UL 1277

These requirements cover electrical power and control cables consisting of either two or more current-carrying copper, aluminum, or copper-clad aluminum circuit conductors, or one or more pairs of thermocouple-extension wires. Thermocouple-extension wires and circuit conductors shall not be mixed in the same cable. These cables are constructed with or without either or both:

• One bare or one or more insulated grounding conductor(s), and
• One or more individually jacketed optical-fiber members, all under an overall jacket.

These electrical and composite electrical/optical-fiber cables are intended for use (optical and electrical functions associated in the case of a composite cable) in accordance with Article 336 and other applicable parts of the National Electrical Code (NEC), ANSI/NFPA 70 in cable trays, in raceways, and where supported in outdoor locations by a messenger wire.

The conductors for these cables are described in Sections 9.2 (NEC types) and 9.3 (other conductors). Cables are surface marked with the conductor type letters and/or with the temperature and “wet”, “dry”, or “wet or dry” ratings applicable to the insulation. Cables for direct burial are so marked on the surface. Cables that have a sunlight-resistant jacket are surface marked “sun res” or “sunlight resistant”. Cables may include one or more optical-fiber member(s) and are surface marked to so indicate. Cables that are surface marked “oil resistant II” have a jacket that is for exposure to oil at temperatures not in excess of 75°C (167°F). Cables that are surface marked “oil resistant I” have a jacket that is for exposure to oil at temperatures not in excess of 60°C (140°F). Each insulated conductor that is oil resistant II, oil resistant I, VW-1, gasoline-resistant, or has another individual conductor use is individually so marked. Cables that are surface marked “-ER” are for use as exposed runs between a cable tray and utilization equipment where the cables are continuously supported and protected against physical damage using mechanical protection such as struts, angles, or channel.

The overall jacket on these cables is a “gas/vapor-tight continuous sheath” in the sense discussed in Sections 501.15(D) and 501.15(E) of the NEC (see 12.1.1). However, these requirements do not cover investigation of these cables for transmission of gases or vapors through the core so, when these cables are used in a hazardous location, they may need to be sealed as described in the NEC.

These cables may contain one or more metal shields but do not have a metal sheath or armor. Electrical cables with a metal sheath or armor are covered as Type MC in the Standard for Metal-Clad Cables, UL 1569.

Connectors and other fittings for these cables are covered in the Standard for Conduit, Tubing, and Cable Fittings, UL 514B.

These requirements do not cover the optical or other performance of any optical-fiber member or group of such members.