Angle steel spacing used in cable trays

Standard angle steel for cable tray supports is typically 50 x 50 mm with 6 mm thickness, fabricated from mild steel and installed at 1-meter intervals.

Material and Dimensions

Angle steel used for cable tray supports is generally mild steel (MS) with a cross-section of 50 x 50 mm and a thickness of 6 mm for wall-mounted or bridge supports. For larger spans or heavier loads, C-channels (150 x 75 mm, 5. 7 mm thick) may be used in combination with angle steel to provide additional structural support.

The steel is often galvanized to improve corrosion resistance, especially in industrial or outdoor environments.

Installation Guidelines

Spacing: Angle steel supports are typically installed at 1-meter intervals along the cable tray length. Mounting: Wall-mounted supports are fastened using high-strength bolts, such as Hilti nut bolts of minimum 75 mm length, ensuring secure attachment to the wall. Bridge Supports: For longer cable tray spans, angle steel is welded to existing MS structures or C-channels to form a bridge support system.

Hardware: High-tensile bolts, washers, and nuts (e.g., M8 size, eight sets per joint) are used to connect cable trays to the angle steel supports.

Compliance and Standards

Angle steel supports and cable trays should comply with DIN EN 61537 for cable support systems, ensuring mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, and proper load-bearing capacity. Installation should follow NEMA VE 2 guidelines for ladder and perforated cable trays, including proper rung spacing and load ratings.

Load and Structural Considerations

Each rung or support element must be capable of supporting the design load of the cable tray, typically calculated based on cable weight and spacing. Safety factors of 1. 5 are commonly applied to account for dynamic loads and installation tolerances.

For ladder-type trays, rungs are welded to side rails, and spacing can vary from 6 to 12 inches, depending on load requirements.

Summary

For typical industrial cable tray installations, 50 x 50 mm, 6 mm thick mild steel angle supports installed at 1-meter intervals provide a reliable and standard solution. For heavier loads or longer spans, C-channels combined with angle steel are recommended. Proper bolting, welding, and compliance with DIN EN 61537 and NEMA VE 2 standards ensure structural integrity and safety.