Specifications of Vertical Supports for Cable Trays in Shafts

Vertical cable tray supports must comply with DIN 4102 Part 12, ensuring proper material, spacing, load capacity, and fire protection for safe vertical cable routing.Material and ConstructionVertical cable ladders, such as STL, STM, and STIC types, are typically made from galvanized or stainless steel to provide corrosion resistance and mechanical strength . The width of these ladders ranges from 200 mm to 600 mm, and the material thickness is designed to support the maximum permissible cable dead weight while maintaining structural integrity . The ladder rungs and tray perforations are proportioned to allow secure cable placement and prevent kinking or slipping.Load Capacity and FasteningThe maximum permissible cable dead weight for vertical ladders is 20 kg/m, and the fastening spacing should not exceed 1.2 meters . Supports can be fixed directly to the wall or via internal/external wall connection angles (e.g., WWU 150/8 or WWI 80) to ensure stability. For continuous vertical runs exceeding 3500 mm, additional lateral support or strain relief housings are required to maintain cable integrity and fire protection compliance .Compliance and Fire ProtectionVertical supports must meet DIN 4102 Part 12 standards, which define requirements for circuit integrity maintenance (E30, E60, E90) in vertical cable installations . While the standard tests horizontal cable arrangements, the results are applicable to vertical or inclined systems if proper support is provided at transition points to prevent cable kinking or slipping. Fire protection housings or lateral offsets of at least 300 mm are recommended for long vertical runs .Installation ConsiderationsRung spacing: Typically designed to maintain cable separation and support, often aligned with horizontal tray standards.Cable alignment: Ensure vertical ladders are installed straight and plumb to prevent mechanical stress.Integration with horizontal trays: Transition areas must be supported to maintain cable integrity and comply with fire safety standards .Material selection: Choose galvanized steel for general industrial environments and stainless steel for corrosive or high-humidity conditions .SummaryVertical cable tray supports in shafts require careful attention to material, width, load capacity, fastening spacing, and fire protection compliance. Following DIN 4102 Part 12 ensures that vertical cable ladders provide safe, reliable, and code-compliant support for electrical and communication cables in industrial and commercial installations .