Simple right-angle bends in cable trays

A 90° bend in a cable tray can be achieved using pre-made fittings, a bending machine, or simple on-site tools like a metal bar for steel trays or hand bending for wire mesh trays. Methods for Creating a 90° Bend1.

Using Pre-

Made Fittings Many cable tray systems offer pre-fabricated 90° elbows or bends. These are the easiest and safest option, ensuring consistent angles and minimal stress on the tray or cables. Simply attach the elbow to the straight tray sections using the manufacturer's recommended bolts or splice plates.

2.

On-

Site Fabrication for Steel Trays If a pre-made fitting is unavailable, a steel tray can be bent on-site: Use a cable tray bending machine if available. Alternatively, a metal bar or crimping tool can be used to manually bend the tray. Place the bar along the tray edge and apply gradual pressure to form a smooth 90° bend.

Ensure bends are made slowly to avoid kinks or deformation. Always wear safety gloves and eye protection to prevent injury from sharp edges. 3.

Wire Mesh Cable Trays Wire mesh trays are flexible and allow easy on-site bending without specialized tools: Mark the bend location clearly. Use pliers or nose pliers to bend the mesh gradually. For a 90° horizontal bend, fold the mesh along the marked line, ensuring the bend is smooth to prevent cable damage.

Vertical bends, tees, and offsets can also be fabricated similarly, making wire mesh trays highly adaptable.

Installation Tips

Always secure the tray at multiple points along its length using hold-down units or brackets to maintain stability. Use smooth-head bolts on the inside of the tray to avoid damaging cables. For fabricated bends, consider using splice plates or brackets to reinforce the bend and maintain structural integrity.

Measure and mark carefully before bending to ensure accurate angles and alignment with the rest of the installation. By following these methods, a simple right-angle bend can be safely and effectively created in both steel and wire mesh cable trays, whether using pre-made fittings or on-site fabrication.