – 157 209 be smaller. Guidelines for the minimum permissible radius
10 10.38 – 249 332 of bend have been established for these conditions:
8 16.51 – 396 528
6 26.24 – 630 840 1) The minimum training radius, is used where no tension
4 41.74 – 1,002 1,336 is applied to the cable (i.e., permanent training), and
3 52.62 – 1,263 1,684
2 66.36 – 1,593 2,124 2) The minimum pulling radius, is used where tension is
1 83.69 – 2,009 2,678
applied to the cable.
1/0 105.6 845 2,534 3,379
2/0 133.1 1,065 3,194 4,259
The minimum bending radii listed in ICEA and IEEE
3/0 167.8 1,342 4,027 5,370
4/0 211.6 1,693 5,078 6,771 standards and the NEC are for permanent training. These
250 250 2,000 6,000 8,000* values along with recommendations for pulling radii are
350 350 2,800 8,400* 11,200* provided in Table 6 as a multiplier of the non-polymeric
500 500 4,000 12,000* 16,000*
jacketed armor diameter or component diameter. The
750 750 6,000 18,000* –
* Do not exceed cable attachment limit. values for non-armored “Components” may be used for
the individual bending radius of single cables after the
8.2 Cable Attachment armor, inner jacket on multi-conductor cables and
The maximum allowable tension is also limited by the separator tape are removed and the cables are separated.
ability of the device used to connect the cable to the pull Table 7 provides minimum bend radius for popular sizes of
rope to withstand the forces applied. VITALink® MC/RC90. For cases not shown please call the
RSCC Engineering Department. Note, bend radius is
Pulling Eye
measured from the inside portion of the cable going
When pulling by gripping the conductors with a pulling eye
through the bend.
or bolt, the maximum tension is usually limited to 10,000
pounds. This is dependent upon the pulling eye or bolt Table 6. Minimum Bend Radius OD Multiplier
used and the method of application. The manufacturer’s Cable Diameter Minimum Minimum
recommendations should be followed. Range (Inches) Training Pulling
Radius Radius
Basket Weave
VITALink MC All sizes 7X 10 X
The attachment by a basket weave grip is limited by the slip Components 1.000 and less 4X 8X
of the insulation. When the properly sized basket weave Components 1.001 to 2.000 5X 10 X
grip is applied over the insulation, the limit is 200 pounds
per grip. This is based upon the hoop stress applied with a
basket grip and the cable construction. Alternatively, the Table 7. Minimum bend radius for common sizes
Conductor Size No. of Nom. Armor Min. Bend Radius
insulation may be removed, and friction tape applied
(AWG/kcmil) Conductors Diameter (Inches)
directly over the conductor to increase the pull by grip (Inches)
limit. For this configuration, with a properly sized and Training Pulling
applied grip, the limit is 2,000 pounds. 14 2 0.78 5.50 7.80
14 3 0.82 5.70 8.20
8.3 Minimum Bending Radius
14 4 0.89 6.20 8.90
In establishing the minimum allowable bend radius for a
12 2 0.82 5.70 8.20
cable it must be considered that two distinct cases occur.
12 3 0.89 6.20 8.90
There are bends which occur during pulling (in which case
12 4 0.94 6.60 9.40
the cable is under tension and is subsequently straightened
10 2 0.89 6.20 8.90
after leaving the bend) and a bend made as part of the
10 3 0.94 6.60 9.40
permanent training in position (in which case the cable is
10 4 1.00 7.00 10.00
not under tension and is usually only bent once).

