Installation of Fiberglass Cable Tray Supports

Fiberglass cable tray supports must be installed according to design specifications, with proper spacing, secure fastening, and careful handling to ensure structural integrity and long-term performance.

Planning and Preparation

Before installation, review construction drawings and conduct an on-site inspection to determine the tray route, installation height, support spacing, and any bends, ramps, or T-junctions required for the layout. Ensure the load-bearing capacity of the fiberglass tray matches the expected cable load to prevent deformation or loosening. Check all materials, including trays, supports, connectors, and fasteners, for quality, cracks, or fiber delamination.

Protect trays from heavy impacts, drops, or prolonged sun exposure during transport and handling.

Support Selection and Spacing

Supports should be selected to provide sufficient strength and working load capacity for the cable tray system, including future cable additions. For fiberglass trays, the spacing between supports (trapezes or brackets) should not exceed the distance between splice plates, and each tray section should be equal to or greater than the support span. Fittings should be supported according to NEMA FG-1 standards.

When hanging from beams, use clamps that provide full thread engagement to meet load ratings.

Installation Procedure

Mark and install supports along the planned route, ensuring proper alignment and level positioning. Cutting and drilling: Use carbide-tipped saw blades or standard twist drills for field cutting and drilling. Avoid excessive pressure to prevent chipping or resin softening.

Seal any cut or drilled surfaces with compatible resin. Mounting trays: Place the tray sections on the supports, ensuring splice locations are ideally at quarter spans. Secure trays with appropriate fasteners, applying a torque of 3–4 ft.-lbs. for threaded rod nuts.

Cable installation: Install cables according to type and voltage requirements, ensuring they are compatible with fiberglass trays.

Safety and Maintenance

Do not use cable trays as walkways or for supporting personnel. Inspect trays periodically for damage, loose fasteners, or overloading. Ensure proper grounding and bonding if required, even though fiberglass is non-conductive.

By following these procedures, fiberglass cable tray supports can provide a durable, corrosion-resistant, and low-maintenance solution for cable management in industrial and corrosive environments.