Wire mesh cable trays are widely used in industrial and commercial installations to support and manage cables effectively. One of their greatest advantages is the flexibility they offer, particularly when it comes to bending. Different types of bends are essential to navigate obstacles, optimize space, and ensure the smooth and safe routing of cables in complex layouts.
In this blog, we’ll explore the various types of bends commonly used in wire mesh cable trays and discuss their applications and techniques in detail.
Why Bending is Essential in Wire Mesh Cable Tray Systems
In most installations, wire mesh cable trays need to be adapted to fit specific architectural spaces. Bending trays allows installers to work around obstacles like walls, beams, or machinery, and to guide cables in the desired direction without needing additional connectors or joints.
Bending is crucial for:
- Optimizing Space: Efficiently using available space, especially in tight or crowded installations.
- Minimizing Cable Stress: Ensuring smooth transitions and reducing the risk of cable damage at sharp turns or angles.
- Streamlining Installation: Reducing the number of joints or additional components required, saving time and costs.
1. Horizontal Bend
A horizontal bend changes the direction of the wire mesh cable tray along a horizontal plane. This type of bend is one of the most commonly used, especially when navigating around corners or redirecting the tray to follow the layout of the room.
- Typical Angles: Bends between 30 and 90 degrees, depending on the space and the path the cables need to follow.
- Use Case: Ideal for installations where the tray needs to route cables around walls or structures at the same elevation.
Bending Process: The mesh is cut at precise points to allow the tray to bend smoothly. Reinforcement is often added at the bend points to maintain strength, especially for sharper angles.
2. Vertical Inside Bend
A vertical inside bend allows the tray to transition from a lower to a higher level, moving cables upward within a vertical plane. This type of bend is useful for installations that require cables to rise from ground level to a higher position, such as from a floor-mounted tray to a ceiling-mounted system.
- Typical Angles: Usually between 30 and 90 degrees, depending on the elevation change required.
- Use Case: Common in multilevel installations where cables need to move between floors or from ground to ceiling level.
Bending Process: The tray is bent upward at the necessary angle, ensuring a smooth, gradual transition that minimizes stress on the cables. The bend should be checked to avoid sharp edges that could damage the cables.
3. Vertical Outside Bend
Opposite to the inside bend, the vertical outside bend guides the cable tray downward, from a higher to a lower level. This type of bend is typically used to route cables from overhead trays to ground-mounted equipment or when descending between floors.
- Typical Angles: Often between 30 and 90 degrees, depending on the drop required.
- Use Case: Commonly used in installations where cables need to descend from ceiling to floor, such as in power distribution rooms or equipment connections.
Bending Process: The tray is bent downward at the appropriate angle, with attention to the bend’s radius to avoid sharp turns that could cause cable damage. Proper support is crucial at the bend point to maintain tray strength.
Wire Mesh Cable Tray Manufacturer
4. Horizontal T-Junction
A horizontal T-junction bend allows the tray to branch off into multiple directions on the same horizontal plane. This is particularly useful in installations where different cable paths need to split from a central tray.
- Typical Angles: Forms a 90-degree junction to allow one path to continue straight while the other splits off at a right angle.
- Use Case: Ideal for systems where multiple equipment sets need to be connected to a single cable source.
Bending Process: Sections of the wire mesh tray are cut to create the “T” shape, and the edges are reinforced with connectors or clamps to maintain structural integrity. The trays are then joined at the T-junction, allowing cables to be routed efficiently in two directions.
5. Horizontal Cross Junction
A horizontal cross junction allows the tray to split into four directions on the same plane, creating a crossroads for cable routing. This is essential for more complex cable networks where multiple branches need to be routed in different directions.
- Typical Angles: Creates four 90-degree bends, allowing cables to travel straight through or branch in multiple directions.
- Use Case: Often used in large installations with multiple devices or systems connected to a single tray network.
Bending Process: Sections of the wire mesh are cut to create the cross shape. Reinforcement is added to the edges, ensuring the structural integrity of the junction point.
6. Custom Radius Bend
A custom radius bend is designed for installations that require smooth, continuous curves rather than sharp angles. These bends can be customized to fit specific architectural or layout requirements.
- Typical Angles: Variable, depending on the required curve and space constraints.
- Use Case: Ideal for installations around circular columns or irregularly shaped spaces where a smooth curve is needed to maintain cable flow.
Bending Process: The tray is bent to a custom radius, ensuring that the curve is gentle enough to prevent cable stress. Careful planning and precise measurements are required to ensure the tray fits the space exactly.
Bending Techniques: Best Practices
When bending wire mesh cable trays, it’s essential to follow best practices to maintain the tray’s structural integrity and ensure smooth, safe cable routing:
- Accurate Measurements: Always measure twice before making cuts or bends to ensure precision.
- Proper Tools: Use the right tools, such as wire cutters or mechanical benders, to achieve clean cuts and consistent bends.
- Reinforcement: Whenever cutting or bending the tray, reinforce the affected areas with connectors or clamps to maintain load-bearing capacity.
- Smooth Transitions: Avoid sharp or abrupt bends that could damage cables. A smooth, gradual transition will help prevent cable stress and wear.
- Manufacturer Guidelines: Always refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines for bending specific wire mesh trays to ensure optimal performance and warranty protection.
Conclusion
Understanding the different types of bends in wire mesh cable trays is key to achieving a successful and efficient installation. Each bend type serves a specific purpose, helping installers navigate complex layouts and ensuring that cables are routed safely and smoothly.
At Madewithless, we offer high-quality wire mesh cable trays designed for flexibility, durability, and ease of installation. Whether you need standard bends or custom solutions, our trays provide the perfect balance of strength and adaptability for any project. Explore our range of products and discover how they can enhance your next installation.
