Phenomenon Electromagnetic disturbance is emitted by a source polluting a victim. The transmission of electromagnetic disturbance is known as coupling. An EMC problem only occurs when the three elements source, coupling and victim are evident. To obtain good EMC we simply need to eliminate one of the three elements or reduce its effect. A metallic cable tray has excellent electrical continuity and is part of the equipotential earth network of the installation, it will reduce the impact of the coupling thereby participating in good EMC of the electrical installation.   In practice, the electrical system must be installed according to industry standards.

Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) The three elements of an interference situation

Power cable Mobile phone Lightning Frequency modulators DATA Cables Computer hardware Devices

The Golden Rules !

Separate the power and DATA cables (20cm separation)  Cables of different families should cross each other at right angles Provide electrical continuity: Metallic cable tray and low resistance couplers. Connect the cable trays to earth network (15 to 20 metres)

The Cablofil® solution Its open structure makes it easy to ensure correct cable separation by visual inspection. Its easy installation and metal structure guarantee excellent electrical continuity in all cases: couplings, bends, level changes, crossing walls, etc. Its open structure can reduce crosstalk.

EMC Tests Carried out in independent and accredited laboratories, AEMC Mesures and CETIM, these tests demonstrate the performance of Cablofil® in regard to the EMC of the electrical installation.

1st test configuration Data cable subjected to an external electromagnetic field. A UTP category 5e cable, placed in an insulated chamber, is subjected to a severe electromagnetic field, simulating electromagnetic disturbance. Each different type of metal cable tray, connected to earth, is tested:

Results and interpretations The comparison of the results of each configuration of cable tray, wire mesh and perforated tray, with and without cover, shows the EMC performance of cable tray. These tests show that there is no significant difference in the "Faraday cage" effect offered by wire mesh of perforated cable tray. These results show that it is vital: To use metal cable tray To earth the cable tray To use a cover if required   Non metallic cable tray (PVC, composite material) has no effect against electromagnetic  disturbances.

2nd test configuration Data cable alongside a power cable A UTP category 6 cable, placed in an insulated chamber, is subjected to an electromagnetic field created by a power cable.  The following parameters are studied: Impact of earthing Separation distance : 0,10,20,30 cm Type of containment: wire mesh, perforated tray and trunking Separated cable trays One cable tray with divider One cable tray with divider and without divider 118 configurations were tested

Results and interpretations This 2nd test configuration confirms the attenuation effect of a metallic cable tray irrespective of its design (wire mesh or perforated tray). To obtain a good EMC, these results shows that it is vital: To use metal cable tray To earth the cable tray These tests show the importance of the following criteria: To ensure maximum separation distances To use two separate cable trays for power and data To use a divider if sharing containment systems   Never mix power cables and data cables in a trunking system

Conclusion

When the Cablofil® "steel wire" cable tray is integrated in the earth or building network, it helps to contribute to enhanced electromagnetic compatibility in an electrical installation. Independent tests show that in practice, the shape, pattern or type of cable tray has no significant impact on its EMC shielding capability.