Drilling holes in cable trays and laying cables

Drilling holes on cable trays should be done carefully using templates or jigs to ensure proper alignment, correct drill size, and structural integrity.

Planning and Preparation

Before drilling, mark the tray route and support points according to your installation drawings and site layout. Ensure the tray is properly sized for the cable load and that supports are positioned to prevent sagging or stress on the tray.

Using Templates and Drill Jigs

For field-cut cable trays, splice plates are commonly used as templates to locate hole positions accurately. Drill jigs or short side rails with factory-punched holes can also serve as stops to align the drill correctly. Clamp the splice plate to the tray and drill through the plate and tray simultaneously to maintain precision.

Drill Size and Hardware Compatibility

Select a drill bit size that matches the hardware (bolts, screws, or anchors) supplied with the tray system. After drilling, remove burrs to prevent cable damage and ensure a smooth fit for connectors and fittings.

Safety and Surface Protection

Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and safety glasses. Protect cut or drilled surfaces with zinc-enriched paint or other corrosion-resistant coatings to maintain tray durability. Avoid cutting structural building members or installing trays in areas prone to physical damage.

Assembly and Support

Once holes are drilled, install anchors and support systems according to the design, whether wall-mounted, ceiling-suspended, or floor-mounted. Ensure earth continuity links are properly fitted to maintain grounding integrity.

Additional Tips

Maintain the minimum bend radius for cables on tray bends to prevent stress or damage. Use dropouts or pivot connectors as templates for additional holes when routing cables at tray ends or corners. Always verify alignment and level before final tightening of bolts and fittings.

By following these steps, drilling holes on cable trays can be performed safely and accurately, ensuring a secure, durable, and code-compliant installation.