I. General

396.1 Scope. This article covers the use, installation, and construction specifications for messenger- supported wiring.

396.2 Definition.

Messenger-Supported Wiring. An exposed wiring support system using a messenger wire to support insulated conductors by any one of the following:

(1) A messenger with rings and saddles for conductor support

(2) A messenger with a fields-installed lashing material for conductor support

(3) Factory-assembled aerial cable

(4) Multiplex cables utilizing a bare conductor, factory assembled and twisted with one or more insulated conductors, such as duplex, triplex, or quadruplex type of construction

II. Installation

396.10 Uses Permitted.

(A) Cable Types. The cable types in Table 396.10(A) shall be permitted to be installed in messenger- supported wiring under the conditions described in the article or section referenced for each.

(B) In Industrial Establishments. In industrial estab- lishments only, where conditions of maintenance and supervision ensure that only qualified persons service the installed messenger-supported wiring, the following shall be permitted:

(1) Any of the conductor types shown in Table

310.13(A) or Table 310.13(B)

(2) MV cable

Where exposed to weather, conductors shall be listed for use in wet locations. Where exposed to direct rays of the sun, conductors or cables shall be sunlight resistant.
(C) Hazardous (Classified) Locations. Messenger- supported wiring shall be permitted to be used in hazardous (classified) locations where the contained cables are permitted for such use in 501.10, 502.10,
503.10, and 504.20.
396.12 Uses Not Permitted. Messenger-supported wiring shall not be used in hoistways or where subject to physical damage.

Table 396.10(A) Cable Types

Cable Type Section Article

Medium-voltage cable 328
Metal-clad cable 330
Mineral-insulated, 332 metal-sheathed cable
Multiconductor 338
service-entrance cable
Multiconductor underground 340
feeder and branch-circuit cable Other factory-
assembled,
multiconductor control, signal, or power cables that
are identified for the use
Power and control tray cable 336
Power-limited tray cable 725.154(C) and
725.179(E)

396.30 Messenger.

(A) Support. The messenger shall be supported at dead ends and at intermediate locations so as to eliminate tension on the conductors. The conductors shall not be permitted to come into contact with the messenger supports or any structural members, walls, or pipes.

(B) Neutral Conductor. Where the messenger is used as a neutral conductor, it shall comply with the requirements of 225.4, 250.184(A), 250.184(B)(7), and

250.186(B).

(C) Equipment Grounding Conductor. Where the mes- senger is used as an equipment grounding conductor, it shall comply with the requirements of 250.32(B),

250.118, 250.184(B)(8), and 250.186(D).
396.56 Conductor Splices and Taps. Conductor splices and taps made and insulated by approved methods shall be permitted in messenger-supported wiring.
396.60 Grounding. The messenger shall be grounded as required by 250.80 and 250.86 for enclosure grounding.