Profiles for Horizontal Cable Tray Supports

Horizontal cable tray supports use a variety of profiles, including U-shaped, triangular, and rectangular strut channels, designed for modular, durable, and load-specific installations.

Types of Support Profiles

1. Standard Strut Channels: Commonly used for light to medium loads, these profiles are versatile and allow modular assembly of cable trays, brackets, and clamps. They can be mounted directly to walls, ceilings, or structural beams and are compatible with various clamps and accessories for electrical, telecommunications, and pipeline installations (IndexFix) .

2. U-Shaped and Triangular Profiles: These profiles provide additional rigidity and are available in cross-sections such as 50x50 mm, 100x100 mm, or U-shaped 50 mm and 100 mm supports. They are suitable for heavier loads or longer spans, ensuring stability for horizontal cable tray runs (HDmann) .

3. Rectangular Tubular Sections: Used in systems like WESCOSA's WESRUNWAY, these 40x20 mm rectangular sections with welded cross members provide strong, continuous support for cable trays, especially in industrial or offshore installations .

Materials and Finishes

• Galvanized Steel: Suitable for moderate indoor and outdoor corrosion resistance.
• Stainless Steel (304/316L): Ideal for humid or corrosive environments.
• Aluminum Alloy: Lightweight and corrosion-resistant, often used in industrial or offshore applications.
• PVC or Plastic-Coated: For light loads or chemical resistance, sometimes color-coded for gas or electrical installations (IndexFix) .

Installation Guidelines

• Support Spacing: Supports should be placed so that splice joints fall between support points, typically not exceeding the straight section length of the tray. SnapTrack or similar systems recommend supports at 2 ft from expansion connections and at quarter points of spans (TechLine Mfg.) .
• Fittings and Radii: Fittings with radii less than 12” should be supported within 2 ft of each extremity; larger radii may require additional center supports. Vertical runs follow building structure intervals, generally not exceeding 20 ft centers .
• Load Considerations: Profiles are selected based on light, medium, or heavy loads. Modular systems allow easy adjustment and compatibility with clamps, brackets, and other accessories .

Standards Compliance

Most horizontal cable tray support profiles are designed to comply with NEMA VE-2 and IEC 61537 standards, ensuring structural integrity, corrosion resistance, and safe cable routing in industrial and commercial installations .

Summary

Choosing the right profile for horizontal cable tray supports involves considering load requirements, span length, material, and environmental conditions. Modular strut channels, U-shaped, triangular, and rectangular tubular profiles provide flexibility and durability, while proper placement and adherence to standards ensure safe and efficient cable management.