Cable tray single-sided tee construction

Single-sided tee cable trays are available in equal or unequal widths, constructed from steel or aluminum, and designed to meet NEMA/CSA load ratings with a 1. 5 safety factor.

General Description

A single-sided tee is a cable tray fitting that allows a branch to diverge from a main tray run at a 90° angle. These tees can be equal or unequal, depending on the widths of the main and branch trays, and are typically specified using the format W1 x W2 x W3, where W1, W2, and W3 represent the widths of the main run and branch sections.

Material and Construction

Materials: Steel (hot-dip galvanized, stainless, or painted) or aluminum. Side Rails: Extruded I-beam or fabricated steel/aluminum, nominal heights typically 4–8 inches. Bottom Type: Ladder, ventilated, solid, or channel, depending on cable support and ventilation requirements.

Rungs/

Supports: Spaced to allow proper cable support, often 12 inches center-to-center for ladder types. Finish: Smooth edges and welds to prevent cable damage; zinc or epoxy coatings for corrosion resistance.

Load Ratings

Safety Factor: 1. 5 applied to all tray sections. Concentrated Load: Supports an additional 200 lb on any portion of the tray beyond published load class.

Span Deflection: Deflection measured at midpoint; continuous spans may reduce deflection by up to 50%. Standards and ComplianceNEMA VE 1: Metallic cable tray systems.

CS

A Load Classes: C/3M or as specified for the project.

AST

M Standards: A123, A653, A1011, A1008, B633 for steel and coating specifications. Electrical Codes: ANSI/NFPA 70 (NEC) compliance.

Ordering Information

Specify widths (W1 x W2 x W3) and material. Indicate tray type (ladder, solid, ventilated) and finish. Include load class and any special requirements for branch angles or radius.

Installation Notes

Use splice plates or connectors provided with each fitting for secure attachment. Ensure proper grounding and electrical continuity according to NEC and manufacturer guidelines. Verify that the tee aligns with the main tray run and supports the intended cable load without exceeding deflection limits.

This specification ensures that single-sided tee cable trays are mechanically robust, electrically safe, and compatible with standard cable management systems.