Are you looking for tips to maintain an electrical cable tray? If yes, then you have reached the right place!
cable trays are a crucial part of electrical systems that support and route the cables throughout a building in a secure and effective manner. Cable tray system must maintain their safe and dependable operation, like any other mechanical device, and undergo routine maintenance and inspection.
In this article, we will discuss a brief about cable tray maintenance and inspection.
What is a Cable tray?
An electrical Cable tray, also known as a cable channel or cable management system is the best and most secure option to support and route the cable wires systematically. These cable trays have an open free space that provides excellent ventilation to the cable wires. It is mainly used in commercial and industrial areas where these cable trays are needed to arrange large volumes of cables. The cable tray manufacturer designed these cable trays in a wide variety of premium quality materials. Also, they provide a customization facility as per the needs of their customer. The cable tray is covered with the powder coating galvanized material that secures the cable tray from dust, falling water, and other damage. Customers mostly like to buy cable trays due to their great features including easy installation, flexibility, strong design, premium quality material, cost-effectiveness, low maintenance, and others.
Cable Tray Maintenance: Tips For Long-Lasting Use
Your cable tray systems will start on a good note with a proper installation, which will also make future additions and maintenance of the cable wires safer and easier. Always use cables and conductors that are listed or branded for the environment in which they are used when installing new cable trays. Use only those wires that are approved for permanent wiring use. To stop the spread of fire by-products, install suitable fire stops where cable trays pass through fire-rated partitions, walls, and floors. Verify that trays are supported in accordance with the requirements of the manufacturer. While maintaining a cable tray, you have to take into consideration some essential components.
Cleaning And Inspection
Cleaning and inspection is the first step for the maintenance of the cable tray. Checking cable trays on a regular basis must be done properly. Any dust or falling material should be cleared off of the trash. At least once a year, and more frequently in tough settings, a thorough cleaning and inspection should be carried out. Through regular visual checks, Any suspect areas can be easily visible to the manufacturer’s recommendation. If any wire is suspected wrong or damaged, it should be removed on time. But for this maintenance process, qualified personnel should be hired to do such work.
Repairs And Replacements
It is important to replace and repair the wiring if damaged. Avoiding the mixing of large cables can help the cable wiring to get proper ventilation and reduce the risk of overheating or any other damage. Corrective maintenance may be required if damage has been done to an existing cable tray, cable ladder, or support. Always off the power of the lines flowing through a cable tray before working on it. Make that the initial installation was completed correctly. Inspect all fastening mechanisms for degradation. Make sure the tray isn’t too heavily or excessively loaded.
Lubrication
Systems for cable trays frequently have moving components, such as rollers and support brackets. These components should be lubricated to lessen friction and avoid wear and tear. However, it is essential to use lubricant material that is suitable for the cable tray’s construction material and operating conditions. Because it lessens friction and wear between moving parts, aids in heat dissipation, and prevents corrosion, lubrication is a crucial component of preventive maintenance. The efficiency and dependability of equipment can be considerably increased with proper lubrication, which can reduce costs and improve safety.
Corrosion Protection
The cable tray is manufactured of premium quality material and is covered with a powder coating material that secures the cable from anti-corrosion. Corrosion can result in weakening structures, which can help in the cable tray system’s safety. Application of anti-corrosion chemicals is known as corrosion protection, which is done to stop corrosive agents from damaging equipment or a facility.
Grounding
cable trays should be grounded properly to avoid electrical risks. Regular checks should be made to the grounding system to make sure everything is connected correctly and the resistance is within acceptable bounds. The installed cable tray system should be maintained by authorized individuals who may employ a cable tray as the Equipment Grounding Conductor (EGC). The grounding clamp not only establishes an electrical connection between the cable tray sections and the EGC, but it also mechanically fastens the EGC to the cable tray to prevent it from being thrown out of the cable tray by magnetic forces under fault current circumstances.
Load Capacity
The cable tray is designed with strong material and has a limit of loading heavy-duty cable wires. Never go beyond a cable tray’s load limit because doing so can cause structural damage. The cable tray should be checked frequently and continuously to make sure it isn’t crowded. The highest force that is accepted by the material is known as the load capacity.
Final Words…
I hope you are now clear with your thoughts! As we have discussed above, the maintenance of cable trays is an important part of every commercial and industrial unit. Safety dangers can be avoided and possible problems can be found with regular inspections and maintenance. A cable tray is a cable management system that provides a free space for the cables for properly arranged and also reduces the risk of overheating and other damage. If the manufacturer or supplier does not check the cable trays on a regular basis it can cause serious damage. Cleaning, inspection, repairs, replacements, lubrication, corrosion protection, grounding, and load capacity monitoring are among the best practices for cable tray maintenance.
Also Read: Performance Chemical Supplier India | Matangi Industries
