Oil and gas operations — from wellhead to refinery — are among the most demanding environments for wire and cable. Facilities require cable that withstands chemical exposure, extreme temperatures, UV radiation, mechanical abuse, and installation in hazardous (classified) locations. A single refinery turnaround or greenfield construction project can require hundreds of thousands of feet of tray cable, instrumentation cable, and medium-voltage cable.
Ramcorp Wire & Cable supplies the full range of cable products used across upstream, midstream, and downstream oil and gas operations — from exploration and production through pipeline transport, refining, and petrochemical processing.
Cable Types Used in Oil & Gas
Oil and gas cable requirements span power distribution, process control, motor drives, temporary power, and life safety systems. The table below covers the primary cable types, their function within the facility, and the typical specifications specified by engineers on upstream, midstream, and downstream projects.
| Cable Type | Function | Common Specs | Where It's Installed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tray Cable (TC-ER) | Power and control circuits in cable tray | 14 AWG – 2/0 AWG, 600V, sunlight resistant; some constructions rated for direct burial | Pipe racks, process units, compressor stations, substations |
| Instrumentation Cable | Process monitoring, control loops, 4–20 mA signals, RTD/thermocouple circuits | 16–22 AWG, twisted pair/triad, foil + braid shield, 300V | Between field instruments and DCS/PLC marshalling cabinets |
| Medium-Voltage Cable (MV-105) | Primary power distribution, large motor feeds, substation interconnects | 5 kV – 35 kV, 1/0 AWG – 500 kcmil, copper or aluminum | Duct banks, underground runs, MV switchgear to transformers |
| VFD Cable | Variable-frequency drive circuits for pumps, compressors, fans | Shielded, symmetrical ground, 600V – 2 kV | Drive output to motor on pump jacks, ESPs, compressor motors, cooling fans |
| Portable Cord (Type W / Type G / SOOW) | Temporary power, mobile drilling equipment, welding, workover rigs | 12 AWG – 4/0 AWG, 600V – 2 kV, heavy-duty rubber jacket | Drilling rigs, workover rigs, turnaround construction, portable generators |
| Building Wire (THHN / XHHW-2) | Branch circuits, lighting, panel feeders, control buildings | 14 AWG – 750 kcmil, 600V, 90°C | Control rooms, MCC buildings, warehouse facilities, admin buildings |
| High-Temperature Cable | Circuits in elevated ambient temperature zones | FEP, PTFE, silicone, or cross-linked insulation, rated 150°C–250°C+ | Near furnaces, refinery process heaters, heater treaters, flare stacks, steam tracing areas |
| Thermocouple Wire | Temperature measurement for process control | Type J, K, T, or E, matched conductor alloys, shielded | Reactors, distillation columns, heat exchangers, storage tanks |
| Mining / Portable Power Cable | Heavy-duty portable power for large mobile equipment in certain heavy-duty or oil sands applications | Type G, G-GC, SHD-GC, 2 kV – 25 kV | Oil sands operations, draglines, large mobile equipment (where applicable) |
| Fire Alarm Cable | Fire and gas detection systems (typically specified by the fire protection engineer) | 14–18 AWG, 2–4 conductor, shielded | Throughout facility — gas detectors, flame detectors, manual pull stations |
Cable by Sector: Upstream, Midstream & Downstream
Cable requirements vary significantly depending on where in the oil and gas value chain the project falls. The table below maps common cable types to each sector and the applications driving demand.
| Sector | Typical Operations | Primary Cable Types | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upstream | Drilling, completions, production, well pads, gathering systems | Portable cord (Type W, Type G), tray cable, VFD cable, instrumentation cable | Harsh outdoor exposure, frequent rig-up/rig-down, mobile equipment, remote locations |
| Midstream | Pipeline, compression stations, gas processing, storage terminals | Tray cable, instrumentation cable, MV cable, VFD cable | Long cable runs between equipment, remote unmanned sites, SCADA connectivity |
| Downstream | Refineries, petrochemical plants, LNG terminals, tank farms | Tray cable, instrumentation cable, MV cable, high-temp cable, thermocouple wire | Hazardous area classifications, high ambient temperatures, turnaround schedules, corrosive atmospheres |
Key Considerations for Oil & Gas Cable
Hazardous Location Classifications
Many areas within oil and gas facilities are classified as hazardous locations under NEC Articles 500–506 (Class I, Division 1 and 2) or the Zone system (Articles 505–506) due to the presence of flammable gases and vapors. Cable installed in classified areas must be suitable for the specific designation and may require metal-clad construction (MC-HL), mineral-insulated cable, or installation in rigid conduit with approved sealing fittings. The area classification — determined by the facility engineer — dictates the acceptable wiring methods. Always verify cable selection against the facility's hazardous area classification drawings and the applicable NEC edition.
Chemical & UV Resistance
Cable jackets in oil and gas environments must resist hydrocarbons, drilling fluids, H₂S, saltwater, and prolonged UV exposure. Most tray cable specified for petrochemical use has a PVC or CPE jacket rated for sunlight resistance and oil exposure per UL 1277. For direct burial or underground applications, verify the cable's jacket rating covers the specific chemical exposures present at the site.
Temperature Ratings
Process areas in refineries and gas plants can exceed standard ambient temperature assumptions. Cable installed near refinery process heaters, furnaces, heater treaters, flare radiation zones, or steam tracing areas may require insulation rated to 150°C or higher. Standard 90°C-rated THHN is not suitable for these locations. Ampacity derating per NEC 310.15 must account for actual ambient conditions — not just the standard 30°C assumption. See our High-Temperature Cable guide for insulation types and ratings.
