How to make the cable tray funnel bend to the lower left

To create a cable tray funnel bend to the lower left, you can use pre-fabricated bends or field-fabricate by cutting and bolting straight tray sections while maintaining proper alignment and minimum bend radius. Methods for Creating a Lower-Left Bend1.

Using Pre-

Fabricated Fittings: Cable tray systems offer elbows, reducers, and bends in various radii and sizes that can be installed to direct the tray downward and to the left. These fittings are designed to match the width and type of your straight tray sections, ensuring smooth cable transitions and compliance with manufacturer specifications. 2.

Field Fabrication: If pre-fabricated bends are unavailable, you can cut straight tray sections and bolt them together to form the desired bend. This method allows flexibility in creating a funnel bend to the lower left, but you must ensure: The bend radius is sufficient for the cables to avoid sharp turns (common radii include 12”, 24”, 36”, and 48” for ladder trays),. Alignment is maintained by setting horizontal justification consistently (e.g., left-justified) to prevent misalignment between connected sections.

Protection of cut ends using rubber caps or zinc drag protection to prevent cable damage. 3. Minimum Bend Radius Considerations: While the NEC does not specify a minimum radius for cable tray bends, manufacturers often provide guidance.

Maintaining a smooth curve is important to prevent cable stress, especially for low-voltage or instrumentation cables. 4. Installation Tips: Ensure the direction of the bend is clearly planned (left and downward in this case).

Use bolt cutters or appropriate tools to make precise cuts for field bends. Verify that the tray remains level and supported throughout the bend to prevent sagging or misalignment. For complex or multiple bends, consider using SnakeTray or modular bend systems to simplify installation.

By combining pre-fabricated fittings with careful field fabrication and alignment, a lower-left funnel bend can be safely and efficiently installed while maintaining cable integrity and compliance with standards.