Cable tray trough cover fixing

Cable tray trough covers are fixed using bolts, washers, and spring nuts through pre-drilled or field-drilled holes, ensuring secure attachment and accessibility for cable maintenance.

Steps for Fixing Trough Covers

1. Prepare the Tray and Cover: Ensure the cable tray is properly supported and aligned. Leave at least 12 inches (300 mm) of free space above and to the side of the tray to allow for cover installation and future cable access .

2. Drill Holes if Necessary: For solid-bottom troughs, field-drill holes if pre-drilled ones are not available. Typically, a 7/16-inch diameter hole is drilled about 1 inch from the inside edge of the tray bottom .

3. Install Fasteners: Use 3/8-inch bolts with flat washers through the drilled holes. Secure the bolts into spring nuts placed in the strut portion of the center hanger or support bracket . This ensures the cover is firmly attached and can withstand mechanical loads.

4. Align and Secure the Cover: Position the cover over the tray, ensuring it aligns with the mounting slots. Tighten the bolts evenly to prevent gaps and maintain a flush fit. For trays with horizontal or vertical pivot connectors, adjust the cover to accommodate angles up to 60 degrees if needed .

5. End-of-Trough Considerations: Use dropouts or end brackets to allow cables to exit the tray while keeping the cover secure. Drill 5/16-inch holes for these brackets and attach them according to the specified width .

Additional Tips

• Support Spacing: Ensure the tray and cover are supported according to the manufacturer's load capacity and NEMA VE 1 standards to prevent sagging or mechanical failure .
• Material Selection: Choose covers compatible with the tray material (steel, stainless steel, aluminum, or FRP) and environmental conditions, such as moisture or corrosive atmospheres .
• Accessibility: Covers should be removable for maintenance without dismantling the entire tray system .

By following these steps, cable tray trough covers can be securely fixed, providing protection for cables while maintaining compliance with electrical installation standards and ensuring ease of future maintenance.