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The purpose of laying cables on high-altitude cable trays

Fiber and communications infrastructure knowledge brief Published 21 Jan 2022

Prepared for preliminary research by the ENSAA knowledge desk. Confirm optical interfaces, port or core capacity, electrical input and output, enclosure protection, thermal design and installation limits against current standards and product documentation.

High-altitude cable tray installations require careful planning, proper support, and adherence to safety and design standards to ensure reliable and safe cable management.

Planning and Design Considerations

Before installation, review approved shop drawings to determine tray layout, lengths, and routing, ensuring horizontal and vertical runs are clearly marked and coordinated with other services. Maintain sufficient clearance for cable pulling and future maintenance. Consider load capacity, tray strength, and environmental factors such as wind, temperature variations, and potential corrosion when selecting materials.

High-altitude installations may require steel, stainless steel, or aluminum trays with appropriate galvanization or corrosion-resistant finishes.

Material Selection

Steel trays: Strong and durable, suitable for heavy cable loads; can be pre-galvanized or hot-dip galvanized for corrosion protection. Stainless steel (AISI 316L): Offers excellent corrosion resistance, especially in outdoor or harsh environments. Aluminum trays: Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and easier to handle at height, but may require careful support design due to lower strength compared to steel.

Installation Practices

Support and anchoring: Use properly spaced supports and hangers to prevent sagging and maintain tray alignment. Supports must withstand mechanical loads and environmental stresses. Rung spacing: For ladder-type trays, maintain a rung spacing of 150–230 mm to support cables and prevent excessive bending.

Cable handling: Avoid using trays as walkways; cables should be restrained to prevent movement during short circuits or thermal expansion. Thermal expansion: Account for expansion and contraction of trays due to temperature changes, especially at high altitudes where temperature fluctuations are more pronounced.

Safety and Compliance

Ensure installation is performed by competent personnel familiar with electrical installation practices and safety standards.

Follow BS E

N 61537 or equivalent standards for cable tray systems to ensure structural integrity and safety. Inspect all materials for damage before installation and remove unsuitable items from the site.

Maintenance and Accessibility

Maintain clear access for inspection and future cable additions or replacements. Use covers or ventilated trays as needed to protect cables from environmental exposure while allowing heat dissipation. By carefully planning, selecting appropriate materials, and following proper installation and safety practices, high-altitude cable tray systems can provide reliable, long-term support for electrical and communication cables in industrial and commercial environments.

The purpose of laying cables on high-altitude cable trays - ENSAA OPTICAL NETWORKS [PDF]

The purpose of laying cables on high-altitude cable trays

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Technical note

This reference is intended for preliminary fiber and communications infrastructure research. Optical interface, fiber type, port or core capacity, electrical input and output, enclosure protection, cooling, installation limits and applicable standards must be verified for the specific project.

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