Cable Tray Maintenance

Cable trays can provide a safe structure for a wiring distribution system. If not designed or installed properly, wiring inside cable trays may pose hazards such as fire, electric shock and sudden blast events. Thus while maintenance, installation and inspection of cable trays, the following concerns should be given attention.

● Cable trays must be properly fitted and supported according to the installation instructions. Overloading cable trays can lead to breakdown of the tray, its connecting points and/or supports, causing hazards to persons underneath the cable tray and even leading to possible electric shock
● Cable trays in hazardous locations must contain the wiring permitted in such locations
● When cable trays are overfilled, excessive heat build-up in and around live conductors can cause the insulation to break down, leading to potential shock hazards or fires.
● When cable trays are overfilled beyond the fill criteria established, another cable tray system should be added above, below, or next to the overfilled tray. Allow enough working space around the added cable tray
● Grounding of cable tray systems is essential for personal safety and protection against arcing that can occur anywhere in the wiring system. Proper grounding must be done before cables are installed and tested before cables are energized.

Most of the cable trays, ladders & channel supports are generally designed with no freely moving parts, thus very little maintenance activity required. If they are correctly installed, these systems can provide a rigid supporting structure for a long life span.

Wire Cable Tray System is available with prefabricated junctions and comes in a variety of protective powder-coated colored finishes, which responds to the demand from customers who are looking to color-code their pathways

Inspection:

● Cable trays, ladders & channels under normal conditions are virtually maintenance free. Periodical inspection of the cable systems can also be done during the facility's routine maintenance schedule. As equipment cannot be maintained at all times, a maintenance schedule may be required to decide when it is proper to perform checks. Under normal conditions, visual maintenance should be considered sufficient
● Visual checks should be made at all points of connection to ensure fixings & fastenings are sound. Any suspect areas should be tightened to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
● Visual checks should also be made for deposits of foreign objects and debris. Any items considered to be fouling the cableways should be removed.
● It is recommended that any maintenance functions are carried out by qualified personnel.
● When trays, ladders & channel supports have been subjected to unusual weather patterns or any other abnormalities, it is recommended that an inspection is carried out and any remedial activity undertaken.

Removal of cables:

Sometimes inactive or dead cables may be left inside a tray or ladder system, it is always better to remove these cables to create space for cable carrying capacity & to improve ventilation in the remaining system. Removal of these cables should only be carried out by a competent person.

On site repairs:

If an existing cable tray, cable ladder or support gets damaged, it may be necessary to make some corrective maintenance. This damage may be represented by, for example, broken welds, bent ladder rungs or severely deformed side rails etc. It is recommended that the section is replaced rather than repaired to maintain the overall integrity of the installation.

Cleaning And Maintenance Of Cable Trays For Better Efficiency:

Avoid Sharp Objects For Rubbing The Surface:
While cleaning the installations, one always goes for abrasive cleaning with some metal scrapers. However, rubbing the surface vigorously with sharp objects can damage the surface of the installation and harm the structure of the trays. Choosing some soft cloth or plastic scouring pads for such purposes is recommended

Don't Go Harsh With Chemicals:
Using some harsh chemicals like chlorine which is also known as chlorides and found in hard water to make it pure. It should be avoided because it damages the protective layer of the trays which leads to further damages and increases the risk of corrosion. Also, hard water contains high mineral content which harms the trays too. If you use any cleaner that contains chlorides immediately rinse the surface of the trays to reduce its effects.

Use Correct Tools:
Using the correct tools for handling and cleaning of the trays is as important as using them at the time of installation of the system. This helps to preserve the protective layer of the trays and also eliminates the corrosion of the material.