Electrical Safety Hazards of Overloading Cable Trays

Today, technology is growing every day, this has given people and corporations access to completely different tremendous tools and knowledge sources. whereas technology is increasing exponentially, the requirement for adequate infrastructure has followed this trend. Cable trays as well advancing day by day, The cables are easier to mark, remove and find in cable trays. Cable trays are available in various different types including,ventilated channel, ventilated trough, ladder, wire mesh, single rail, and other similar structures. They are manufactured by using aluminum, steel, and fiber reinforced plastic (FRP). Using this cable tray managing the cable is very easy if we follow proper guidelines.

Cable trays

The cable tray ampacity requirements, and the type and voltage rating of cable helps in determining the appropriate fill for each cable tray — ventilated cable trays provide the greatest allowable fill due to increased airflow. A general guideline given by The Cable Tray Institute study, says that cable trays should not be stuffed over 40-50% of the inside area of the tray or of the maximum weight based on the cable tray specifications. The best way to overcome all the problems is to review and follow the rules set provided in the manufacturer's installation guides when installing cables in cable trays

Overloading cable trays and its causes

Overloading and mismanagement of wires in cable trays can lead to problematic issues. overweight is one issue; all cable trays and their associated supports are rated for a specific maximum weight, based on the area and the spacing of the cable tray supports in the guidelines. Overloading cable trays can lead to a failure of the tray, supports and its connecting points, causing hazards to persons underneath the cable tray and even leading to possible electric shock from component failure when the cables are suddenly no longer supported. Additionally, cables can be damaged by improper securing and installing of cables and wires in the cable tray.

The guideline requirements for cable tray filling also consider the heat buildup in conductors while current flows. When cable trays are overloaded, excessive heat builds up in the cable tray which can lead to a breakdown, potential shock or fires. The chances of Fires occurring might be either in the combustible materials near the cable tray or in the cable tray itself.

Using a grounding method for cable tray systems is essential for personal safety and protection that can occur anywhere in the wiring system. Proper grounding must be done before cables are installed and tested. In addition to these general requirements, metallic cable tray systems supporting electrical conductors should be used to ensure maximum safety.

Wire management within the cable tray

Recognizing overloaded cable trays is not difficult. The fill values for cable trays specified in the government guideline range from a single layer to roughly a 50% fill of the cross-sectional area of the cable tray. If visual observation reveals a cable tray that is completely full or overflowing with cables, chances are that the cable tray is violating the National Index Code . The major culprits connected with overloaded cable trays are deserted cables within the tray.

So next time installing a cable tray read & understand the guidelines listed in our instruction manual. To have a proper

cable tray management system.

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