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The entire length of the cable tray should be grounded

Yes, the entire length of a metallic cable tray must be grounded to ensure electrical safety and code compliance.

NEC Requirements

All metallic cable trays are required to be grounded according to NEC Article 250.96, regardless of whether the tray is used as an equipment grounding conductor (EGC) or not . NEC Article 392 further emphasizes that metallic trays must maintain electrical continuity across all sections and fittings, ensuring a low-resistance path for fault currents . This continuous grounding protects personnel and equipment by allowing protective devices like breakers or fuses to operate effectively during a fault .

Bonding and Continuity

To achieve proper grounding:

  • Bond all tray sections and fittings using bonding jumpers where mechanical connections alone do not ensure continuity .
  • Secure connections to the building grounding system to complete the fault current path .
  • Use compatible materials to prevent galvanic corrosion, such as bimetallic washers when connecting copper conductors to aluminum trays .
  • Insulated or covered EGCs are recommended in aluminum trays to avoid corrosion in moist environments . Even a single discontinuity in the grounding path can compromise safety, leading to shock hazards, equipment damage, or failed inspections .

Practical Considerations

  • Equipment Grounding Conductors (EGCs) can be installed in or on the tray, or the tray itself may serve as the EGC in qualifying installations .
  • Multiconductor cables with individual EGCs should be bonded to the tray at each or alternate sections to maintain continuity .
  • Periodic testing of continuity is recommended before energizing the system to ensure the tray is fully grounded .

Summary

Grounding the entire length of a metallic cable tray is mandatory for safety and NEC compliance. Continuous bonding and proper connection to the building grounding system ensure that fault currents are safely conducted, protecting both personnel and equipment while maintaining long-term reliability of the installation .

The entire length of the cable tray should be grounded  - JR Sekwele Optical Networks & Photonic Group

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