Cable for running in rafters

[doojus]

Hi Fellas,

I want to run 100 amps from a 200 amp main panel to a sub panel in another location in my shop. I'll run it in conduit from the main panel, leave it exposed in the rafters, and then back into conduit to go into the sub panel in the other side of the shop.

My question is what type of cable do I need to use for this? Can I run aluminum SER in the rafters without using conduit or a raceway? I had planned to staple it to the joists. The other thing I was considering is getting some THHN in a PVC sleeve from here http://www.wireandcabletogo.com/4-4C-THHN-PVC-Tray-Cable-with-Ground.html

 

[wyliesdiesels]

SER can be ran from panel to panel without conduit as long as its not subject to damage.

THHN needs to be in conduit the whole way....

 

[pattenp]

SER can be ran from panel to panel without conduit as long as its not subject to damage.

THHN needs to be in conduit the whole way....

Not the wire he linked to. It's THHN in a jacket.

 

[pattenp]

For a full 100A you need to use aluminum 1-1-1-3 SER. Are you in the US or Canada?

 

[doojus]

In the US - it doesn't have to be exactly 100 amps, what's the most I could go with 2-2-2-4 SER?

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Not the wire he linked to. It's THHN in a jacket.

Whoops. I didnt check the link.

That tray cable IIRCC isnt permitted to be used in this application. And #4 is too small...

 

[pattenp]

In the US - it doesn't have to be exactly 100 amps, what's the most I could go with 2-2-2-4 SER?

90A breaker.

 

[pattenp]

Whoops. I didnt check the link.

That tray cable IIRCC isnt permitted to be used in this application. And #4 is too small...

If you look at the specs it appears it could be used as a feeder. It's listed as having a flame retardant outer jacket.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Not the wire he linked to. It's THHN in a jacket.

Yep. It is listed as "tray cable"

Applications:
In free air, raceways or direct burial. In wet or dry locations

 

[theoldwizard1]

And #4 is too small...

The supplier has it in heavier gauge ... at substantially more cost !

Is #4 (copper) good for 60A ?

 

[Slowgsr]

The supplier has it in heavier gauge ... at substantially more cost !

Is #4 (copper) good for 60A ?

Yes, and then some.

 

[brewchief]

If you look at the specs it appears it could be used as a feeder. It's listed as having a flame retardant outer jacket.

I ran into some tray cable feeding an air conditioner this past summer and did some checking and I could not find anything that permitted it's use in a residential application, I may have missed something but I would 100% verify that I could use it before I spent the money.