Proper distribution of power is one of the most important things when it comes to running large-scale business operations smoothly. For example, whether it is a plant, a factory, or a data center, you need a proper system to effectively transport power from one place to another. Cables help you do that.
For managing large cable networks, you need a reliable organizational system to ensure that the power supply stays operational. One of the most common of these systems is a cable tray which is the modern-day alternative to wire ways and electrical conduits.
In this article, we are going to share with you all you need to know about cable trays, their types, purposes, and advantages that you should know.
What are Cable Trays?
Cable trays, also known as carriers, are a mechanical support system that holds large networks of cables together. These trays provide a reliable, rigid, and durable structural system that is used to accommodate all types of electric cables and intricate wiring. Cable trays can enclose power cables, armoured cables, telecommunication wires, fiber optic cables, and more.
With the help of cable trays, you can safely transport electrical wires, while saving time and money at the same time. Cable trays are easy to install, require less technical expertise, and enable you to manage complex wiring networks with relative ease. There are different cable trays available out there, each best suited for a particular kind of usage.
Purpose of Cable Trays
The primary reason why cable trays are invaluable is that they support and protect power and signal cables. These trays facilitate upgrading, expanding, reconfiguration, and relocation of cable networks.
Cable trays offer an open arrangement that ensures maximum heat dissipation. This is better than using an enclosed system like a conduit, as it runs the risk of overheating. And the best part is, cable trays can be used with ceilings, and fixed walls, as well as they can be installed underground.
Benefits of Cable Trays
Here is a brief overview of the benefits that you get with using cable trays:
Cost Effective
Cable trays are a cheaper alternative to other cable protection methods such as conduits and wireways. Since these trays are affordable, you can use them for holding complex wiring structures.
Easy Maintenance
As compared with other cable organization methods, cable trays are much easier to maintain. Since the wires are visible, you can quickly identify potential issues. Also, you can easily take out the wires and replace them, without doing a lot of work.
Safer Alternative
You can install cable trays in hard-to-reach places to ensure that they stay out of reach from unnecessary access. Cables in a tray are easy to mark, find, and remove. You don’t need a lot of technical expertise to do that.
Flexibility
There are a lot of different types of cable trays available out there. You can explore these different types and choose the one that works the best for your needs.
Type of Cable Trays
Let’s go over the most common types of cable trays that you can find out there:
Ladder Cable Tray
Ladder cable trays can be identified with the two side rails that are connected by rungs. This is the most widely used cable tray type as it gives you access to the cables from the top and the bottom.
The rungs of the ladder cable tray provide a convenient anchor that you can use to tie the cables together. The steps of the ladder cable tray are perforated and they are used to keep the wires strongly in place. Also, they don’t accumulate moisture thanks to their open design.
Perforated Cable Tray
These cable trays feature a perforated bottom and the flat area is used to support the cables placed inside the tray. These trays are most commonly used with instrumental and power cables where ensuring the long life of the cables is concerned.
These cable trays isolate the wires completely, thus providing more safety and security for the wires. The perforated design of these trays facilitates proper ventilation, preventing the wires from overheating.
Solid Bottom Cable Tray
A solid bottom cable tray is widely used for holding fibre optic cables. These trays feature a smooth background with no openings, that is placed along the longitudinal side rails. This cable tray type can support all kinds of cables and electric wires.
Since these trays completely isolate the cables, this prevents the buildup of heat. One of the drawbacks of these trays is, that they accumulate moisture. But you can get rid of that problem by making custom perforations.
Wire Mesh Cable Tray
These cable trays are also known as basket cable trays, owing to their specific design approach. Wire mesh cable trays are made with stainless steel wires, in the form of a basket-like mesh.
These cable trays are most commonly used for low-voltage cables, telecommunication wires, and fiber optic cables. One of the most prominent advantages of these trays is their light structure and open spaces.
Channel Cable Tray
Channel Cable Trays have a small width and they are most commonly used to support short-length drop cables. These trays can carry one or two cables to the nearby equipment.
The small size of these types of cable trays helps avoid cable hanging. These cable trays are economical and offer excellent durability, making them an excellent alternative to alternative cable protection methods.
Conclusion
Cable trays are an invaluable tool for electricians and network engineers who want a reliable method for holding small to large-scale wiring structures. These trays are affordable, versatile, and durable. Make sure to go over the different types of cable trays that we have talked about in this article to find the one that works the best for your project.
Contact PSI for premium quality cable trays in the UAE.
