Wedge Components for EGC Compliant Wire Mesh Cable Tray Bends
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wire mesh cable tray systems face challenges in maintaining equipment-ground conductor compliance when modified for bends and elevation offsets, as these modifications can alter the cross-sectional area and conductivity, leading to non-compliance with EGC standards.
Innovation Solution
A component comprising wedge-shaped pieces made of galvanized sheet metal, which can be easily added or removed to maintain the original cross-sectional area and conductivity of the wire mesh cable tray system, allowing for flexible field installation while ensuring EGC compliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wire mesh cable tray sections are cut and bent to create large radius bends, then the cable tray can be adapted to environmental configurations, but the cross-sectional area changes and EGC compliance is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The cable tray system is divided into modular sections that can be independently adjusted. Wedge components are used to modify specific sections without affecting the entire tray system, allowing local adaptation while maintaining overall EGC compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the cable tray by introducing wedge components with varying angles. These wedges allow adjustment of the tray's cross-sectional dimensions while maintaining the required minimum cross-sectional area for EGC compliance through calculated wedge angles and dimensions.
2Ease of operation
If wire mesh cable tray sections are modified for bends and elevation offsets, then the cable tray can fit installation environments, but conductivity and EGC compliance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge components are pre-calculated and pre-configured with specific geometric parameters that ensure EGC compliance. By preparing these components in advance with known dimensions and angles, the installer can achieve compliant configurations without compromising conductivity during field installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge components act as intermediary elements between the straight cable tray sections and the desired bent configuration. These intermediaries maintain electrical continuity and EGC compliance by preserving the minimum cross-sectional area while enabling the necessary geometric changes for installation flexibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If field technicians cut and bend wire mesh cable trays, then the tray can be configured for specific locations, but the cross-sectional area decreases and EGC standards are no longer met
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge components introduce asymmetric geometry to the otherwise symmetric rectangular cable tray cross-section. By strategically placing wedges with specific asymmetric angles, the system achieves the necessary bends and elevation offsets while the remaining cross-sectional area maintains EGC compliance through careful geometric design.
Data Source
AI summary
A component for bends and elevation offsets modifications to a wire mesh cable tray system that maintains the cross-sectional area and conductivity of the original wire mesh cable tray before the bends and elevation offsets modifications is presented. By maintaining the cross-section area, equipment-ground conductor compliance is preserved. The component can be easily and quickly modified as needed while maintaining the cross-sectional area of the wire mesh cable tray system. The component can be modified and installed either by the manufacturer or in the field by a technician.