• • • CABLING & CABLE MANAGEMENT • • • Simplifying complex installations
with flexible cable management By Mark Williams, Lead Marketing Manager, Cable Management, Legrand UK & Ireland
nstalling cable trays often involves navigating sharp corners, low ceilings and structural obstacles that complicate even the best-planned installations. Mark Williams, Lead Marketing Manager of Cable Management at Legrand UK & Ireland, explores how effectively addressing these challenges requires flexible approaches that allow engineers to maximise efficiency without compromising safety.
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Understanding the issues As economic realities increase time and resourcing constraints, complications faced during installations can lead to delays, increased costs and frustration for project teams. Complex installations present distinctive challenges for cable management. Awkward angles, unexpected obstacles or difficult dimensions can present significant challenges if the right components are not to hand.
While some solutions offer a degree of flexibility, engineers have an opportunity to take advantage of a fully customisable cable management solution. For example, when installing inflexible cable trays in areas with existing infrastructure like HVAC systems or load-bearing walls, or when installations take place in locations that add a level of complexity such as data centres, renewable energy plants or food processing environments, engineers may need to reconfigure layouts or fabricate custom components. These adaptations can be both time-consuming and costly, impacting project timelines and budgets.
Impact on projects
The effects of such complications on cable management installations go beyond the immediate challenges of fitting components. Engineers often face several issues, including increased waste, extended labour time and safety issues.
Adapting components to meet the needs of complex installations can result in significant offcuts or unusable material, leading to additional waste. Having to customise systems to meet the specific requirements of complex installations slows down project delivery, adds to labour costs and impacts overall efficiency. There is also the serious concern that improvised solutions can compromise structural integrity, posing risks during building maintenance or operation.
Why adaptability matters Thankfully, such approaches are unnecessary as adaptable systems are available, offering flexibility
that allows engineers to adjust components on-site without needing extensive custom fabrication. Modern adaptable fittings, such as Legrand’s Cablobend from the Cablofil range, can be adjusted to fit tight angles and navigate awkward obstacles. Created in line with Legrand’s ‘Faster by Design’ approach, Cablobend’s flexibility allows engineers to modify designs during installation without disrupting the overall layout. Modular components also make it easier to respond to unexpected changes in the space, preventing delays and ensuring that projects stay on track. Safety is another key benefit of adaptable fittings. Features like smooth edges, secure couplings and tool-free connections help improve handling in confined spaces, reducing the risk of injury during installation and future maintenance. Additionally, as it reduces the risk of errors, Cablobend can minimise material waste leading to more sustainable projects.
A range of available coatings, including zinc-aluminium and stainless-steel options, provide high levels of protection against corrosion in challenging environments. Ideal for food processing facilities, renewable energy plants, data centres and industrial environments, these finishes protect against moisture, chemicals and harsh cleaning protocols. This helps provide long-lasting durability while reducing maintenance needs in industries where reliability is crucial.
Focusing on flexibility
By combining strategic pre-planning with the use of adaptable ‘Faster by Design’ solutions, such as Cablobend, engineers can navigate these obstacles effectively. Focusing on flexible designs not only reduces waste and delays but also ensures the long-term integrity and safety of the installation. As building designs become more complex, embracing innovative approaches to cable management will continue to be a vital strategy for meeting the demands of modern infrastructure. To discover more information on the Cablobend flexible accessories or the innovative Cablofil range, visit
Legrand.co.uk
electricalengineeringmagazine.co.uk ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING • FEBRUARY 2025 41
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