Turnaround & MRO Procurement
Refinery and plant turnarounds operate on compressed schedules where cable availability directly impacts project completion. Planned turnarounds may last 30–60 days with thousands of cable pulls. Ramcorp supports turnaround projects with pre-staged inventory, expedited shipping, and coordination across multiple manufacturers to meet tight delivery windows. For MRO (maintenance, repair, and operations) procurement, we can supply recurring cable needs on blanket purchase orders.
NEC & Industry Standards
Oil and gas electrical installations must comply with the NEC (National Electrical Code) and often reference additional industry standards including API RP 14F (electrical installations on offshore platforms), API RP 500/505 (hazardous area classification), NFPA 70E (electrical safety), and ISA/IEC standards for instrumentation wiring. Cable selection must account for the applicable standard — particularly for hazardous area classifications, grounding practices, and instrument cable shielding requirements.
Oil & Gas Markets We Serve
Ramcorp supplies wire and cable to oil and gas projects across major U.S. producing regions. Select a location below for regional information, shipping details, and local project support.
- Houston, TX — the energy capital: refining, petrochemical, offshore, and corporate operations
- Denver, CO — DJ Basin, Piceance Basin, and Rocky Mountain E&P operations
- Pittsburgh, PA — Marcellus and Utica Shale natural gas production and midstream
- Dallas / Fort Worth, TX — Permian Basin logistics hub and midstream infrastructure
- Northern Nevada — geothermal energy and mineral extraction operations
- Miami, FL — export gateway for cable shipments to Caribbean and Latin American operations
Related Guides & Resources
- Tray Cable Applications & Selection Guide
- Instrumentation Cable Guide
- MV-105 Medium Voltage Cable Overview (5 kV – 35 kV)
- VFD Cable: Selection & Applications
- Portable Cord Types: SOOW, SJOOW, SJT & More
- High Temperature Cable Guide
- Thermocouple Wire Guide
- Mining Cable Guide: Type G, G-GC, W & DLO
- AWG Wire Gauge Guide: Sizes, Ampacity & Selection
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of cable is used in oil and gas facilities?
Oil and gas facilities use tray cable (TC-ER) for power and control in cable tray, instrumentation cable for process monitoring and control loops, medium-voltage cable (MV-105) for primary power distribution, VFD cable for variable-speed motor drives, and portable cord (Type W, Type G, SOOW) for temporary and mobile equipment. The specific cable types depend on the application — upstream drilling and production, midstream pipeline and compression, or downstream refining and petrochemical processing.
What is the difference between tray cable and instrumentation cable in oil and gas?
Tray cable (TC-ER) carries power and control circuits — typically 600V rated, multi-conductor, with a sunlight-resistant jacket approved for installation in cable tray without conduit. Instrumentation cable carries low-voltage analog and digital signals for process control — typically 300V rated, twisted pair or triad construction with overall foil or braid shield to reject electromagnetic interference. Both are used extensively in refineries and processing plants, but they serve different functions in the electrical system.
Does cable for oil and gas need to be rated for hazardous locations?
Many areas within oil and gas facilities are classified as hazardous locations under NEC Articles 500–506 (Class/Division) or Articles 505–506 (Zone) due to the presence of flammable gases, vapors, or combustible dust. Cable installed in these areas must be suitable for the specific classification and may require additional protection such as MC-HL (metal-clad cable for hazardous locations), mineral-insulated cable, or installation in rigid conduit with approved seals. The area classification determines the wiring method — always verify with the facility's hazardous area classification drawings.
What cable is used for VFDs on oil and gas pump motors?
VFD cable with a symmetrical ground conductor arrangement and continuous shield is recommended for variable-frequency drive circuits on pump motors, compressor motors, and other rotating equipment. The shield reduces electromagnetic interference from the drive's high-frequency switching, and the symmetrical ground path helps prevent bearing currents that can damage motor bearings. Standard power cable without shielding can lead to premature motor failure and interference with nearby instrumentation.
Does Ramcorp supply cable for oil and gas projects?
Yes. Ramcorp Wire & Cable supplies tray cable, instrumentation cable, medium-voltage cable, VFD cable, portable cord, building wire, and high-temperature cable for upstream, midstream, and downstream oil and gas operations. We support large-volume orders for facility construction, turnaround projects, and ongoing MRO procurement.
Need Cable for an Oil & Gas Project?
Whether you're planning a refinery turnaround, building a compressor station, or sourcing cable for ongoing MRO needs, our team can help with product selection, volume pricing, and delivery coordination. We respond to quote requests within one business day.
Request a Quote Special Orders & Custom Cable
Disclaimer: This guide is provided for informational purposes only and is not installation advice. Installing wire & cable can be dangerous and pose a risk of possible electric shock or other hazards. Specifications, availability, and pricing are subject to change without notice. Always verify product specifications with the manufacturer's current datasheet before ordering. Consult a licensed professional for installation advice.
The information on this page is provided for general reference only and may contain errors or omissions. NEC® is a registered trademark of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA®). All other trademarks, product names, and brand names referenced on this page are the property of their respective owners. Ramcorp Wire & Cable is not affiliated with or endorsed by these organizations unless explicitly stated.