FLAT CABLE ASSEMBLIES

Type FC 363-1. Definition. Type FC, a flat cable assembly, is an assembly of parallel conductors formed integrally with an insulating material web specifically designed for field installation in surface metal raceway. 70-272 NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE 363-2. Other Articles. In addition to the provisions of this article, installation of Type FC cable shall conform with the applicable provisions of Articles 210, 220, 250, 300, 310, and 352. 363-3. Uses Permitted. Flat cable assemblies shall be permitted only as branch circuits to supply suitable tap devices for lighting, small appliances, or small power loads. Flat cable assemblies shall be installed for exposed work only. Flat cable assemblies shall be installed in locations where they will not be subjected to severe physical damage. 363-4. Uses Not Permitted. Flat cable assemblies shall not be installed (1) where subject to corrosive vapors unless suitable for the application; (2) in hoistways; (3) in any hazardous (classified) location; or (4) outdoors or in wet or damp locations unless identified for use in wet locations. 363-5. Installation. Flat cable assemblies shall be installed in the field only in surface metal raceways identified for the use. The channel portion of the surface metal raceway systems shall be installed as complete systems before the flat cable assemblies are pulled into the raceways. 363-6. Number of Conductors. The flat cable assemblies shall consist of either two, three, or four conductors. 363-7. Size of Conductors. Flat cable assemblies shall have conductors of No. 10 special stranded copper wires. 363-8. Conductor Insulation. The entire flat cable assembly shall be formed to provide a suitable insulation covering all of the conductors and using one of the materials recognized in Table 310-13 for general branchcircuit wiring. 363-9. Splices. Splices shall be made in approved junction boxes using approved wiring methods. 363-10. Taps. Taps shall be made between any phase conductor and the neutral or any other phase conductor by means of devices and fittings identified for the use. Tap devices shall be rated at not less than 15 amperes, or more than 300 volts to ground, and they shall be color-coded in accordance with the requirements of Section 363-20. 363-11. Dead Ends. Each flat cable assembly dead end shall be terminated in an end-cap device identified for the use. The dead-end fitting for the enclosing surface metal raceway shall be identified for the use. 363-12. Fixture Hangers. Fixture hangers installed with the flat cable assemblies shall be identified for the use. 363-13. Fittings. Fittings to be installed with flat cable assemblies shall be designed and installed to prevent physical damage to the cable assemblies.