Bend the cable tray laterally

A lateral bend in a cable tray allows horizontal redirection of cables while maintaining smooth transitions to prevent cable damage and ensure proper installation.

Overview of Lateral Bends

A lateral bend (also called a horizontal bend) changes the direction of a cable tray along a horizontal plane. It is commonly used to navigate around walls, columns, or other obstacles in a building or industrial layout. Lateral bends are essential for:

• Optimizing space in crowded installations
• Minimizing cable stress by avoiding sharp angles
• Streamlining installation by reducing the need for additional connectors or joints

Types and Radius Considerations

Cable trays can be bent using pre-manufactured bends or field bending techniques. Pre-manufactured bends are available in various radii (e.g., 12”, 24”, 36”, 48”) depending on the tray width and type . Field bending involves cutting and bolting straight sections together or using a bending tool to create a smooth curve . While the NEC does not specify a minimum radius for cable tray bends, manufacturers often provide guidelines to prevent cable damage. A smooth curve is recommended to allow easy cable pulling and reduce stress on the conductors .

Installation Best Practices

• Use gradual bends rather than sharp angles to maintain cable integrity
• Reinforce bend points in wire mesh trays to maintain structural strength
• Secure the tray to walls, ceilings, or racks using appropriate mounting hardware
• Plan the route to minimize the number of bends and avoid unnecessary stress on cables

Field Bending Techniques

For metallic ladder trays, field bends can be made using a bending machine, crimping tool, or even a metal bar for small adjustments . When cutting and bolting sections together, ensure the resulting bend is smooth enough for cable pulling, as sharp angles can make installation difficult and may damage cables .

Summary

A lateral bend is a critical aspect of cable tray installation, allowing horizontal redirection while protecting cables. Use pre-manufactured bends when possible, follow manufacturer guidelines for minimum radius, and apply gradual curves during field bending to ensure safe, efficient, and code-compliant installations .