Vertical cable tray shafts can be created using elbow joints, risers, and proper support, ensuring safe installation and correct alignment.

Using Elbow Joints and Vertical Risers

To make a cable tray vertical, you can use elbow joints or vertical risers to change the orientation from horizontal to vertical. For example, an elbow joint can be inserted into the tray and secured with screws, allowing a smooth transition from horizontal to vertical angles ranging from 0° to 90° . In practice, you can create a horizontal run, then adjust the elevation to form a vertical riser, and connect it with another horizontal section if needed . This method may involve trimming and grouping sections to maintain alignment.

Software Modeling Considerations

If you are using software like Revit, vertical "T" connections may not be available by default. A common workaround is to create a horizontal run, add an elbow to form a vertical section, and then mirror or adjust the bend in a section view. Custom families from manufacturers' BIM libraries (e.g., Legrand or Vantrunk) can also provide pre-made vertical fittings .

Safety and Installation Best Practices

Installing cables in vertical shafts is highly dangerous and should be handled by professionals. Key safety considerations include:

• Using high tensile strength cables or steel wire armoring to prevent rupture under gravity .
• Implementing fail-safe mechanisms to prevent free fall in case of cable failure.
• Considering the weight of the cable and the forces it exerts on the tray and supports.
• Using multiple synchronized cable pushers or pullers for long vertical runs to reduce strain .
• Ensuring proper fixation and snaking of cables to avoid slippage or insulation damage .

Practical Tips

• Maintain proper spacing between trays and bends to prevent cable damage .
• Use mirrored or grouped sections in software to keep vertical and horizontal runs aligned.
• Always follow manufacturer guidelines for minimum bend radius and support intervals .
• For complex vertical installations, consider modular riser sections or pre-fabricated vertical fittings to simplify installation and improve safety. By combining elbow joints, risers, and careful planning, you can create vertical cable tray shafts that are both functional and safe, while software modeling can help visualize and coordinate the installation before physical work begins.