How to make cable trays in a vertical cable shaft

Cable trays in vertical shafts should be installed using properly spaced supports, secure fasteners, and ladder or ventilated tray systems to ensure safe, accessible, and code-compliant vertical cable management.Planning and PreparationReview Approved Drawings: Begin by examining the approved shop drawings to determine the vertical tray routes, lengths, and locations within the shaft. Ensure the layout avoids clashes with other services and allows sufficient clearance for cable pulling and future maintenance .Material Inspection: Verify that all cable trays, ladders, fittings, and accessories are free from damage and conform to project specifications. Store trays horizontally on flat surfaces with timber supports to prevent warping or moisture damage .Select Tray Type: Ladder-type trays are preferred for vertical shafts due to their strength, ventilation, and ease of cable management. Ventilated troughs or solid-bottom trays may be used depending on environmental conditions and cable types .Installation StepsMark Support Locations: Identify and mark the positions for vertical supports along the shaft. Supports should be aligned with the tray centerline and spaced according to load requirements, typically not exceeding 1.2–1.5 meters for vertical ladder trays .Install Supports: Use threaded rods, Unistrut channels, or center-hung hangers to secure the tray to the building structure. Ensure supports are plumb and capable of bearing the maximum anticipated load, including cables . Seismic restraints should be installed where required.Assemble and Secure Trays: Connect tray sections using standard fittings and splice plates. Ensure rungs are level and aligned, and remove any burrs or sharp edges to prevent cable damage . Use spring knots or retaining bars to prevent trays from shifting during installation.Maintain Proper Spacing: For instrumentation or small-diameter cables, rung spacing of 6–12 inches is recommended. Wider trays may require stronger rungs to support heavier loads .Cable Entry and Exit: Ensure cables can enter or exit the tray at the top or bottom without exceeding the minimum bend radius. This prevents stress on the conductors and maintains signal integrity .Safety and ComplianceEnsure all personnel are qualified and follow local electrical codes and safety standards .Use scaffolding or other safe working platforms when installing trays in deep vertical shafts .Maintain clearances for future maintenance and avoid interference with other MEP services .Final ChecksVerify alignment, support spacing, and secure connections.Confirm that the tray system can safely support the intended cable load.Inspect for proper grounding and bonding if required. By following these steps, vertical cable tray installations will be safe, durable, and compliant with industry standards, providing reliable cable management for power, control, and instrumentation systems .