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Conductor Size No. of Nom. Armor Min. Bend Radius The minimum training radius requirements of splices and
(AWG/kcmil) Conductors Diameter (Inches)
terminations should comply with splice and termination
(Inches)
manufacturer’s instructions.
Training Pulling
8 3 1.04 7.30 10.40 The effective diameter of rollers, sheaves or other pulling
8 4 1.16 8.10 11.60 devices should be equal to or greater than those specified
6 3 1.16 8.10 11.60 in Table 8 when the cable(s) is under tension. Note, the
6 4 1.22 8.50 12.20 sheave diameter is two times the sheave radius (see Figure
4 3 1.24 8.70 12.40 16). Rollers, sheaves or other pulling devices that the cable
4 4 1.35 9.50 13.50 does not pass over (only the pull rope) are not required to
3 3 1.30 9.10 13.00 meet these requirements. The minimum effective sheave
3 4 1.40 9.80 14.00 diameter is the minimum diameter that the cable will
2 3 1.38 9.70 13.80 follow (see Figure 17). It is advantageous to use a sheave
2 4 1.50 10.50 15.00 with a diameter as large as possible to minimize sidewall
1 3 1.59 11.10 15.90
pressure constraints.
1 4 1.73 12.10 17.30 Table 8. Minimum Effective Sheave Diameter
1/0 1 1.00 7.00 10.00 Cable Diameter Minimum Effective Sheave
1/0 3 1.67 11.70 16.70 (Inches) Diameter (Inches)
1/0 4 1.82 12.70 18.20 0.75 15
2/0 1 1.04 7.30 10.40 1.00 20
2/0 3 1.80 12.60 18.00 1.25 25
2/0 4 1.95 13.70 19.50 1.50 30
3/0 1 1.08 7.60 10.80 1.75 35
3/0 3 1.92 13.40 19.20 2.00 40
3/0 4 2.13 14.90 21.30 2.25 45
4/0 1 1.16 8.10 11.60 2.50 50*
4/0 3 2.04 14.30 20.40 2.75 55*
4/0 4 2.26 15.80 22.60 3.00 60*
250 1 1.22 8.50 12.20 3.25 65*
250 3 2.26 15.80 22.60 * A 48 inch diameter sheave may be used if the sidewall
250 4 2.46 17.20 24.60 pressure does not exceed 300 pounds per foot.
350 1 1.35 9.50 13.50
350 3 2.48 17.40 24.80
350 4 2.71 19.00 27.10
500 1 1.48 10.40 14.80
500 3 2.82 19.70 28.20
500 4 3.13 21.90 31.30
750 1 1.73 12.10 17.30

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Figure 16. Single Sheave

PROPER IMPROPER

Figure 17. Typical Multiple Sheave Arrangement

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8.4 Sidewall Pressure * This value may be more limiting than the maximum tension Tc
based on conductor strength. The lower value of the two governs
When a cable is pulled around a bend, radial force is
the cable pull.
exerted on the insulation, armor, and jacket as the cable is
pressed against the inner arc of the bend (see Figure 18). When pulling multiple cables together, additional forces
This is referred to as sidewall pressure and is expressed as may be encountered based on cable geometry. For these
pounds per foot of radius. cases contact the RSCC Engineering Department for
additional information. Table 9 provides the maximum
tension based on sidewall pressure limits for various
Tension
sheave diameters. Note that an increase in maximum
allowable pulling tension can be obtained by simply
Sidewall Pressure increasing the radius of bend.

Table 9. Maximum tension based on SWP limits for

various sheave diameters
Sheave Inner Maximum Tension Based On SWP Limit - Tp
Diameter (Pounds)
(Inches) SWP = 400 SWP = 300
Pounds/Foot Pounds/Foot
12 200 150
15 250 188
18 300 225
Figure 18. Sidewall Pressure 20 333 250
25 417 313
Sidewall pressure is important in cable pulling calculations 28 467 350
for two reasons. The first reason is its increase in the total 30 500 375
pulling tension due to greater pressure between the cable 35 583 438
and the bend. The second reason is its crushing effect upon 40 667 500
42 700 525
the cable insulation and the possibility of permanent
45 750 563
damage to the insulation and/or the cable armor if 48 800 600
excessive sidewall pressures are permitted. Sidewall 50 833 625
pressure is usually the determining factor when 55 917 688
establishing maximum allowable pulling tension for large 60 1,000 750
65 1,083 813
conductor sizes.

