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Article 322

Flat Cable Assemblies: Type FC

Part I. General

  1. Scope. This article covers the use, installation, and construction specifications for flat cable assemblies, Type FC.
  2. Definition.

Flat Cable Assembly, Type FC. An assembly of parallel conduc‐ tors formed integrally with an insulating material web specifi‐ cally designed for field installation in surface metal raceway.

322.6 ARTICLE 324 — FLAT CONDUCTOR CABLE: TYPE FCC

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322.6 Listing Requirements. Type FC and associated fittings shall be listed.

Part II. Installation

322.10 Uses Permitted. Flat cable assemblies shall be permit‐ ted only as follows:

  1. As branch circuits to supply suitable tap devices for light‐ ing, small appliances, or small power loads. The rating of the branch circuit shall not exceed 30 amperes.
  2. Where installed for exposed work.
  3. In locations where they will not be subjected to physical damage. Where a flat cable assembly is installed less than2.5 m (8 ft) above the floor or fixed working platform, it shall be protected by a cover identified for the use.
  4. 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.

322.12 Uses Not Permitted. Flat cable assemblies shall not be used as follows:

  1. Where exposed to corrosive conditions, unless suitable for the application
  2. In hoistways or on elevators or escalators
  3. In any hazardous (classified) location, except as specifi‐ cally permitted by other articles in this Code
  4. Outdoors or in wet or damp locations unless identified for the use

322.30 Securing and Supporting. The flat cable assemblies shall be supported by means of their special design features, within the surface metal raceways.

The surface metal raceways shall be supported as required for the specific raceway to be installed.

322.40 Boxes and Fittings.

  1. 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.
  2. Luminaire Hangers. Luminaire hangers installed with the flat cable assemblies shall be identified for the use.
  3. Fittings. Fittings to be installed with flat cable assemblies shall be designed and installed to prevent physical damage to the cable assemblies.
  4. Extensions. All extensions from flat cable assemblies shall be made by approved wiring methods, within the junction boxes, installed at either end of the flat cable assembly runs.

322.56 Splices and Taps.

  1. Splices. Splices shall be made in listed junction boxes.
  2. Taps. Taps shall be made between any phase conductor and the grounded conductor 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 shall be color-coded in accordance with the requirements of 322.120(C).

Part III. Construction Specifications

322.100 Construction. Flat cable assemblies shall consist of two, three, four, or five conductors.

322.104 Conductors. Flat cable assemblies shall have conduc‐ tors of 10 AWG special stranded copper wires.

322.112 Insulation. The entire flat cable assembly shall be formed to provide a suitable insulation covering all the conduc‐ tors and using one of the materials recognized in Table 310.104(A) for general branch-circuit wiring.

322.120 Marking.

  1. Temperature Rating. In addition to the provisions of 310.120, Type FC cable shall have the temperature rating dura‐ bly marked on the surface at intervals not exceeding 600 mm (24 in.).
  2. Identification of Grounded Conductor. The grounded conductor shall be identified throughout its length by means of a distinctive and durable white or gray marking.Informational Note: The color gray may have been used in the past as an ungrounded conductor. Care should be taken when working on existing systems.
  3. Terminal Block Identification. Terminal blocks identified for the use shall have distinctive and durable markings for color or word coding. The grounded conductor section shall have a white marking or other suitable designation. The next adjacent section of the terminal block shall have a black mark‐ ing or other suitable designation. The next section shall have a red marking or other suitable designation. The final or outer section, opposite the grounded conductor section of the termi‐ nal block, shall have a blue marking or other suitable designa‐ tion.

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