Article 337 Type P Cable.

Type P cable has been used for more than 40 years in harsh environments for offshore drilling operations where oil and mud are common.
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Type P cable has been used for more than 40 years in harsh environments for offshore drilling operations where oil and mud are common.

Code Change Summary: New code Article.

In the 2020 NEC®, an entire new code Article was made to bring Type “P” cable into the NEC®. Type P (Polyolefin) cable is a cable type addressed in IEEE 1580 Recommended Practice for Marine Cable for Use on Shipboard and Fixed or Floating Facilities. This robust cable type has been used for more than 40 years in harsh environments for offshore drilling operations where oil and mud are common.

It is also a desired cable to use for onshore drilling operations which prompted the code change. Now Type P cable will be a wiring method that can be used for onshore operations commonly under the purview of the local inspection authority.

Below is a preview of the NEC®. See the actual NEC® text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section. Once there, click on their link to free access to the 2020 NEC® edition of NFPA 70.

2017 Code Language:

This code article did not exist.

2020 Code Language:

N ARTICLE 337 Type P Cable

Part I. General

337.1 Scope. This article covers the use, installation, and construction specifications for up through 2000 volt Type P cable (armored and unarmored).

337.2 Definition. The definition in this section shall apply within this article and throughout the Code.

Type P. Cable. A factory assembly of one or more insulated flexible tinned copper conductors, with associated equipment grounding conductor(s), with or without a braided metallic armor and with an overall nonmetallic jacket.

337.6 Listing Requirements. Type P cables and associated fittings shall be listed.

Part II. Installation

337.10 Uses Permitted. Type P cable shall be permitted to be used:

(1) Under engineering supervision in industrial installations where conditions of maintenance and supervision ensure that only qualified persons monitor and service the system.

(2) In hazardous (classified) locations where specifically permitted by other articles in this Code.

337.12 Uses Not Permitted. Type P cable shall not be instal⁠led or used:

(1) Where it will be exposed to physical damage

(2) Where not specifically permitted by other articles in the Code

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Article 337 Type P Cable.

Below is a Real Question from our Electrical Continuing Education Courses for Electrical License Renewal:

Which of the following is true of Type P cable?

A: It must have braided metallic armor.
B: It can be used where exposed to physical damage.
C: It is not permitted to contain more than 2 conductors under the jacket.
D: It can be used in hazardous (classified) locations where specifically permitted by other articles in this Code.
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