Vertical Supports for Cable Trays Against Walls

Vertical wall-mounted supports are essential for safely securing cable trays, ensuring proper load distribution, and facilitating cable management in industrial and commercial installations.

Overview of Vertical Supports

Vertical supports are used to mount cable trays along walls, providing stability and maintaining proper alignment for cable routing. They are particularly important for wire mesh trays, ladder trays, and solid-bottom trays, helping to prevent sagging and ensuring compliance with standards such as DIN EN 61537 and BS EN 61537 .

Types of Vertical Wall Supports

1. Wall Brackets
   • L-shaped, V-shaped, or reinforced brackets attach directly to the wall and support the tray at regular intervals.
   • Commonly made from galvanized steel, stainless steel, or zinc-plated steel for corrosion resistance .
2. Strut-Mounted Vertical Supports
   • Use a precut strut channel combined with a wall mount fastener.
   • Allow adjustable positioning and easy assembly, often with a locking mechanism to secure the tray .
3. Cantilever Supports
   • Extend horizontally from the wall to support trays without additional vertical posts.
   • Useful for longer spans or heavier cable loads .
4. Specialized Vertical Shaft Supports
   • Designed for busbars or high-capacity cable trays, often with G, U, C, or L profiles.
   • Can be configured for light or heavy-duty loads and are available in corrosion-resistant coatings .

Installation Guidelines

• Spacing: Supports are typically installed every 1.2 to 1.5 meters for standard cable trays, but spacing may be reduced for heavier loads or longer spans .
• Fastening: Use appropriate anchors or bolts for the wall material (concrete, masonry, or steel). Fasteners are considered external to the tray system but must meet load requirements .
• Load Considerations: Ensure supports can handle static cable weight and dynamic forces, including short-circuit forces for power cables .
• Corrosion Protection: Apply galvanization, stainless steel, or powder coatings to prevent rust, especially in humid or industrial environments .

Best Practices

• Use system-matched components to maintain structural integrity and safety.
• Add support at every 5-foot increment for wire mesh trays to prevent sagging .
• Ensure vertical supports allow easy cable pulling and maintenance.
• Verify compliance with local electrical codes and standards for cable management systems .

Product Examples

• Kable Kontrol Vertical Slotted Holders: Wall brackets for wire mesh trays with adjustable locking mechanisms .
• nVent CADDY Vertical Supports: Strut-mounted vertical supports with wall mount brackets for easy assembly and cable pulling .
• EAE Support Systems: Heavy-duty vertical shaft supports for busbars and cable trays, available in corrosion-resistant coatings . Vertical wall supports are critical for safe, organized, and durable cable tray installations, ensuring proper load distribution, compliance with standards, and long-term reliability in industrial and commercial environments.