FEATURE CABLING & CABLE MANAGEMENT CABLE MANAGEMENT SPECIFICATION TIPS
Cable management is an integral part of the specification process. When it comes to specifying cable management systems, there are a number of key areas to consider in addition to cost per unit and installation time. Mark Williams, lead marketing manager for cable management at Legrand, talks through some simple top tips during specification
than designing a system that can be easily adapted in the future. Planning ahead has the potential to save businesses time and money in the longer term, so it’s worth considering in the design stages. Remember, when considering
scalability, retrofitting can be expensive and not all systems can be easily integrated with one another. Consider this at the design stage by specifying a system that can easily interface with others.
1. LOCATION Consider what elements the cable management system will be exposed to. If the system is to be located in a corrosive environment or a marine location, for example, the requirements will be very different to that of an internal commercial building installation.
2. CONSIDER THE CABLE USED It’s important to consider what type of cable will be used throughout the installation and if support or protection is needed. • Single insulated (non-sheathed)
cables require additional mechanical protection (as per BS 7671), as well as support, and therefore an IP4X or IPXXD distribution trunking system is generally the solution of choice as it fully encases the cables.
• If using armoured cables, an open
cable management system, such as steel wire cable tray, perforated tray or cable ladder, is considered more suitable.
3. WEIGHT Calculate the total weight to be supported by the cable management system, taking into consideration current requirements and potential needs in the future. Remember that the total loading
should be calculated based on not only the weight of the cables, but also any ancillary items that are subsequently fitted to the cable management system, such as light fittings, as well as external forces such as weather and the surrounding environment.
4. REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS Wiring regulations can differ depending on the installation or location of the project being worked on, so it’s imperative to monitor and review the guidelines, prior to an installation. Amendments to the wiring regulations
BS 7671, for example, have to be monitored and respected. This can influence the selection of cable management systems, as a solution may need to be selected that ensures avoidance of premature collapse of the cabling system. In this instance, metallic solutions may be the preferred option.
5. SCALABILITY It can be tempting to build in redundant capacity during the design and specification stages of a project rather
16 FEBRUARY 2020 | ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
6. FULL RANGE OF ACCESSORIES Take the time to specify a system that offers a full range of accessories including brackets, fixings and couplers, from one source. Work with suppliers to ensure that the correct amount of fittings, brackets and fixings are specified, in order to prevent delays on site. Effective cable management can help to
enhance cable performance, longevity and future flexibility in terms of business growth if implemented effectively. There isn’t a ‘one solution fits all’, so it is vitally important that the correct system is chosen from the outset. Selecting a cable management system that excels in each of these areas will not only result in reduced installation time, and therefore total installed cost, but it will also be a system that can meet the needs of today and tomorrow.
Legrand
legrand.co.uk
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53