Cable tray turns 45 degrees

A 45-degree cable tray turn can be achieved using pre-fabricated 45° fittings or by field-cutting two tray sections with 22.5° miter cuts to form the bend.

Pre-Fabricated 45° Fittings

Many manufacturers offer pre-fabricated 45-degree horizontal or vertical bends that can be directly installed to change the direction of a cable tray run. These fittings simplify installation, maintain structural integrity, and ensure smooth cable routing without sharp bends that could damage cables . They are available in standard depths (e.g., 4” or 6”) and can accommodate typical bend radii for coaxial or power cables .

Field-Cutting Method

If pre-fabricated fittings are not available, a 45-degree turn can be created by cutting two separate cable tray sections:

1. Marking the Cuts: Draw a perpendicular line across the width of each tray section. From this line, mark a 22.5° angle on each piece, with the second piece cut in the opposite direction to the first .
2. Cutting: Use an appropriate cutting tool, such as an angle grinder with a metal cutting disc, to make the cuts. Ensure all edges are deburr and smoothed to prevent cable damage .
3. Joining: Align the two mitered sections to form a 45-degree bend. The overlapping edges can be bolted or fastened according to the tray manufacturer's specifications .
4. Safety: Always wear safety glasses, gloves, and ear protection during cutting .

Calculating Cut Dimensions

For precise bends, you can calculate the cut size based on the tray width and desired angle. For example, for a 100 mm wide tray, the 22.5° cut on each side corresponds to a specific lip removal distance (e.g., 41.42 mm per side) to allow proper overlap and bending . Testing with cardboard or scrap material first is recommended to ensure accuracy.

Installation Tips

• Maintain consistent support spacing along the tray, especially near bends, to handle cable weight .
• For offsets or complex routing, consider using offset calculators or specialized tools to determine the correct bend lengths and angles .
• Ensure bends are smooth to prevent cable stress and maintain proper bend radius. By following these methods, a 45-degree cable tray turn can be implemented safely and accurately, whether using pre-fabricated fittings or field-cut sections.