Cable tray systems are an assembly of units or sections along with associated fittings which form a rigid structural system. These are generally used to securely fasten or support cables and raceways. Simply put, cable trays are the structural component of a building's electrical system that are used as an ideal alternative to open wiring. Another noteworthy thing here is that these trays are optimal for situations where future changes to a wiring system are expected, this is due to the fact that new cables can be installed just by laying those in the tray, thus eliminating the need for pulling those cables through a pipe.
Owing to varied application areas of these, cable tray manufactures provide these in a wide gamut of specifications and with different features. This is also necessitated by the fact that world over, differing guidelines are available for the tray systems pertaining to their performance standards, test standards and application information.
Types of cable trays:
Types of cable trays:
As mentioned above, cable tray suppliers provide the trays in various forms, some of which are,
- Ladder cable tray – This type provides solid side rail protection and also system strength along with smooth radius fittings. These provide the maximum strength for long span applications
- Solid bottom cable tray – It provides continuous support for delicate cables. Generally used for minimal heat generating electrical or telecommunication applications
- Channel cable tray – This type is ideal for installations having limited numbers of tray cable in a situation where conduit is undesirable
- Trough cable tray – This type of tray is usually ideal for moderate heat generating applications.
- Wire mesh cable tray – Generally used for telecommunication and fiber optic applications
- Single rail cable tray – Single rail systems are used in places where maximum cable freedom, side fill and speed to install are essential factors such as in low voltage, power cable installations
Advantages accorded by cable trays:
- Unrivaled safety features
- Dependability
- Space savings
- Cost savings
- Lesser installation times
- Requirement of minimal maintenance, thus saving on incremental costs
Features of cable tray systems:
- Unlike conduits, these do not provide a path for the transmission of corrosive, explosive or toxic gases
- The trays can be used to support and route the large volumes of cable along with a high degree of dependability essential for TV broadcasting facilities.
- Cable tray wiring systems are ideal to support cabling in both commercial and industrial computer rooms overhead and beneath the floors and provide a much higher degree of dependability as compared to conduits
- Cable trays are also optimally suited for financial institutions with large computer installations, airport facilities etc.
