How large should the bevel be on a 185 cable tray

For a 185 mm cable tray, the bevel or edge chamfer is typically sized to allow smooth cable entry and maintain the minimum bending radius, usually around 10–15 mm depending on cable type.

The bevel on a cable tray is intended to prevent cable damage when cables are pulled into the tray and to maintain the minimum bending radius recommended by the cable manufacturer . For a 185 mm wide tray, which is considered a medium-duty tray, the bevel should be sized to accommodate the largest cable diameter in the tray without violating bending radius requirements. Typical recommendations include:

• Bevel width: 10–15 mm on each side of the tray edge for smooth cable entry.
• Edge radius: Rounded or chamfered edges reduce abrasion and stress on insulation. A radius of 5–10 mm is common for medium-duty trays.
• Material thickness: Ensure the bevel does not compromise structural integrity; standard tray thicknesses for 185 mm trays are usually 1.2–2 mm steel or aluminum .

• Cable bending radius: Always follow the cable manufacturer's minimum bending radius. For power cables, this is often 6–12 times the cable diameter. The bevel should allow this radius without sharp edges .
• Tray type: Ladder trays may require larger bevels at the side rails if cables exit the bottom or sides. Solid-bottom trays may need additional chamfering to prevent insulation damage during installation .
• Compliance: Ensure the beveling method does not violate NEC Article 392 or IEC 61537 requirements for cable support and protection .

Before installation, test a sample cable in the tray with the proposed bevel to ensure smooth pulling and no insulation damage. Adjust the bevel width or radius if necessary, especially for mixed cable diameters or sensitive instrumentation cables. This approach ensures both safety and compliance while maintaining long-term reliability.