Cable routes

Cable support systems are the structures used to route cables through a plant: from control cabinets to sensors, motors, valves and operator panels. They can take the form of metal cable trays, cable ladders, trunking or conduit, fixed to walls, ceilings or dedicated support structures (steel supports and frames that carry pipes, cables and equipment).

Cable support systems keep wiring organised, protect cables from damage and make servicing easier. Power and signal cables are usually routed separately, because high currents can interfere with weak measurement signals. In a large plant, the total cable length runs into kilometres, and installing the cable routes is a significant part of the installation work.

Example: In a meat processing plant, cable support systems are made of stainless steel and have an open design, such as cable ladders, rather than closed trays. Water, grease and debris would build up on solid surfaces, while open structures are easy to clean during the daily washdown of the hall.

Interference example: In a sauce production plant, the cable from a temperature sensor was routed right next to a thick power cable supplying the agitator motor. The sensor started showing fluctuating readings, for example 70°C, then 74°C, then 68°C, even though the sauce temperature was not changing. The controller reacted to these false readings and switched the heating on and off unnecessarily. Separating the cables into different trays solved the problem.