The maximum value for sidewall pressure depends on the

cable design. For VITALink® MC/RC90 it is normally 400 8.5 Estimating Pulling Tensions
pounds per foot of bend radius, with a 10 times pulling The installer should calculate estimated pulling tensions
radius multiplier. Under certain circumstances it may be for all cables to be pulled, to insure that the allowable
necessary to reduce the bend radius multiplier to 7 times values established in the previous sections are not
(which is provided for permanent training). For this case, exceeded. The principle equations used for these
the sidewall pressure should not exceed 300 pounds per calculations are as follows:
foot of bend. The equation for maximum tension based on
Tension – No Incline
a sidewall pressure for a single cable is as follows:
The estimated pulling tension of one cable in a straight
Equation 3. Maximum tension for a given SWP section of raceway may be calculated from the following
Tp = SWP x R equation that does not consider changes in elevation:
Tp = Maximum allowable tension which will not
Equation 4. Estimated Pull Tension
exceed the sidewall pressure limit in pounds*
T =LxWxK
SWP = Sidewall pressure limit in pounds per foot
T = Estimated pulling tension in pounds
R = Radius of bend in feet
L = Length of installation in feet
W = Weight of cable in pounds per foot
K = Coefficient of friction

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Coefficient of Friction Friction Angle from horizontal in degrees
The values used for coefficient (K) of friction can vary from Coefficient
0.1 to 0.8 depending upon many factors including the type K 15 30 45 60 75 90
of installation, raceway material, the type of cable jacket, 0.1 1.03 1.05 1.08 1.11 1.14 1.17
and type of lubricant. For well lubricated conduit runs, the 0.2 1.05 1.11 1.17 1.23 1.30 1.37
coefficient of friction can be as low as 0.3, but a value of 0.3 1.08 1.17 1.27 1.37 1.48 1.60
0.5 is generally used in calculations. For tray installations 0.4 1.11 1.23 1.37 1.52 1.69 1.87
over well lubricated, properly installed sheaves, a value of 0.5 1.14 1.30 1.48 1.69 1.92 2.19
0.1 may be used to account for the tension increase as a
result of cable sag between sheaves.
8.6 Estimating Sidewall Pressure
Tension – Incline The sidewall pressure acting upon a single cable at a bend
The estimated pulling tension of a cable in an inclined may be estimated from the following equation:
section of raceway may be calculated from the following
simplified formula, where prior tension is the tension at the Equation 7. Estimated sidewall pressure
P = T/R
beginning of the incline and the multiplying factor (M) from
P = Sidewall pressure on the cable in pounds per foot
Table 10 is tabulated below.
of bend radius
Equation 5. Estimated inclined tension T = Estimated tension out of the bend in pounds
T = L x W x M + (prior tension) R = Radius of the bend in feet
Note, short downward bends may be neglected. For riser
applications, contact the RSCC Engineering Department.
9 Materials, Tools, and Connectors
Materials (firestops, paints, straps, adhesives, tapes,
Table 10. Multiplying factors (M) pulling lubrication, etc.) used with VITALink cables should
Friction Angle from horizontal in degrees not have a deleterious effect on the cable.
Coefficient
K 15 30 45 60 75 90 Recommended Pipe cutter is Rigid 152 and Reed TC4Q for
0.1 0.36 0.59 0.78 0.92 0.99 1.00 larger cables
0.2 0.45 0.67 0.85 0.97 1.02 1.00 Connector manufacturers are listed below. Other
0.3 0.55 0.76 0.92 1.02 1.04 1.00 commercially available connectors may work as well.
0.4 0.65 0.85 0.99 1.07 1.07 1.00 Information provided is believed to be accurate but it is
0.5 0.74 0.93 1.06 1.12 1.10 1.00 suggested that the connector manufacturer be contacted
for recommendations and instructions on the use of their
Tension – Out of Bend products.
To calculate the tension out of a bend, the following
The design should allow additions, replacements, and
equation may be used:
other changes to be made easily, at minimum cost, and
Equation 6. Estimated tension out of bend with minimum interruption of service.
T = T1 x F
Connector Manufacturers:
T = Tension coming out of the bend in pounds
American Connectors, Cooper Crouse-Hinds, Hawke Cable
T1 = Accumulated tension going into the bend in
Glands America, Hubbell Killark Electric
pounds
F = Friction factor for various values of coefficient of
American Connectors has been fully vetted for proper
friction and bends as shown below.
fitting on all VITALink MC/RC90 cables. See Table 13 in
Note, for large cables where bends close to the minimum Appendix 1 for more information. Contact RSCC for
bend radius are contemplated, additional force may be constructions not listed.
required to bend the cable.
NOTE: For fire rated connectors, see the FHIT/FHIT7
Table 11. Friction factors (F)
System installation instructions.

