How is the best way to maintain your cable tray systems?
Cable tray systems offer a safe structure for a dispersed wiring distribution system. If wires are not installed and maintained properly in the cable tray may pose a huge threat of fire, electric shock, and sudden blast events. It is therefore essential to ensure that maintenance, installation, and inspection are dully conducted to address these concerns. In today's article, we have discussed how cable trays can be well maintained and installed.
Precautions to be taken with Cable tray systems
* Cable trays are systems that need to be properly fitted and supported as per the installation instructions provided by cable tray manufacturers.
* Ensure the tray cables are not overloaded as it could lead to a breakdown of the tray.
* Overloading of a cable tray can be hazardous for people working around it and may possibly even lead to electric shock.
* Cable trays used in hazardous locations must be validated for their suitability for use in such locations. This is mainly because often excessive heat build-up may cause the insulation to break down and lead to shock and fire.
* Electric Cable tray systems must essentially be grounded for safety and protection against arcing that may possibly occur in the wiring system. They should be appropriately grounded and tested before cables are installed and energized.
* If correctly installed, these systems can possibly provide rigid support to the structure for a long life span.
* Cable trays under normal conditions need no maintenance. However, we suggested a periodical inspection of the cable systems to keep a check on its performance. Even visual maintenance can be sufficient.
* If the trays are subjected to unusual weather patterns it is recommended that an inspection be carried out.
* Ensure that the maintenance function is performed by qualified personnel.
* Ensure you remove inactive cables left in the tray system and create space for other cables to improve ventilation.
* In case an existing cable tray, support gets damaged, corrective measures and maintenance should be undertaken immediately. Further, it is recommended that the section be replaced to maintain the overall integrity of the installation.
* Cable tray manufacturers too recommend that at least once in a while the cable trays must be cleaned and maintained for better efficiency.
* While cleaning the installations, avoid using metal scrapers or sharp objects for it can damage the surface of the installation and harm the structure of the trays.
* You can probably use soft cloth or pads to clean cable tray systems.
* Avoid using harsh chemicals on the cable tray systems for cleaning. For instance, using harsh chemicals like chlorine could greatly damage the protective layer of the trays. Using harsh chemicals could also increase the risk of corrosion.
* Ensure that you use the right tool to install cable tray systems. This is essential for it greatly helps in the correct installation and further preserves the protective layer of the trays. Further, it also eliminates the corrosion of the material, thus increasing its life span for years.