How to install a metal cable tray

Installing metal cable trays involves several crucial steps to guarantee both construction quality and safety. Here's a brief overview of the process:

**1. Pre-installation Preparation**

* Thoroughly review the construction drawings to ensure the cable trays' specifications and models align with the design and specified requirements.

* Inspect all components of the cable tray for any damage, deformation, or rust.

* Verify the reliability of the grounding device.

**2. Measurement and Marking**

* Determine the installation location and measure the bracket's center position and elevation for accurate installation.

**3. Installation of Embedded Parts**

* Install embedded iron parts, angle steel, and other metal components according to the drawings, ensuring accurate positioning and secure fixing.

**4. Fabrication and Installation of Supports and Hangers**

* Fabricate the supports and hangers as per the drawings.

* Install them and adjust their horizontality, verticality, and elevation to meet design specifications.

* Use straight steel without distortion for supports and hangers, and ensure a firm installation.

**5. Cable Tray Installation**

* Keep the bridge straight before installation.

* Secure the hangers and brackets and tighten the bolts.

* Ensure the bridge's bending radius at turning points adheres to design requirements and doesn't fall below the cable's minimum bending radius for smooth cable passage.

**6. Grounding Wire Installation**

* Set at least two grounding connection points on the bridge and bracket with the grounding trunk.

* For non-galvanized bridges, connect a copper core grounding wire across the connecting plate's ends, ensuring a cross-sectional area of at least 4mm².

* Galvanized bridges don't require grounding wire crossings, but the connecting plate's ends should be secured with anti-loosening nuts or washers for reliable grounding.

**7. Quality Inspection**

* Use measuring tapes to check elevations and ensure the connecting plate's bolts are securely fixed.

* Verify the hanger brackets are straight and firmly installed.

* Leave a small expansion joint to accommodate temperature-induced deformations.

**Key Considerations**:

* Control the spacing of fixed support points within specified limits.

* Set fixed support points at the entry and exit of junction boxes, corners, and turns.

* Implement fire isolation measures when the cable tray passes through firewalls or fire-rated floors to prevent fire spread.

Upon completion of all steps and passing the quality inspection, the installation of the metal cable tray is considered finished. Strict adherence to safety operating procedures and flexible adjustment of installation steps based on site conditions are crucial throughout the process. For further queries or expert advice, consult an electrical engineer or a domain expert.