Austrian Trough Cable Tray Construction

Austrian trough cable trays are typically constructed from steel or GRP, supported with brackets and anchor rods, and installed to ensure accessibility, load-bearing capacity, and compliance with electrical standards.

Materials and Design

Austrian trough cable trays are commonly made from steel or glass fibre-reinforced polymers (GRP/FRP), providing durability, corrosion resistance, and suitability for outdoor or challenging environments ( ). Steel trays are often galvanized or coated to prevent corrosion, while GRP trays offer lightweight handling and electrical insulation. The trough design allows for secure routing of power, signal, and communication cables, with dropouts or openings for cable exits ( ).

Structural Support

Proper support is critical for trough trays. Specialist anchor rods and steel brackets are used to secure the trays to walls, bridges, or elevated structures, especially in mountainous or uneven terrain ( ). Supports must provide sufficient strength to handle the working load of the cables, and structural building members should not be cut or compromised during installation ( ).

For elevated installations, spans of up to 6 meters are feasible with appropriate support ( ).

Installation Guidelines

Accessibility: Leave at least 300 mm (12 inches) of free space above and to the side of the tray for maintenance and cable handling ( ). Mounting: Use center tray hangers with spring nuts and bolts to secure the tray. Drill holes as needed for dropouts and pivot connectors to allow horizontal or vertical adjustments up to 60° ( ).

Cable Routing: Cables can be pulled along the tray before final connection, reducing installation complexity and allowing staged deployment ( ). Safety Compliance: Ensure the system meets DIN EN 61537, UL, and NFPA 70 standards for cable support systems, including proper grounding and separation of high-voltage and communication cables ( ).

Special Considerations

In railway or river-adjacent projects, lightweight GRP troughs reduce load on bridges and embankments ( ). For tunnel or underground installations, trays must maintain continuous operation and allow for emergency power routing, often requiring welded wire or perforated sheet metal options ( ). Corrosion protection and environmental resistance are essential for outdoor or industrial applications, particularly in Austria's alpine regions ( ).

Accessories and Fittings

Trough trays are complemented by covers, dropouts, pivot connectors, and shelf brackets to manage cable exits, directional changes, and load distribution ( ).

CAD and BI

M models are available for precise planning and integration into engineering designs ( ). By following these guidelines, Austrian trough cable trays can be installed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with international standards, ensuring long-term reliability for power and communication infrastructure.