Galvanised cable tray or basket tray, on which the bundles of cables are laid and periodically secured. Wherever necessary, the cables must be sufficiently distanced (separated) from any mains electrical cables which might be sharing the route.
Single-compartment metal or PVC trunking, which must be dedicated to the structured cabling, thus achieving the necessary segregation from any mains electrical cables which might be running nearby.
Three-compartment trunking, which is often used within office areas either at skirting level or dado height. Ideally, the structured cabling should be routed exclusively in the topmost of the three compartments, electrical cables in the bottom compartment, with the respective sockets being located on the middle compartment.
In the absence of either cable trays or trunking systems, it is not unusual for bundles of structured cables to be laid on appropriate cable matting, which identifies and maintains dedicated routes for the different services; although, once again, appropriate separation distances must be achieved from any electrical cables sharing the void.
Where tray or trunking is not available, bundles of structured cables may be suspended from the ceiling slab using cable anchor points, provided these are fitted at no more than 1200mm intervals within the void. When doing this, it is essential, once again, that the appropriate separation distance is maintained from electrical cables that are occupying this same space, plus the bundles of cables must be kept to a sufficiently small quantity to ensure the collective weight does not cause undue stress on the cables.
