Cables are pulled from the cable trays on the upper floors

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Cables should be carefully pulled from cable trays using proper techniques, equipment, and safety measures to prevent damage and ensure compliance with standards.

Preparation and Planning

Before pulling cables, ensure that all materials, tools, and equipment are ready. Inspect cable trays for sharp edges, obstructions, or insufficient space, and confirm that conduits and trunking are clean and undamaged. Verify cable specifications, lengths, and approved installation drawings. Personnel should be trained and qualified, and all safety regulations, including HSE and local electrical codes, must be followed .

Cable Pulling Techniques

Hand Pulling: Pull cables one at a time, using large sweeping bends around corners to avoid sharp angles. Avoid pulling cables around radii smaller than the minimum recommended for the cable type .
Use of Sheaves or Pulleys: When changing direction from horizontal to vertical, employ properly sized sheaves or pulleys to reduce stress on the cable .
Mechanical Assistance: For long runs or heavy cables, use cable rollers, drum jacks, or boom trucks to guide the cable smoothly along the tray .
Lubrication: Only approved cable lubricants should be used to facilitate pulling without damaging insulation .

Securing and Dressing Cables

Once pulled, cables should be properly dressed and secured to the tray using UV-protected or stainless steel cable ties. Maintain spacing according to approved drawings and ensure grounding cables run parallel to low-voltage cables . Multi-tier trays should be organized by cable type and criticality, with adequate ventilation for heat-generating cables .

Labeling and Identification

Cables must be labeled at both ends and at convenient intervals along risers using stainless steel tags or other durable identifiers. Labels should include cable type, size, installation date, and purpose to facilitate future maintenance .

Testing and Completion

After installation, perform continuity and insulation resistance tests, recording results with quality personnel present. Seal cable ends properly until glanding and termination are completed . Maintain a barricade around the work area to prevent accidental damage and ensure safety .

Safety Considerations

Use job-specific PPE at all times.
Barricade the area and post visible safety boards.
Conduct toolbox meetings before starting work to brief all personnel on procedures and hazards .

Best Practices for Cable Tray Management

Separate power and communication cables to minimize interference.
Use dividers for fiber and copper cables to prevent damage.
Ensure trays are sized for current and future cable capacity, with a maximum depth of 150mm per layer .
Regularly inspect trays and cables for wear, labeling accuracy, and protective measures . Following these procedures ensures safe, efficient, and code-compliant cable installation on upper floors, reduces the risk of damage, and facilitates future maintenance.

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