How to Solve Cable Tray Sagging ?
How to Solve Cable Tray Sagging?
When a load is more than the structural capacity of a cable tray, it bends between supports. Safety questions and cable damage can follow from this. Here are main approaches to either fix or stop drooping:
1. Increase Support Frequency
Cutting the space between supports is the easiest way. Although cable trays are usually supported every three meters, load distribution can be much improved by lowering this to 2.5 meters or less. In places like pipe racks or limited buildings, this could not always be possible though.
2. Increase Collar Height (Tray Depth)
Vertical stiffness of the tray is added by its side height or collar. By varying tray depth from 50 to 100 mm you reduce deflection and strengthen the structure. Certain setups incorporate interior separators for cable separation that is, DO vs. AI cables which further strengthens the tray.
3. Change Tray Type
Changing to a tray with a ladder-type load-bearing capacity will help. Ladder trays increase support by means of transverse rungs. Likewise, mesh or basket-type trays are stronger and should be taken into consideration if suitable for the installation surroundings.
4. Use Thicker Tray Material
Thicker metal cable trays e.g., 3 mm rather than 1.6 mm have more mechanical strength. While this method increases expenses, in high-load areas it could be required.
5. Width Doesn’t Help
Increasing tray width between 300 and 900 mm does not increase load capacity and could aggravate sagging if improperly supported.