How to route cable trays in reverse bends

Reverse bends in cable trays can be routed by carefully planning the path, using appropriate bend fittings, and maintaining minimum bend radii to prevent cable damage.

Planning the Route

When routing cable trays through reverse bends, start by defining the head and tail points of the tray run. In CAD systems like AVEVA, bends are automatically inserted when the route changes direction, but misalignment can occur if the leave and arrive directions of adjacent elements do not match. Use the Model Editor or quick routing handles to adjust the path and ensure smooth transitions between bends .

Using Bend Fittings

Cable trays typically use elbows or bends to navigate changes in direction. For reverse bends, select the appropriate 90° or 180° elbows depending on the required turn. Right-clicking the direction handles in CAD software allows you to choose Use Bends to insert the correct component . For wire mesh trays, bends can also be made live on-site using a bolt cutter, which allows for quick adjustments without compromising protection, as rubber caps or zinc layers maintain safety .

Maintaining Minimum Bend Radius

Always respect the minimum bend radius for the cables being installed. This prevents mechanical stress and ensures signal integrity, especially for instrumentation and control cables. Ladder trays and wire mesh trays provide gradual bends, which help maintain cable integrity over long runs .

Practical Tips

• Plan in 3D: Visualize the route in three dimensions to avoid conflicts with other equipment or supports .
• Use modular fittings: Tees, crosses, risers, and reducers allow flexibility in complex routing .
• Check cable fill: Ensure the tray width and fill capacity accommodate all cables, especially when multiple circuits are involved .
• Support spacing: Maintain proper support intervals to prevent sagging, particularly in long reverse bends . By combining careful planning, proper bend selection, and adherence to cable specifications, reverse bends can be routed efficiently while maintaining safety and performance.