Although the picture below reflects the poor workmanship of cable tray installation, but I would like to know experts comments, if this method of cable tray cutting & installation is acceptable as per NEMA & other industry standards ?
NEC or CEC codes (depending where you are) might apply, rather than NEMA which I think is a manufacturers standard. It certainly looks horrible and I dont think those strips of rubber will last the lifetime of the rest of the installation.
You are right. NEMA VE-1 & VE-2 are manufacture standards, NEC section 392.5(B) & NEMA VE-2 section 3.6.2, clearly state
1) The cable trays shall not have sharp edges, burrs or projections that could damage the insulation or jacket of wiring.
2) After Cutting cable tray edges shall be smooth to remove burrs.
Generally branch cable trays are cut at site & connected using 90 degree conncetors or TEE fittings, But this is for the first time, I came across this kind of innovative installation, though the picture below reflects poor workmanship but fortunately cables were laid without damage & there is space around the cut out to add more cables without damaging. I also thought it is the rubber that surrounds the cut out, but contractor have turned up the peice of tray peice that was cut, so there will not be sharp edges but only curve & smooth edges.
So I am still in doubt, as it is not voilating the standard but at the same time it is not a general & good practice to make small cut out in side rail of cable trays.
It was very poor design in the laying of cables in this case. Someone must have overlooked and was forced to do it in the manner that is unconventional.
