Yes, cable trays include supports, which are essential for mechanically holding the trays and ensuring safe, reliable cable routing.

Purpose of Supports

Cable trays are designed to support and organize electrical and communication cables, but they are not self-supporting over long distances. Support elements are used to attach cable trays to ceilings, walls, floors, or structural beams, providing mechanical stability and preventing sagging or deflection under load . Supports also help maintain proper alignment and spacing, which is critical for safety and system performance.

Types of Supports

Common support elements for cable trays include:

• Wall brackets: Attach trays to vertical surfaces.
• Suspended supports: Hang trays from ceilings using rods or hangers.
• Center suspensions: Provide support at midpoints for long spans.
• Mounting plates: Used to attach junction boxes or devices to the tray .

Support Span Guidelines

The distance between supports, known as the support span, depends on the tray type and installation environment:

• Short span trays: Typically supported every 6 to 8 feet for indoor, non-industrial installations.
• Intermediate span trays: Supported every 10 to 12 feet.
• Long span trays: Supported every 14 to 20 feet, with 20 feet being common.
• Extra-long span trays: Exceed 20 feet, often used outdoors to cross roads or reduce the number of supports . Proper support placement is crucial because tray strength and load capacity are directly affected by the support span. Splice plates connecting tray sections should ideally be positioned between supports, not at the support points, to minimize stress and deflection .

Standards and Best Practices

Cable tray support locations are defined by standards such as NEMA VE-1 and VE-2, which align with the National Electrical Code (NEC) and Canadian Electrical Code (CEC). Following these standards ensures that the tray system can safely carry the intended cable load and withstand environmental factors like wind, ice, or vibration . In summary, supports are an integral part of cable tray systems, providing mechanical stability, maintaining proper alignment, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. Proper selection and placement of supports are essential for reliable and safe cable management.