Cable Tray Installation Guide

The Importance of Cable Trays in Electrical Projects

When it comes to cable management, you need durable solutions that can withstand the demands of your workplace. We understand environments can vary, which is what makes cable trays advantageous, as they can be installed in harsh environments of high temperatures due to their design. They also help eliminate tripping hazards from loose cables, improve the aesthetic appearance with a sleek, organised layout and enhance the system performance of computers and other networking equipment by reducing clutter. 

Their design also improves power management by preventing cables from overheating and causing an outage. Cable trays are a straightforward and robust solution that simplifies cable and wire management in various situations. 

Cable Tray Compliance

The BS EN 61537 standard details the requirements for cable management solutions to accommodate wires, cables and other electrical equipment to create a safe environment. This is vital for those in the industrial, telecommunications, IT sectors and more. The standard provides manufacturers with the requirements to ensure safety, durability and compliance across a range of installations.

Considerations for Cable Tray Installation

Before you begin cable tray installation, consider the following:

• A planned route to ensure accurate quantity, tray sizing and capacity
• The type of cables that require support
• Load capacity is also important as it can influence the type of cable support required
• Factors such as setting and future expansion may also influence the best choice in cable support solutions
• Maintain adequate clearance to prevent overheating

Cable Tray Installation Steps

Planning and Design 

Survey the site to get an overview of the layout, path and potential obstacles. It’s important to plan the route carefully to ensure efficient cable flow and avoid tangles, interference or overheating. Gather the necessary tools as well, such as trays, brackets, drills, measuring tape and PPE.

Choosing the Right Product

The key to ensuring a smooth installation all begins with planning. Make sure you’ve selected the right type of cable tray based on the setting, application and functionality. There are a wide range of solutions, including cable baskets, ladders and trays. If you have questions, consult with an expert about the best types of cable support systems for your work environment.

Measurements 

Mark where each cable tray, fixing and support will be installed. This will help ensure a smooth installation and that everything is positioned correctly, as well as ensure you order the exact quantity required for this project.

Support Installation 

Ensure you have durable fixings such as brackets, screws, bolts and clips to keep the cable tray securely mounted and cables safely supported along the entire route. This will help maintain the stability of the cable tray even under the weight of heavy cables in challenging environments. Secure mounting also prevents safety hazards and makes any future maintenance easier to conduct.

Installing the Cable Tray 

Once you’ve planned the route and marked fixing points, you can begin to drill holes in the marked areas. Then choose the right fixing and begin attaching brackets using screws and bolts. Proceed with tray coupling by aligning the ends of the cable trays and securing them. 

Grounding and Bonding 

Connect cable trays to the grounding system to prevent electric shocks and ensure safety and compliance. Bonding wires between tray sections help electricity flow across a system and help prevent electrical hazards to ensure your system operates efficiently.

Install the Cables 

Begin carefully laying cables into the tray. Make sure they’re organised by purpose and use clips every few feet to hold them in place to prevent them from moving. An organised setup is not only aesthetically pleasing but also safer for your work environment. Avoid overfilling the tray as each one has a specific load capacity that should not be exceeded.

Inspection and Testing 

Conduct final inspections to make sure all fixings such as brackets, screws and bolts are tightly secured. Inspect cables and check that they’re neatly arranged and not tangled or dangling off to the sides. Verify that grounding and bonding connections are also in place.

Conclusion

An organised and accessible cable management system will enhance safety and help with installation and any future repairs. The process of installing cable trays is straightforward, and with the right planning, solutions and tools, you should have no problem with your installation.

Cable Management With Lenson Select

We hope you found our cable tray installation guide helpful. At Lenson Select, we have all the fixings, cable management solutions and accessories from the best brands to make your next installation a success. Reach out to our expert team if you have any enquiries or require something more bespoke for your project. Our team is happy to assist with anything you need to enhance your cable management and foster a safe, secure and compliant work environment.