The vertical shaft cable tray installation support process involves careful material selection, precise support placement, adherence to spacing and load requirements, and compliance with national and international standards.

Material Selection and Design

Vertical cable trays must be made from materials that provide mechanical strength and corrosion resistance, such as cold-rolled steel, galvanized steel, or aluminum alloy, with surface treatments like hot-dip galvanizing or electrostatic spraying to meet anti-corrosion standards (GB/T 13912) and fire resistance (GB 8624 Class B1) . Tray units typically include the tray, cover, and connectors, with a load-bearing capacity of at least 200 kg/m. Design should avoid interference with ventilation ducts, water pipes, and other services, maintaining a minimum clearance of 300 mm .

Support System Installation

The support system is the load-bearing core of the vertical cable tray. Common support methods include:

• Cantilever wall brackets: Mounted directly to walls for vertical runs.
• Trapeze hangers: Suspended from ceilings or structural beams for vertical shafts.
• Direct attachment to structural elements: Using bolts or anchors where appropriate . Support spacing must be calculated based on the manufacturer's load capacity chart and the anticipated cable weight. Overfilling trays is prohibited, as it can lead to overheating and structural failure .

Installation Steps

1. Site Preparation: Inspect the vertical shaft, verify structural integrity, and ensure clearance for trays.
2. Material Inspection: Check all trays, ladders, and accessories for damage and compliance with approved submittals .
3. Layout Verification: Review approved shop drawings for tray routing, lengths, and support locations.
4. Support Installation: Install brackets or hangers at calculated intervals, ensuring vertical alignment and level positioning.
5. Tray Placement: Mount trays onto supports, secure with connectors, and maintain proper spacing between multiple layers (≥150 mm between power and weak-current trays) .
6. Fire Compartment Considerations: Reserve firestop space and use certified firestop materials (GB 23864) when passing through fire-rated areas .
7. Bonding and Grounding: Ensure all trays are properly bonded and grounded according to NEC Article 392 or local standards .
8. Final Inspection: Verify alignment, support integrity, and compliance with load, spacing, and fire safety requirements before cable installation.

Maintenance and Safety

• Trays should not be used as walkways or for supporting personnel.
• Regular inspections are recommended to check for corrosion, loose supports, or overfilled trays.
• Proper labeling and documentation facilitate future maintenance and upgrades . By following these steps, vertical shaft cable trays can be installed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with both national standards (GB 50303, GB 23864) and international guidelines (NEC, NEMA VE 1), ensuring long-term reliability of electrical and communication systems .