PCA transit cables approved for NYCTA
Throughout a city's transit system, critical information must be tracked and shared quickly and reliably. Proterial Cable America (PCA) is now certified to manufacture supervisory/communication cables for installation on tunnel walls and alongside transit vehicles such as subway cars throughout the New York City Transit System.
These cables carry information that help track cars and control relays and sensors. They can also be used for video surveillance networks, cameras and general communication, including telephones and long-distance telecommunications.
Given the vast scope of New York's transit system, the NYCTA (transit authority) is meticulous about the products it installs, outlining the required tests, certifications and even the types of tape that can be used. When the cable is finished, a sample is cut and sent to New York for final approval, accompanied by a certificate of conformance and a certified test report. The NYCTA then sends it to another lab for additional certification.
If you're a manufacturer, getting that approval makes it easy to go anywhere else. So, that's what we set out to do.
PCA's supervisory/communication cables are fire resistant, watertight and water resistant. The company offers TC7 and TSC1 cables: the main difference between the two is that TC7 uses a solid conductor and TSC1 uses a stranded conductor. Both types of cable are installed in various outdoor and tunnel applications. Because they are placed next to high-powered cables and switches, the cables are designed with increased physical protection and shielding.
Eduardo Garza, director of product engineering for PCA-NH (New Hampshire), said it was worth gaining NYCTA approval: Getting cables approved to the NYCT specifications is not simple; however, it ensures that products are manufactured consistently at high quality levels.