How to install cable trays when they bend

Install cable trays with bends using factory-made accessories, proper support spacing, and by maintaining the minimum bend radius to ensure safe and efficient cable routing.

Planning the Route

Before installation, plan the entire cable tray run, including all bends, tees, and supports. Ensure the route avoids interference with other utilities like pipes or ductwork, and mark the path using a laser level or string line to maintain straightness and proper elevation.

Selecting Bends and Accessories

Use factory-manufactured bends (90-degree, T-shapes, or smooth curves) rather than bending the tray manually. These pre-formed accessories provide a smooth curve that prevents cable damage, reduces stress, and maintains structural integrity. The bending radius of the accessory should be equal to or greater than the minimum bending radius of the largest cable in the tray.

Support Placement

Supports must be installed at proper intervals to prevent sagging or excessive stress on the tray. For bends, place supports no more than 600 mm from the bend outputs. Avoid placing splice plates at the midpoint of gaps or directly above supports; instead, position them at ¼ of the gap length to allow flexibility and prevent metal deformation.

Supports can be wall-mounted using cantilever arms or ceiling-mounted with trapeze hangers, depending on the installation location.

Installation Steps

Inspect all trays and accessories for damage before installation. Install supports along the planned route, ensuring they are level and securely anchored. Attach the cable tray sections to the supports, connecting bends and straight sections using splice plates and connectors.

Maintain the minimum bend radius when routing cables through bends to prevent insulation damage. Use separators or cable management accessories if multiple cable types are installed in the same tray to prevent interference and allow future expansion. Install expansion joints in areas with significant temperature fluctuations to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction.

Bond and ground the system continuously to ensure electrical safety.

Finishing and Maintenance

After installation, inspect all connections, fasteners, and grounding points. Apply cold-galvanizing spray to any cut edges to prevent rusting and maintain the tray's longevity. Regularly check for sagging, loose fasteners, or cable crowding to ensure long-term performance.

By following these steps, cable trays with bends can be installed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with electrical standards, while protecting cables from damage and allowing for future expansion.