Earth Bar with Disconnecting Link have an important place in the grounding of Cable Transportation Systems needed in wiring in electrical installations. With these equipment, grounding conductors are determined in accordance with the standards and a safe grounding system is established.
Earth bar with disconnecting linkand Bimetallic Connector, especially used in earthing systems, are designed in accordance with international standards. However, tray earthing applications differ from country to country. For example, the United States and some countries are designed and implemented according to NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association) and NEC (American National Electrical Code) Standards.
Grounding of cable trays is extremely important in terms of preventing possible arcing and fires. For this reason, the earthing conductor must be fixed properly and in accordance with the standards with the tray terminals and the system must be continuously checked.
Types and Application Areas of Cable Tray
Cable Tray, one of the elements of assembly and line safety in electrical installations, play an important role in grounding cable trays. These fasteners offer ease of installation while providing high security in electrical systems.
For non-metallic and Wire Cable Trays, an earthing conductor must be installed along the line. In metal cable trays, the requirement to use an independent grounding conductor along the line is essential in case of grounding attachments to different loads on the line. Otherwise, even if the cable tray itself is a grounding conductor, using it as a grounding conductor for different loads is not in accordance with the Regulation on grounding in electrical installations of the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources. The grounding conductor drawn independently must be connected to the general grounding system of the facility at regular intervals.
Bimetal Tray Grounding Washer
Bimetal Tray Grounding Washer is a special fastener formed by combining two metals with different coefficients of elongation. These washers work on the principle that metals with different expansion coefficients squeeze each other in the heating that occurs when electric current passes. These washers, which are used to connect copper conductors to galvanized (zinc) coated metal trays with brass tray fixing terminals, provide high conductivity and delay corrosion. Bimetal grounding washers are frequently used in industrial plants and energy distribution systems.
Tray Fixing Terminal Block
Tray Fixing Terminal Block is used for carrying the conductor by attaching it to the tray. It is usually mounted on the tray with 1 meter intervals. In cable tray applications with more than one floor, the conductor is drawn to the tray on the top floor as a continuous line and fixed to the tray with tray fixing terminals. Jumper connections are made to the trays on the other floors at 25 meter intervals. Continuity of conductivity is ensured at all joints. Adjacent trays, if the horizontal distance between the trays is more than 50 cm, separate earth lines are drawn separately.
Especially in trays carrying communication, data and signal cables, grounding is required and the continuity of the conductivity of the cable path must be ensured with suitable tray fittings and at least 6mm² conductors. Thus, the continuity of conductivity is maintained in the splice, return and code change sections of the cable trays. For this reason, a safe grounding system is created.
Technical Specifications of Tray Fixing Terminals and Washers
In electrical installations where quality and safety are prioritized, it is of great importance to choose the correct technical specifications. The material, size and conductivity values of these elements directly affect the effectiveness of the grounding system.
The tray retaining terminal block used in earthing systems is usually made of brass material known as CuPbZn (copper-lead-zinc alloy). This material offers both high conductivity and corrosion resistance. Test terminals, on the other hand, are made of copper or galvanized material so that they do not corrode with their internal conductors. Terminal blocks made of brass have good electrical conductivity and are resistant to corrosion. In this way, it provides long-lasting use. It is the ideal option for long-term use, especially in humid or aggressive environments.
Bimetal Tray Grounding Washer is made of copper material. It is preferred when bare copper grounding conductor is not used in aluminum cable trays.
Standard Mounting Dimensions
Tray fixing terminals are produced in M.6 and M.8 mounting sizes. Bolt lengths also vary as M.6x22 - M.8x22 according to the section size.
Bimetal Tray Grounding Washer is produced in M.6, M.8 and M.12 mounting sizes.
Tray Grounding Requirements According to International Standards
International standards set out specific requirements for the safe and effective earthing of cable trays. The IEC 61537 standard is considered the basic reference for cable transportation systems.
Grounding applications in Turkey are carried out according to the Regulation on Grounding in Electrical Installations. In cases not covered in the Regulation, EN, HD, IEC and VDE standards are used. Physical distance between signal and power cables must be maintained in accordance with EMC standards when using cable tray fixing terminals. For equipment such as bimetal tray earthing washers, the connection points must be checked regularly for corrosion, breakage and cross-section continuity. Measurements should be evaluated according to the relevant standards and improvements should be made if necessary.
Since 2010, Esco Elektrik has been operating in the field of lightning protection and grounding systems and offers solutions to the needs of the sector with its ISO and TSE certified products. We support your projects with long-lasting and safe grounding systems that comply with international standards and grounding regulations. You can contact us for detailed information about Cable Tray Fixing Terminals and Washers or you can view our product catalog.
