A guide to Overhead Cable Management Systems
Guide to Overhead Cable Management Systems
We have developed a guide to help identify which Cable Management Solutions you require
What factors determine system selection?
Guide to Overhead Cable Management Systems
What factors determine system selection?
Location
Ceiling void
•Services installed within a ceiling void ….not visible and only accessible by ….removing the ceiling tiles
Open ceiling
• Services in open view -not hidden above …suspended ceilings
External
•External services to and from buildings, …external equipment, plant rooms etc
Function
Protect
The installation method must provide protection against expected external influences e.g., trunking requires an IP or IK classification and support systems may need covers
Support
The system must provide support for all the services it will be carrying
Service
Data
Power
Ancillary
Metal and finish
Cable management systems are invariably exposed to atmospheric corrosion. The environment in which the product is installed is often the main criteria in the choice of material, finish, or surface treatment.
The most common finishes are:
• Hot Dip Galvanizing (HDG)
• Deep Galvanizing
• Pre-galvanized (PG)
• Stainless Steel
• Electroplating with zinc
Choice and cost
Choice - there may not be any definitive ‘right answers’ for many cable management installations, it can come down to personal choice -however in specifying the most appropriate system it is all about asking the right questions.
appropriate system it is all about asking the right questions.
Cost-In simple terms, the more steel required to manufacture a cable management system, the more expensive it is.
However, assessing cost should also include other factors: installation time; skilled labour; future proofing; recyclability; waste; longevity.
To support or protect
Support Section
- Ladder systems Section
-Tray systems Section
- Wire mesh systems
Protect
-Trunking systems
Cable ladder systems (support)
Mainly used for supporting armoured power and control cables both indoor and outdoor. Used from small, strong installations to large scale heavy duty cable distribution where a structure is provided for mounting cable ladder. Cables must be fixed to ladder via ties or clamps
Cables must be safe to touch
When specifying cable ladder systems consider:
• system that caters for differing loads from light duty (typically 50mm) through to extra heavy duty (typically 150mm)
• slotted rail design which allows components to be coupled together without the need for drilling
• system that includes adjustable bends
• system that includes time saving installation methods, therefore reducing installation time and fewer components for improved assembly time
• Cable ladder fittings are factory fabricated items to facilitate a change of direction and / or width such as : •Flat bend •Inside or outside riser •Equal or unequal tee •4 way crossover •Reducer
• Reducer
• Ancillary items are also available such as :
• Adjustable connectors
• Articulated risers
• Dividers
• Cantilever arms
• A full range of ladder covers are also available in both closed and ventilated options
Cable tray systems (support)
Used from small, strong installations to large scale heavy duty cable distribution where a structure is provided for mounting cable tray
Cables must be fixed to tray with cable ties Cables must be safe to touch
When specifying cable tray systems consider:
• system that caters for differing loads from light duty (typically 12mm) through to extra heavy duty (typically 80mm)
• system with integrated slot pattern design that
• system with integrated slot pattern design that provide installers with total flexibility without the need for additional drilling
• system that can uses a flexible connection system
• system that includes adjustable bends
• simple and versatile solution that aids on-site fabrication
Cable tray fittings are factory fabricated items to facilitate a change of direction and / or width such as:
• Flat bend
• Inside or outside riser
• Equal or unequal tee
• 4 way crossover
• Reducer
• Ancillary items are also available such as :
• Adjustable connectors
• Articulated risers
• Dividers
• Cantilever arms
• A full range of covers are also available in both closed and ventilated options
Wire mesh systems (support)
Wire mesh used mainly for data cables but can also be used for small to large scale power distribution. Some systems can be a totally clip together solution. Wire mesh is highly versatile with fittings made on site.
Cables must be fixed to wire mesh trays with ties
Cables must be safe to touch