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 Fitting - An accessory such as a locknut, bushing, or other
10 Glossary of Terms part of a wiring system that is intended primarily to
Ampacity - The current, in amperes, that a conductor can
perform a mechanical rather than an electrical function.
carry continuously under the conditions of use without
exceeding its temperature rating. Galloping - A phenomenon that may occur when pulling
cables where the cable will slide, based on the dynamic
ANSI - American National Standards Institute.
friction, then stop until tension increases to a point as to
Armor - A sheath, serving or braid or other layer of metal overcome the static friction. At this point, the cable slides
applied over a cable to increase its mechanical protection. again, and the process repeats. To minimize this effect use
pulling ropes with minimal stretch (i.e. aramid, etc.).
ASTM - American Society for Testing and Materials.
Ground Wire - The conductor leading from a current
AWG - American Wire Gage. consuming device to a ground connection.
Bonding (Bonded) - The permanent joining of metallic parts ICEA - Insulated Cable Engineers Association (Formerly
to form an electrically conductive path that will ensure IPCEA).
electrical continuity and the capacity to conduct safely any
current likely to be imposed. IEEE - Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
(Formerly two separate organizations: AIEE and IRE).
Breakaway Link - A device that is connected in series with
the pull rope that is designed to break at a specified Insulation - As applied to electrical wire and cable,
tension. insulation is the covering applied to conductors in order to
isolate and confine the electrical currents which they carry.
Cable - A cable is either an insulated conductor (one Insulation materials are of many types, i.e., plastic, rubber,
conductor cable) or a combination of conductors insulated etc. and are characterized by high volume resistivity.
from one another (multiple conductor cable).
Jacket - An extruded plastic or elastomeric material
CEC – Canadian Electrical Code covering applied over an insulation or an assembly of
Circular Mil (cmil) - The area of a circle one thousandth of components to provide protection or act as a barrier.
an inch (or one mil) in diameter. kcmil - A unit of conductor area in thousands of circular
Compatible - A material suitable for use with adjoining mils (formerly MCM).
materials at the normal operating and emergency kV (Kilovolt) - One thousand volts.
environments (i.e., proper size; similar materials, such that
no adverse reaction occurs; able to withstand the LSZH - Low smoke zero halogen material used as an
temperature range, radiation, and other harmful optional jacket on RSCC VITALink® MC/RC90 cable.
parameters for the area; as recommended for use by the
Maximum Allowable Pulling Tension - The maximum
respective manufacturer).
tension that may be applied to a cable or group of cables
Component - A segment of the cable, particularly pairs, to prevent damage due to type of grip, conductor
triads, etc. elongation, and sidewall pressure. This value is the lesser
of Tp or Tc.
Conductor - A wire or combination of wires not insulated
from one another, suitable for carrying an electrical Maximum Conductor Pulling Tension (Tc) - The maximum
current. tension that may be applied to a cable or group of cables
to prevent damage due to type of grip and conductor
Estimated Pulling Tension - The calculated pulling tension elongation.
based on conduit configuration and cable construction.
Maximum SWP Pulling Tension (Tp) - The calculated pulling
Fire-Roc™ - RSCC trade name for a proprietary insulation tension which can be used to pull a cable or group of cables
capable of passing the UL 2 hour fire test as part of a without exceeding the cable sidewall pressure limits.
qualified system.
MC - NEC type designation for metal-clad cables. These
cable designs contain continuously welded (smooth or

