Cable Management
Harnessing the power of prefabrication
The latest cable management systems are helping to make electrical contracting more efficient and sustainable, says Tom Harris, technical manager at Gripple.
A
s projects grow increasingly complex and deadlines tighten, electrical contractors are seeking innovative solutions to streamline their work processes, improve sustainability, address skills shortages and enhance project outcomes. Among these advances is the growing adoption of prefabricated systems - a shiſt that is redefining the industry’s approach to cable management.
Electrical contractors are increasingly turning to prefabricated cable management solutions in order to reduce time spent on site, reduce harmful emissions and address the challenges presented by the industry skills shortage.
Market drivers
According to data published in 2022 by the Construction Skills Network, the construction industry is facing a shortage of a quarter of a million workers over the next four years.
In today’s economic climate, this clearly has significant financial repercussions for both large and smaller contractors, who are dealing with the challenges of having the right skills on site. In addition, the government target to reach net zero carbon by 2050 is influencing the way all major construction projects are carried out, which is, in turn, leading contractors to adopt cleaner, greener materials, systems and ways of working. These factors, along with tighter project timelines, rising labour costs, and the demand for consistent quality, have all contributed to the increasing popularity of prefabricated solutions.
Simplified installation and reduced labour costs
Installing cable management systems can be a particularly time-consuming and complex part of any project. Modern pre-assembled cable management systems are quicker and easier to install than traditional methods, such as threaded rod, channel, nuts, bolts and washers. Prefabricated systems arrive on-site meticulously engineered, fully assembled and ready for installation, eliminating the need for time- consuming on-site assembly. This ensures a high
22 | electrical wholesaler February 2024
degree of accuracy and alignment, streamlines workflows, and reduces the need for rework, allowing contractors to focus on more complex and value-added tasks.
Using lightweight, prefabricated trapeze bracket suspension solutions also means that no cutting or hot works are required on site. With traditional methods, hot wire cutting is still carried out on site which presents a potential health and safety
“With prefabricated systems, the amount of excess materials or offcuts is reduced or removed altogether, so waste is minimised and the environmental impact is reduced.”
hazard. It also requires a certain level of ability and experience, or the direction and supervision of less experienced staff.
With the current skills shortage, it will often be the case that the necessary skills are not available. Prefabricated kits eliminate this problem, as they can be fitted by a single contractor, so fewer staff are required onsite.
Reduced waste and carbon emissions With prefabricated systems, the amount of excess materials or offcuts is reduced or removed altogether, so waste is minimised and the environmental impact of electrical projects is reduced. For example, a length of wire rope weighs less than 1/10th
of the equivalent threaded rod needed for the same performance.
These systems are engineered to provide a low- carbon alternative to traditional materials, offering a material weight saving of up to 97% when
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