Installation Method of Saudi Arabian Cable Trays

Cable tray installation in Saudi Arabia follows SEC, SASO, and IEC standards, emphasizing proper support, grounding, cable segregation, and heat dissipation for hot and dusty environments.

Applicable Standards

Cable tray installations in Saudi Arabia typically adhere to a combination of Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) standards, Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO), and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) guidelines. Some projects, especially Aramco-related, also consider IEEE and NEC standards for additional compliance and safety requirements .

Types of Cable Trays

• Ladder Type (2–4 mm): Most common for medium and high-voltage power cables; provides excellent ventilation, crucial in hot climates like Riyadh and Jeddah .
• Perforated Tray (1.5–2 mm): Used for low-voltage and control cables; offers moderate ventilation and support .
• Solid Bottom Tray (1.5–2 mm): Ideal for dusty or desert environments; protects cables from sand and debris .
• Material Considerations: Hot-dip galvanized steel (HDG) or stainless steel is preferred to withstand high temperatures and corrosive conditions .

Installation Procedure

1. Inspection and Storage: All trays and accessories must be inspected upon receipt and stored according to project material control procedures .
2. Support and Fixing:
   • Trays are self-supporting and fixed to steel or concrete structures using standard steel shapes or self-drilling dowels .
   • Support spacing: 1.5–3 meters for ladder trays, up to 2 meters for perforated trays to prevent strain .
   • Heavy power cable trays may require closer spacing.
3. Tray Orientation:
   • Preferably installed flat under floors or walkways.
   • Vertical or edgewise installation is allowed only in special cases, with cables secured using stainless steel strips .
4. Cable Securing:
   • Horizontal trays: cables fixed in groups, one fastening every 2–3 meters.
   • Vertical trays: two stainless steel strips per meter .
5. Load Capacity: Trays should be designed to carry 100 kg/m or as specified by project requirements .
6. Cable Segregation:
   • Power and control/signal cables must be separated to avoid electromagnetic interference (EMI).
   • Separate trays or minimum spacing is enforced .
7. Grounding and EMI Protection:
   • Metallic trays must be properly grounded with continuous bonding between sections to prevent signal disturbance and relay malfunctions .

Fill Capacity and Heat Management

• Maintain 40–60% cable fill to ensure heat dissipation and allow future expansion, which is critical in Saudi Arabia's high ambient temperatures .

Summary

Proper cable tray installation in Saudi Arabia requires adherence to local and international standards, careful selection of tray type and material, correct support spacing, secure cable fastening, segregation of power and control cables, and effective grounding. These measures ensure safety, durability, and reliable operation in the region's challenging environmental conditions .