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corrugated) or interlocked armor utilizing aluminum or Silicone Rubber - Various polymers in which the main
steel (NEC Article 330 & UL Standard No. 1569). polymer chain consists of alternating silicon and oxygen
atoms in combination with either methyl or phenyl, or
Minimum Pulling Radius - The smallest radius to which the
both. This is a high temperature, thermoset material
inside surface of the cable may be bent under tension. This
primarily used for insulation.
radius should not be less than the minimum training radius.
UL 2196/ULC S139 System FHIT 120/FHIT7 120 - UL
Minimum Training Radius - The smallest radius to which
electrical circuit protective system that is rated for 2 hour
the inside surface of the cable may be bent for permanent
fire resistance in horizontal and vertical at 600 volts.
installation while not under tension.
UL – Underwriters Laboratories
Multi-conductor - More than one insulated conductor
within a single cable. VITALink® MC and VITALink® RC90 - RSCC trade names for
1
a continuously welded and corrugated metal sheath cable
NEC - National Electrical Code.
with a UL 2 hour fire rating for an electrical circuit
1
NFPA - National Fire Protection Association. protective system.

Pull Rope - A high strength line which is attached to the Volt - The practical unit of electromotive force. One volt is
cable to allow it to be pulled. required to send one ampere of current through a circuit
whose resistance is one ohm.
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) - A thermoplastic material
composed of polymers of vinyl chloride that is used as an Voltage Rating - The maximum voltage at which a given
insulation or jacket. cable or insulated conductor is designed to operate during
continuous use in a normal manner.
Raceway - An enclosed channel of metal or nonmetallic
materials designed expressly for holding wires, cables, or
busbars, with additional functions as permitted in the NEC.
Raceways include, but are not limited to, rigid metal
conduit, rigid nonmetallic conduit, intermediate metal
conduit, liquid-tight flexible conduit, flexible metallic
tubing, flexible metal conduit, electrical nonmetallic
tubing, electrical metallic tubing, underfloor raceways,
cellular concrete floor raceways, cellular metal floor
raceways, surface raceways, wireways, and busways.

RC90 - CEC type designation for 90°C armor sheathed

cables. These cable designs contain continuously welded
(smooth or corrugated) copper (CEC 12-700 & CSA 22.2
No. 123).

Reverse Bends - Bends opposite to the direction the cable

has been wound on the cable reel.

Sheave - A wheel shaped device used in cable pulling.

Shield - Any barrier to the passage of interference causing

electrostatic or electromagnetic fields, formed by a
conductive layer surrounding a cable core. It is usually
fabricated from a metallic tape, braid, foil, or wire serve.

Sidewall Pressure (SWP) - The radial force exerted on the

insulation and sheath of a cable at a bend point when the
cable is under tension.

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 ULC S139, Standard Method of Fire Test for Evaluation of
11 References Integrity of Electrical Power, Data and Optical Fiber Cables.
AEIC G5, “Underground Extruded Power Cable Pulling
1
Guide”. NEC and NFPA are registered trademarks of the National
Fire Protection Agency.
ANSI/NFPA 70, “National Electrical Code”.

ANSI N45.2.2, “Packaging, Shipping, Receiving, Storage,

and Handling of Items for Nuclear Power Plants”.

ICEA P-46-426/IEEE S-135, “Power Cable Ampacities”.

ICEA P-54-440/NEMA WC 51, “Ampacities of Cables in

Open-Top Cable Trays”.

