A cable tray width adjustment plate, or horizontal adjustable splice plate, allows flexible alignment and seamless connection between horizontal cable tray sections.

Purpose and Function

A horizontal adjustable splice plate is designed to connect two horizontal sections of a cable tray while allowing for minor adjustments in width or alignment. This is particularly useful when standard tray sections do not perfectly align due to field conditions or installation tolerances. It ensures a continuous support path for cables and maintains structural integrity without requiring custom tray modifications ( ).

Design and Variations

These splice plates are typically sold in kits of two and are compatible with various cable tray systems, including ladder and Cope-GLAS trays. They come in multiple variations, such as straight, expansion straight, fixed angle, and adjustable horizontal or vertical types, to accommodate different installation needs ( ). The plates are designed to fit tray widths up to 36 inches, with side rail heights ranging from 4 to 7 inches ( ).

Installation Guidelines

1. Preparation: Determine the desired alignment and spacing between tray sections. Gather tools such as a wrench, drill, and metal cutting tool if field adjustments are needed ( ).
2. Field Cutting: If necessary, cut the cable tray to fit the installation, marking the cut lines carefully and removing any affected rungs.
3. Attachment: Position the splice plates between the tray sections and secure them using the included hardware. Supports should be installed within 24 inches on both sides of the splice to comply with NEMA VE2 standards ( ).
4. Adjustment: The plates allow horizontal flexibility, enabling installers to fine-tune the alignment and spacing for a neat and structurally sound installation ( ).

Benefits

• Flexibility: Accommodates minor misalignments and width variations in the field.
• Structural Integrity: Maintains continuous support for cables without compromising load capacity.
• Ease of Installation: No special tools are required, and bonding jumpers are typically not needed ( ).
• Compatibility: Works with a wide range of cable tray widths and side rail heights, making it suitable for industrial, commercial, and data center applications ( ). Using a horizontal adjustable splice plate ensures that cable tray systems remain code-compliant, structurally sound, and adaptable to real-world installation conditions, reducing the need for custom modifications or costly retrofits ( ).