FRP stands for Fibre Reinforced Plastic. FRP units have multiple uses in the industrial sector. In fact, fiberglass structures are ubiquitous in factories and other industrial establishments. Fiberglass is a composite material containing glass fibers and has become a favored material for engineers and builders. Modern fiberglass structures are imparted more strength and life span through various design features by the manufacturers. When it comes to FRP ladder cable trays, the maintenance is minimal because they are usually made of sturdy materials and simply need to be installed correctly for longer use. However, some maintenance tips should be remembered for ensuring that the FRP ladder type cable trays are kept in the best possible condition.
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- Inspecting the unit
Although, FRP ladder type cable trays are designed to withstand wear and tear and do not require much maintenance, it is recommended to carry out inspection of the unit to check for maintenance issues which may crop up from time to time. This is especially true for units used in industrial facilities. The inspection does not require the aid of any special tool and can be simply carried out visually. The unit needs to be examined for presence of dirt and foreign objects. Dirt particles and foreign objects need to be immediately eliminated from the unit. Thereafter, a check of all the joints must also be made. Loose points at the joints, if present, must be tightened in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer.
2. Removing the cables
Removing extra cables from the FRP ladder type cable tray is useful. This is because removal of extra cables enhances the loading capacity of the unit and also improves ventilation in the system. Enlisting the assistance of professionals for removing the extra cables is recommended.
3. Repair and replacement
FRP ladder cable trays can suffer many types of damages such as deformed side rails, bend rungs, damaged welded points, etc. The damage is detected during inspection. The damage must be repaired as soon as it is detected to avoid further damage. The damaged part can either be repaired or replaced if the damage cannot be repaired.
The above mentioned tips are important with respect to proper maintenance of ladder type cable trays.
Manufacturing
Cable trays are manufactured using cold rolled steel sections which make them light in weight. They are then hot dipped for toughening. The cable trays can be also be made of aluminium or steel apart from fiber reinforced plastic. For metal encased cables, a plethora of cable trays categorized as light, medium, heavy and heavy duty cable trays are manufactured. For non metal encased cables, ventilated heavy duty cable trays which reinforce the cables are manufactured. The cable trays are designed for all kinds of cable such as signal cables, telephone cables, multi conductor control cables and power cables.
Types
With the advancement of technology, the industrial plants and construction projects are increasingly using complex cables and wires to run the various mechanized processes. Consequently, the support system for such cables also need to be efficient, adaptable and affordable. The modern cable trays meet all such parameters.
There many kinds of cable trays available in the market suited for diverse needs. Ladder type cable tray is the most common variety of cable tray. It does not need transitional support and can be used for a long period of time. This kind of tray provides easy access to the cables from both its sides and allows air circulation for the cables from all the sides. Another type of cable tray is single rail cable tray. In this type of cable tray, a single rail is present on the middle of the tray with curved fingers sitting upright from the rail for supporting the weight of the cables. This kind of cable tray is suitable for low voltage cables. Yet another type of cable tray is solid cable tray which does not allow ventilation but efficiently protects the cables.
The cable trays are robust in construction, resistant against corrosion and flame and are not affected by UV rays. They meet all the industry standards. The material of the cable tray to be installed depends upon the local building code requirements and the budget of the owner. The electrical load capacity of the tray is also an important factor.
Benefits
Cable tray protects the cables and wires present in it. The wires are also kept in an organised manner in the tray which makes it easy for electricians and other maintenance professionals to detect and rectify wiring related problems. The tray also protects the maintenance personnel and installers against electric shocks.
