Installation and hoisting of galvanized cable trays

Proper installation and hoisting of galvanized cable trays require careful planning, correct support spacing, safe handling, and adherence to standards to ensure durability and structural integrity.

Material Handling and Storage

Before installation, inspect all received cable trays for damage and verify compliance with approved material submittals. Store trays horizontally on a flat surface with timber supports at intervals of about 1 meter, and protect them from moisture and direct sunlight to prevent corrosion or staining of the galvanized coating . If hoisting from a vehicle, use appropriate lifting equipment or hand unloading with gloves and steel-toed footwear to prevent injury .

Planning and Layout

• Review approved shop drawings to determine tray routes, lengths, and locations.
• Mark horizontal and vertical runs on-site, ensuring no clashes with other services and maintaining sufficient clearance for cable pulling and future maintenance .
• Allow for future expansion, typically a minimum of 30% additional capacity, to accommodate new cables .

Support and Hoisting

• Establish the required elevation from the floor to the bottom of the tray using a laser or nylon string for level alignment .
• Support spacing: For straight runs, supports are typically placed every 1.2 meters to prevent sagging; for bends, branches, and offsets, provide additional supports .
• Use threaded rods, metal plugs, and 'L' angles or slotted 'C' channels to secure trays. Ensure all supports meet the load requirements of the cable tray system .
• Hoisting: Lift trays carefully using slings or cranes, ensuring balanced lifting to avoid bending or damage. Avoid using trays as walkways during hoisting or installation .

Installation Practices

• Splice plates should be installed at approximately ¼ of the gap between supports, avoiding midpoints or directly above supports to maintain structural integrity .
• Maintain electrical continuity every 18 meters for galvanized steel trays .
• Ensure bending radius of accessories matches or exceeds the largest cable's minimum bending radius to facilitate cable installation .
• Follow safety standards such as BS EN 61537 for tray systems and BS 6946 for channel supports .

Safety Considerations

• Only trained personnel should perform installation and hoisting.
• Avoid using cable trays as ladders or walkways to prevent personal injury and damage to the system .
• Implement proper PPE, including gloves, helmets, and steel-toed footwear during handling and installation. By following these guidelines, galvanized cable trays can be installed safely, maintain corrosion resistance, and provide reliable support for electrical and communication cables over the long term .