ICEA S-66-524/NEMA WC 7, “Cross-Linked

Thermosetting Polyethylene-Insulated Wire and Cable for

the Transmission and Distribution of Electrical Energy”.

IEEE 100, “Dictionary of Electrical and Electronics Terms”.

IEEE 400, “IEEE Guide for Making High-Direct- Voltage Tests

on Power Cable Systems in the Field”.

IEEE 404, “Standard for Cable Joints for Use with Extruded
Dielectric Cable Rated 5,000 V through 46,000 V and Cable
Joints for Use with Laminated Dielectric Cable Rated 2,500
V through 500,000 V”.

IEEE 422, “Guide for the Design and installation of Cable

Systems in Power Generating Stations”.

IEEE 518, “Guide for the Installation of Electrical

Equipment to Minimize Electrical Noise Inputs to
Controllers from External Sources”.

IEEE 525, “IEEE Guide for the Design and Installation of

Cable Systems in Substations”.

IEEE 576, “IEEE Recommended Practices for Installation,

Termination, and Testing of Insulated Power Cables as
Used in the Petroleum and Chemical Industry”.

IEEE 690, “Standard for the Design and Installation of Cable

Systems for Class 1E Circuits in Nuclear Power Generating
Stations”.

IEEE 1185, “Guide for Installation Methods for Generating

Station Cables”.

NEMA WC 26, “Wire and Cable Packaging”. UL

1569,”Metal-Clad Cables”.

UL Subject 1724, “Fire Tests for Electrical Circuit Protective

Systems”.

UL 2196, “Standard for Tests of Fire Resistive Cables”.

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12 Appendix 1
Table 12. VITALink MC/RC90 copper armor equivalents
Conductor VITALink MC/RC90 Copper Armor Size Equivalent (AWG/kcmil)
Size
(AWG/kcmil)
1C 2C 3C 4C 5C 6C 7C 8C 9C 10C 12C
14 - 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1/0 1/0 1/0
12 - 2 1 1 1 1 1 1/0 1/0 1/0 1/0
10 - 1 1 1 1 1/0 1/0 1/0 1/0 2/0 2/0
8 - 1 1 1/0 1/0 1/0 1/0 2/0 - - -
6 - 1 1/0 1/0 1/0 2/0 2/0 - - - -
4 - - 1/0 1/0 1/0 2/0 - - - - -
3 - - 1/0 2/0 - - - - - - -
2 - - 2/0 2/0 - - - - - - -
1 - - 2/0 2/0 - - - - - - -
1/0 1 - 2/0 3/0 - - - - - - -
2/0 1 - 3/0 3/0 - - - - - - -
3/0 1 - 3/0 3/0 - - - - - - -
4/0 1/0 - 3/0 3/0 - - - - - - -
250 1/0 - 3/0 4/0 - - - - - - -
350 1/0 - 4/0 4/0 - - - - - - -
400 2/0 - 4/0 250 - - - - - - -
500 2/0 - 4/0 250 - - - - - - -
600 2/0 - 250 - - - - - - - -
750 2/0 - - - - - - - - - -

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RSCC PNs are referenced for ease of lookup for cables ending in “-100” or “-200”. For other suffixes the connector is sized
off Armor OD.

