Installation of Cable Trays for Charging Piles in Underground Parking

Perforated cable trays are the preferred solution for underground parking charging piles, offering ventilation, heat dissipation, and flexible installation for AC and DC charging infrastructure.

Cable Tray Selection

For underground parking lots, perforated (ventilated) cable trays are recommended over solid-bottom trays. The perforations allow continuous air circulation, which helps dissipate heat generated by AC and DC charging cables and reduces internal humidity, preventing corrosion of both cables and trays . Solid trays are only necessary in areas requiring protection from oils, corrosive liquids, flammable dust, or electromagnetic interference .

Layout and Installation Principles

1. Proximity to Power Distribution: Charging piles should be located close to the charging power distribution room, ideally within 50 meters, to minimize voltage drop and cable length .
2. Centralized Charging Areas: Arrange charging parking spaces as a dedicated area to facilitate management, maintenance, and fire safety .
3. Avoid Hazardous Locations: Do not install trays or charging piles in low-lying areas prone to water accumulation, near toilets, bathrooms, or areas with severe vibration or high temperature .
4. Clearance and Accessibility: Ensure cable trays and charging piles do not obstruct vehicle movement, pedestrian pathways, or emergency evacuation routes .
5. Height and Mounting: Wall-mounted charging equipment should have a centerline approximately 1.5 meters above the ground, while cable trays should be securely mounted to support the weight of multiple cables and allow easy maintenance .

Technical Considerations

• Thermal Management: Perforated trays act as a passive cooling system, maintaining safe operating temperatures for high-power cables and supporting higher cable loads .
• Decentralized Energy Distribution: Using systems like podis® flat cable systems allows multiple charging stations to be connected to a single supply line, reducing material, labor, and space requirements while simplifying future retrofitting .
• Cable Organization: Pre-assembled modules and plug-in tap-off points can be integrated into the tray system to streamline installation and reduce potential errors .

Maintenance and Safety

• Regularly inspect trays for corrosion, loose fittings, or cable damage.
• Ensure proper grounding and adherence to electrical safety standards.
• Maintain sufficient spacing between cables to prevent overheating and allow for future expansion .

Summary

Using perforated cable trays in underground parking ensures ventilation, heat dissipation, and corrosion prevention, while careful layout planning and decentralized energy distribution simplify installation and future upgrades. Proper placement, clearance, and adherence to safety standards are essential for reliable and efficient operation of AC and DC charging piles .