How to Plan Cable Routes Effectively 

Why Cable Routing is Important 

A well-thought-out cable routing plan is crucial. It ensures cables are properly placed, contained and protected. In turn, this improves safety, protects electrical infrastructure and makes systems easier to install and maintain. 

By contrast, poorly routed cables are more likely to become damaged, can create trip hazards and often make fault finding harder and more time-consuming. 

Benefits of Getting Cable Routing Right 

Carefully planning your cable routing comes with a range of benefits, including: 

• Protecting cables from damage – securing your cables in appropriate locations and using the correct materials can protect them from damage, reducing faults and maintenance costs 
• Improving electrical safety – properly routed cables are less likely to present an electrical hazard, as they should be sensibly spaced, contained and protected 
• Simplifying maintenance – a clearly defined cable routing plan helps simplify long-term maintenance by making cables easier to find and access 
• Supporting compliance – well-designed cable routing helps support compliance with electrical and workplace safety regulations 
• Preventing overheating – careful cable routing helps to prevent overheating, reducing maintenance requirements and improving safety 
• Reducing signal interference – placing and routing cables in the correct locations minimises signal interference, keeping data flowing as it should 
• Keeping workspaces organised – without cable routing plans, workspaces can become cluttered and cables can present a trip hazard 
• Allowing for future expansion – cables that are easily accessible and clearly routed are easier to integrate with new networks or replace as required 
• Reducing downtime – by making access more straightforward and reducing the likelihood of damage or overheating, routing reduces downtime 
• Improving aesthetics – well-designed cable routing keeps spaces and properties looking tidier 

Common Cable Routing Mistakes 

Cable routing mistakes are unfortunately common. However, the majority are very easy to avoid with the right planning. Here are five of the most common cable routing mistakes and how you can avoid them. 

Common Mistake	How To Avoid It
Overfilling cable trays or conduit	Pay attention to manufacturer guidelines and allow for future system expansion and heat dissipation
Mixing power and data cables	Minimise electromagnetic interference by keeping data and power cables separate
Routing cables near heat sources	Keep cables away from any source of heat including HVAC equipment, pipework and boilers
Using the wrong cable containment	Consider cable weight, type, environment and installation requirements when choosing cable containment
Ignoring minimum bend radius	Avoid damaging conductors and insulation by following the manufacturer’s recommended bend radius

Tips for Planning Cable Routes 

Devising a cable routing plan is key to creating a safe, compliant and low-maintenance cable network. Here are our top tips for building your plan: 

Start in the Early Project Stages 

The sooner you can create your cable routing plan, the better. The old saying “measure twice, cut once” can be applied here. The more thought you put into your routing and the sooner you do it, the more likely you are to have a positive result. 

Review Building Layouts 

Often, cable routing must be designed to fit the existing layout of a building. So carefully review the building and look for appropriate places for cabling to be routed. Also pay attention to where heat sources are located as well as any existing cabling. 

Define Goals and Cable Requirements 

One of the most important steps in your cable routing planning is establishing what the goal of the cable network is as well as the requirements of the cables being installed. 

Choose Cable Containment Systems to Support Plans 

You should carefully select cable containment systems and materials depending on the type of cabling being installed and the environment. Some cabling may require sturdier support than others and outdoor environments will necessitate weatherproof materials. 

Assess the Most Direct Route 

When routing cables, you should always opt for the most direct path. However, this should still account for minimum bend radius, heat sources, building layouts and any existing cable networks. 

Identify Cable Segregation 

Some cables, such as power and data cables, need to be segregated to prevent electromagnetic interference. Identifying which cables need to be placed where at an early stage can save a significant amount of work later on. 

Consider Capacity, Loads and Bend Radius 

It’s critical to evaluate the capacity and load ratings of different routing systems and select the best one for your system, as well as the minimum bend radius of your cabling. 

Factor in Support Locations 

Your cable routing systems will need to be properly supported to ensure safety. Considering support locations early on ensures your system is secure and compliant. 

Consider Expansion and Accessibility 

Your cabling will always need to be accessible to ensure easy maintenance and repairs. You should also consider long-term expansion requirements and build your system with future upgrades in mind. 

Create Detailed Documentation 

In the process of planning your cable routing, you should create detailed documentation recording each step of the routing. This will simplify future maintenance and upgrades. 

Expert Support at Lenson Select 

At Lenson Select, we offer a vast selection of cable routing products including cable trays, conduit, cable ladders, cable baskets, bracketry and a range of fastenings. Plus, our expert team can provide tailored advice for all your cable routing queries. 

With over a century of experience, discounts on all orders over £1,000 and speedy delivery, we are the UK’s leading choice for cable routing products. Browse our selection of products online and for any questions, just contact our team by calling 0121 553 6699, emailing sales@lenson-select.co.uk or filling out our contact form.