Installation at the bend of the wire mesh cable tray

Wire mesh cable trays can be installed and bent on-site using bolt cutters or specialized tools, allowing flexible creation of bends, tees, and reducers without pre-fabricated accessories.

Installation Overview

Wire mesh cable trays are designed to support and route power and data cables efficiently, offering high load capacity and excellent ventilation. They can be installed on walls, ceilings, or under floors using appropriate supports and brackets, with spacing determined by cable weight and tray width. The trays are modular, allowing straight sections to be joined with connectors or fasteners, and can accommodate changes in layout without extensive pre-fabrication.

Cutting and Bending Techniques

Cutting: Use a bolt cutter or an angular blade cutter to cut wires cleanly. Position the cutter perpendicular to the wire for a smooth cut. Some cutters, like the WB30BC Angular Blade Offset Bolt Cutter, produce clean cuts with minimal burrs, improving safety and assembly speed.

Rubber caps or protective coatings can be applied to cut ends to prevent injury and maintain corrosion protection. Bending: Wire mesh trays can be bent on-site to create 90° bends, tees, crosses, or reducers. The mesh structure allows wires to be separated and manipulated easily, enabling custom angles and branches without pre-made fittings.

Bending is typically done manually or with hand tools, ensuring the tray conforms to the installation requirements. Creating Accessories On-SiteOne of the advantages of wire mesh trays is the ability to fabricate accessories directly at the project site: Bends and Tees: Formed by separating and bending wires to the desired angle. Reducers: Achieved by gradually tapering the tray width using wire manipulation.

Crosses and Branches: Created by cutting and rejoining sections to allow cable routing in multiple directions. This approach reduces material waste and labor costs, as pre-fabricated bends or reducers are not always necessary.

Safety and Best Practices

Always wear protective gloves and eye protection when cutting or bending trays. Ensure supports are properly spaced to prevent sagging or overloading. Maintain smooth edges on cut wires to avoid cable damage or installer injury.

Follow manufacturer guidelines for maximum load and environmental conditions, as trays can typically withstand temperatures from -20°C to +120°C depending on material and coating.

Tools Commonly Used

Bolt cutters or angular blade cutters for cutting wires. Rubber caps or protective sleeves for cut ends. Standard hand tools for bending and securing trays.

Fasteners and connectors for joining straight sections and bends. By following these methods, installers can efficiently create a customized wire mesh cable tray system that fits the project layout while minimizing material use and labor time.