Cable tray bending connecting piece

Cable tray bends and connections can be fabricated on-site using bolt cutters, metal bars, or specialized accessories, ensuring secure, stable, and safe installations.

Bending Cable Trays

Cable trays can be bent to create 90° or other angled turns using several methods:

• Bolt Cutter Method: For wire mesh trays, cuts can be made with a bolt cutter to form bends, tees, or crosses. The cutter drags a layer of zinc across the cut, maintaining corrosion protection, and rubber caps can protect cut ends from damaging cables .
• Metal Bar or Manual Bending: Solid steel trays can be bent using a metal bar or a bending machine. This allows on-site fabrication of internal or external bends without pre-manufactured fittings .
• Accessories and Fabrication Kits: Systems like EzyTray provide radius plates, TX brackets, and riser links to bend, rise, or join straight tray sections. Side walls are cut and bent down, then fastened with brackets and bolts to form tees, crosses, or risers . When bending, always ensure the bend radius is appropriate for the cable type to prevent damage and maintain proper cable support.

Connecting Cable Tray Sections

Proper connections are essential for safety, load stability, and durability:

• Splice Plates and Bolted Connections: Flat metal plates with holes are bolted to tray ends to join sections in a straight line. This method is strong, reliable, and allows disassembly for maintenance .
• Quick Connect Systems: Some manufacturers offer snap, slide, or twist systems that require minimal tools and allow fast installation, often specific to a brand .
• L, T, or Cross-Shaped Plates: Used to join tray sections at angles or junctions, helping route cables around corners or splits .
• Screw-On Fittings: For certain trays, fittings like bends, tees, and reducers can be screwed onto the tray using truss-head bolts or combination nuts, with integrated joint plates to protect cables .

Best Practices

• Always use two splice plates per tray length and secure trays at multiple points along their length .
• Ensure smooth edges or protective caps to prevent cable damage.
• Follow manufacturer guidelines for maximum load, bend radius, and fastening methods.
• Verify that bends and connections maintain system stability and comply with local electrical codes . By combining proper bending techniques with secure connection methods, cable tray systems can be safely routed around obstacles while maintaining long-term durability and cable protection.