Table 13 – MC Cable and American Connector XRef

Conductor RSCC PN Nom Nom Fire Rated Non-Fire Rated
Size xxx-100 Armor Jacketed WT-WSE Series WTNI Series
(AWG/kcmil) xxx-200 OD (In) OD (In) Stainless Steel Nickel Coated Aluminum
Connector PN Connector PN
Non Jacketed Jacketed Non Jacketed Jacketed Cables
Cables Cables Cables
1 Conductor
1/0 VM011X0 1.004 1.107 104-100-S3 104-100
2/0 VM012X0 1.043 1.146 104-100-S3 111-100
3/0 VM013X0 1.075 1.178 111-100-S3 111-100
4/0 VM014X0 1.155 1.258 118-100L-S3 118-100L
250 VM01250 1.215 1.318 125-125-S3 125-125
350 VM01350 1.350 1.453 139-125-S3 139-125
400 VM01400 1.410 1.513 148-150-S3 148-150
500 VM01500 1.500 1.603 157-150-S3 157-150
600 VM01600 1.670 1.793 166-150-S3 166-150
750 VM01750 1.729 1.852 175-200-S3 175-200
2 Conductor
14 VM02014 0.820 0.923 083-075-S3 083-075
12 VM02012 0.820 0.923 083-075-S3 083-075
10 VM02010 0.886 0.989 090-075-S3 090-075
8 VM02008 1.004 1.107 104-100-S3 104-100
6 VM02006 1.075 1.178 111-100-S3 111-100
3 Conductor
14 VM03014 0.820 0.923 083-075-S3 083-075
12 VM03012 0.886 0.989 090-075-S3 090-075
10 VM03010 0.940 1.043 097-100-S3 097-100
8 VM03008 1.043 1.146 104-100-S3 111-100
6 VM03006 1.155 1.258 118-100L-S3 118-100L
4 VM03004 1.235 1.338 125-125-S3 125-125
3 VM03003 1.299 1.402 132-125-S3 132-125
2 VM03002 1.410 1.513 148-150-S3 148-150
1 VM03001 1.585 1.708 166-150-S3 166-150
1/0 VM031X0 1.670 1.793 166-150-S3 166-150
2/0 VM032X0 1.795 1.918 184-200-S3 184-200
3/0 VM033X0 1.915 2.038 193-200-S3 193-200
4/0 VM034X0 2.038 2.161 213-250NJ-S3 213-250-S3 213-250NJ 213-250
250 VM03250 2.258 2.412 235-250-S3 235-250
350 VM03350 2.480 2.634 257-250-S3 257-250
400 VM03400 2.710 2.864 285-300-S3 285-300
500 VM03500 2.820 2.974 285-300-S3 285-300
600 VM03600 3.128 3.302 313-300-S3 313-300
4 Conductor

33 RSCC Wire & Cable LLC © 2021 • 20 Bradley Park Road • East Granby, CT 06026 • 800-327-7625 • 800-653-8300 • Fax: 860-653-8321 • www.r-scc.com
 Conductor RSCC PN Nom Nom Fire Rated Non-Fire Rated
Size xxx-100 Armor Jacketed WT-WSE Series WTNI Series
(AWG/kcmil) xxx-200 OD (In) OD (In) Stainless Steel Nickel Coated Aluminum
Connector PN Connector PN
Non Jacketed Jacketed Non Jacketed Jacketed Cables
Cables Cables Cables
14 VM04014 0.886 0.989 090-075-S3 090-075
12 VM04012 0.940 1.043 097-100-S3 097-100
10 VM04010 1.004 1.107 104-100-S3 104-100
8 VM04008 1.155 1.258 118-100L-S3 118-100L
6 VM04006 1.215 1.318 125-125-S3 125-125
4 VM04004 1.350 1.453 139-125-S3 139-125
3 VM04003 1.410 1.513 148-150-S3 148-150
2 VM04002 1.500 1.603 157-150-S3 157-150
1 VM04001 1.729 1.852 175-200-S3 175-200
1/0 VM041X0 1.820 1.943 184-200-S3 184-200
2/0 VM042X0 1.950 2.073 202-200-S3 202-200
3/0 VM043X0 2.123 2.246 213-250NJ-S3 213-250-S3 213-250NJ 213-250
4/0 VM044X0 2.258 2.412 235-250-S3 235-250
250 VM04250 2.460 2.634 257-250-S3 257-250
350 VM04350 2.710 2.864 285-300-S3 285-300
400 VM04400 3.128 3.302 313-300-S3 313-300
500 VM04500 3.128 3.302 313-300-S3 313-300
5 Conductor
14 VM05014 0.940 1.043 097-100-S3 097-100
12 VM05012 1.004 1.107 104-100-S3 104-100
10 VM05010 1.075 1.178 111-100-S3 111-100
8 VM05008 1.215 1.318 125-125-S3 125-125
6 VM05006 1.299 1.402 132-125-S3 132-125
4 VM05004 1.480 1.583 157-150-S3 157-150
3 VM05003 1.585 1.708 166-150-S3 166-150
2 VM05002 1.670 1.793 166-150-S3 166-150
1 VM05001 1.915 2.038 193-200-S3 193-200
1/0 VM051X0 2.038 2.161 213-250NJ-S3 213-250-S3 213-250NJ 213-250-S3
2/0 VM052X0 2.258 2.412 235-250-S3 235-250
3/0 VM053X0 2.460 2.614 257-250-S3 257-250
4/0 VM054X0 2.480 2.634 257-250-S3 257-250
6 Conductor
14 VM06014 1.004 1.107 104-100-S3 104-100
12 VM06012 1.075 1.178 111-100-S3 111-100
10 VM06010 1.155 1.258 118-100L-S3 118-100L
8 VM06008 1.299 1.402 132-125-S3 132-125
6 VM06006 1.410 1.513 148-150-S3 148-150
4 VM06004 1.585 1.708 166-150-S3 166-150
7 Conductor
14 VM07014 1.004 1.107 104-100-S3 104-100
12 VM07012 1.075 1.178 111-100-S3 111-100

