Cable tray installation anti-sway brackets

Anti-sway brackets are used to secure cable trays and prevent lateral movement, ensuring stability and reducing stress on supports.

Purpose and Function

Anti-sway brackets are designed to prevent sway or swinging of cable trays, particularly in long runs or at tangent poles, which can cause stress, fatigue, or component failure at support points (PLP) . They are essential in both overhead and suspended cable tray installations, especially in environments subject to vibration, wind, or seismic activity .

Types of Anti-Sway and Related Brackets

• PLP Anti-Sway Brackets: Secure the bottom of cable spacers at tangent poles to prevent bundle movement, commonly used in transmission, distribution, substation, fiber optic, solar, and EV applications .
• Suspension Brackets: Used to suspend cable trays or ladders from existing support systems, allowing mounting in both lengthwise and transverse directions. They can be combined with C-profile or U-profile rails for added stability .
• Seismic Bracing Kits: Include cables and hardware to brace long cable tray runs against seismic or vibration forces. These kits often attach to threaded rods or concrete decks and are spaced at intervals (e.g., every 30 feet) to maintain tray stability .
• Snap Track Hanger Brackets: Adjustable brackets for overhead or beam mounting, compatible with standard tray widths, and include threaded rods and nuts for secure installation .

Installation Guidelines

• Attachment Points: Brackets should be installed at support points, typically near splice joints or at quarter points of the tray span to minimize deflection .
• Spacing: Anti-sway or seismic braces are generally spaced at intervals recommended by the manufacturer, often every 30 feet for long runs .
• Orientation: Brackets can secure trays in both lateral and longitudinal directions. Stackable designs allow multiple braces on a single hanger rod without disassembly .
• Torque Verification: Some systems, like TOLCO seismic cable kits, use breakaway nuts or set screws to ensure proper torque and secure installation .

Material and Compatibility

Anti-sway brackets are typically made from galvanized steel or aluminum for durability and corrosion resistance. They are compatible with various cable tray types, including wire mesh, solid bottom, and ladder trays, and can be used indoors or outdoors .

Practical Considerations

• Ensure the load limits of the supporting structure are not exceeded when adding anti-sway brackets or suspension systems .
• For retrofit installations, choose brackets that allow easy attachment to existing rods or supports without disassembly .
• Consider environmental factors such as wind, vibration, or seismic activity when selecting bracket type and spacing . Using anti-sway brackets correctly enhances the structural integrity and longevity of cable tray systems, reduces maintenance needs, and ensures compliance with safety standards in industrial, commercial, and utility installations.