Thickness requirements for vertical supports of cable trays

Vertical supports for cable trays typically use steel or stainless steel side rails with material thicknesses ranging from 1.5 mm to 3 mm, depending on load and installation type.

Material and Standards

Vertical cable tray supports are generally made from galvanized or stainless steel to ensure mechanical strength and corrosion resistance . The thickness of the side rails or vertical supports is determined by the maximum permissible cable dead weight, the height of the tray, and the fastening spacing. For standard vertical cable ladders and trays, material thicknesses commonly range from 1.5 mm to 3 mm, with thicker profiles used for higher loads or wider trays .

Load and Fastening Considerations

• Maximum cable dead weight: Vertical supports are designed to handle typical cable loads up to 20 kg/m for standard installations .
• Fastening spacing: Supports are usually fastened to walls or ceilings at intervals of ≤ 1.2 m, with additional reinforcement required for longer vertical runs .
• Rungs and side rails: Rungs are often C-profiled with slot widths suitable for clamps, and side rails must be thick enough to prevent bending or deformation under load .

Installation Notes

• For continuous vertical runs over 3.5 m, additional lateral support or strain relief is required to prevent cable kinking or slipping .
• Supports can be mounted directly to walls or ceilings, or suspended using cantilever brackets or threaded rods, with fasteners sized according to the support type (e.g., M8 or M10 bolts), .
• Compliance with DIN 4102 Part 12 ensures that vertical supports maintain circuit integrity and fire protection standards .

Practical Recommendation

When designing or selecting vertical supports for cable trays:

1. Determine the total cable weight per meter and tray width.
2. Choose a steel or stainless steel support with a thickness sufficient to handle the load (typically 1.5–3 mm).
3. Ensure fastening spacing and additional lateral supports meet the standard requirements for vertical runs.
4. Verify that the selected support system is compatible with fire-rated or circuit integrity cable trays if required. By following these guidelines, vertical supports will provide safe, durable, and compliant installation for cable trays in industrial or commercial environments .