RSCC Wire & Cable LLC © 2021 • 20 Bradley Park Road • East Granby, CT 06026 • 800-327-7625 • 800-653-8300 • Fax: 860-653-8321 • www.r-scc.com 34
 Conductor RSCC PN Nom Nom Fire Rated Non-Fire Rated
Size xxx-100 Armor Jacketed WT-WSE Series WTNI Series
(AWG/kcmil) xxx-200 OD (In) OD (In) Stainless Steel Nickel Coated Aluminum
Connector PN Connector PN
Non Jacketed Jacketed Non Jacketed Jacketed Cables
Cables Cables Cables
10 VM07010 1.155 1.258 118-100L-S3 118-100L
8 VM07008 1.299 1.402 132-125-S3 132-125
6 VM07006 1.410 1.513 148-150-S3 148-150
8 Conductor
14 VM08014 1.155 1.258 118-100L-S3 118-100L
12 VM08012 1.215 1.318 125-125-S3 125-125
10 VM08010 1.299 1.402 132-125-S3 132-125
8 VM08008 1.500 1.623 157-150-S3 157-150
9 Conductor
14 VM09014 1.215 1.318 125-125-S3 125-125
12 VM09012 1.299 1.402 132-125-S3 132-125
10 VM09010 1.410 1.513 148-150-S3 148-150
10 Conductor
14 VM10014 1.215 1.318 125-125-S3 125-125
12 VM10012 1.299 1.402 132-125-S3 132-125
10 VM10010 1.410 1.513 148-150-S3 148-150
12 Conductor
14 VM12014 1.235 1.338 125-125-S3 125-125
12 VM12012 1.350 1.453 139-125-S3 139-125
10 VM12010 1.410 1.513 148-150-S3 148-150

* Segmented groundwires available. Contact RSCC for connector PNs for cables with segmented groundwires.
Note: Contact RSCC for other sizes not listed.

35 RSCC Wire & Cable LLC © 2021 • 20 Bradley Park Road • East Granby, CT 06026 • 800-327-7625 • 800-653-8300 • Fax: 860-653-8321 • www.r-scc.com
 Notes:

RSCC Wire & Cable LLC © 2021 • 20 Bradley Park Road • East Granby, CT 06026 • 800-327-7625 • 800-653-8300 • Fax: 860-653-8321 • www.r-scc.com 36
37 RSCC Wire & Cable LLC © 2021 • 20 Bradley Park Road • East Granby, CT 06026 • 800-327-7625 • 800-653-8300 • Fax: 860-653-8321 • www.r-scc.com