Right-angle terminology for cable trays

Right-angle changes in cable trays are typically referred to as 90° bends, horizontal or vertical elbows, and 90° tees or crosses depending on the configuration.

Key Right-

Angle Fittings1. 90° Bend / Elbow A 90° bend, also called an elbow, is a cable tray fitting used to change the direction of the tray at a right angle. These can be installed in horizontal planes (turning the tray left or right along the same level) or vertical planes (changing elevation, such as going up or down a wall or ceiling) to route cables efficiently without sharp kinks that could damage them.

2. 90° Tee A 90° tee fitting allows a cable tray to branch off at a right angle from the main run. This is commonly used when a secondary tray needs to split from the main path, either in the same plane or across different planes.

3. 90° Cross A cross fitting enables the cable tray to split into four directions, forming a right-angle intersection. This is useful in complex installations where multiple tray runs converge or diverge.

Additional Considerations

Horizontal vs. Vertical Orientation: Right-angle fittings are classified based on whether the turn occurs along the horizontal plane (floor or ceiling) or vertical plane (wall or elevation change) to ensure proper cable support and strain relief. Material and Finish: Fittings are typically made of steel or stainless steel, with galvanization or powder coating for corrosion protection, matching the material of the main tray.

Accessory Integration: Some right-angle fittings may include covers or dividers to protect cables and maintain separation between different cable types. Using the correct terminology ensures compliance with standards like DIN EN 61537 and facilitates clear communication in design, procurement, and installation of cable tray systems.