Thoughts on Cable Tray in Substations
Thoughts on Cable Tray in Substations
(OP)
I have an Operations Manager who is adiment over the idea on putting "Cable Tray" inside a substation. Says its the best thing since sliced bread and will save big dollars on installation over conduit and cable trench.
I'm just curious if anyone has seen this... I've told him that putting cable tray in a yard would lead to serious clearance issues, not to mention limit access to already hard to get to areas, plus the addition of supporting foundations!
Just looking for some thoughts and documentation to show how this would end up costing more money and or violate electrical safety. Plus just want a gut check, maybe this is a good idea...
Thanks
Colin
I'm just curious if anyone has seen this... I've told him that putting cable tray in a yard would lead to serious clearance issues, not to mention limit access to already hard to get to areas, plus the addition of supporting foundations!
Just looking for some thoughts and documentation to show how this would end up costing more money and or violate electrical safety. Plus just want a gut check, maybe this is a good idea...
Thanks
Colin






RE: Thoughts on Cable Tray in Substations
"The more the universe seems comprehensible, the more it also seems pointless." -- Steven Weinberg
RE: Thoughts on Cable Tray in Substations
RE: Thoughts on Cable Tray in Substations
We also have to be careful to design out tripping hazards and climbing aids in open bushing compounds, so personally I would avoid cable tray, except to neatly bring wiring down structures to the point where it goes underground or into a trough.
Regards
Marmite
RE: Thoughts on Cable Tray in Substations
RE: Thoughts on Cable Tray in Substations
I am referencing metallic cable tray that runs from the control house out to the major equipment carrying control and power cable, much like a cable trench system but obvisoly elevated.
Elevation is tricky, if you want to it be where construction workers can pass under it it has to be something like 9' high, which means if you run 161kV Bus, for expamle, over the cable tray that bus is going to have to be higher to meet electrical clearances. Not to mention the trouble of pulling cable.
If you try and run it just above grade then its a tripping hazard and you have to have certian "Bridges" where workers can pass over the cable tray.
I've seen cable tray under elevated Control enclosures to route cable directly to switchgear panels rather than going through a marshling cabinet, however extending that cable tray to the yard seems painful.
Of course there are some options for a fully enclosed Cable Tray system to keep cable out of sight, but for those that know what is there its never out of mind.
Thanks again,
Colin
RE: Thoughts on Cable Tray in Substations
Alan
Democracy is two wolves and a sheep deciding what to have for dinner. Liberty is a well armed sheep!
Ben Franklin
RE: Thoughts on Cable Tray in Substations
Exposure of critical control circuits to damage
Exposure of cable to UV
Increased exposure to electrical interference
It probably will end up costing a lot more also.
RE: Thoughts on Cable Tray in Substations
RE: Thoughts on Cable Tray in Substations
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If we learn from our mistakes I'm getting a great education!
RE: Thoughts on Cable Tray in Substations
not only in cable room under the switchroom, but also for whole outdoor plant .
RE: Thoughts on Cable Tray in Substations
That has to be above the pipes or under the conveyor bridge. The uppermost tray has to be covered against direct sunshine and if the trays are solid bottom type draining holes have to be provided. Along the tray stack a walkway will be provided in order to facilitate cable pulling and supervising.This method is recommended where no snow or ice is expected in the region.