76 NEMA STANDARD VE 1

THE NEMA STANDARDS

NEMA STANDARD VE 1 is published by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association in the U.S.A. The
standard provides for the technical requirements of construction, performance and testing of cable tray systems.
It is regularly revised by the Association in order to keep pace with technology and the ever changing
requirements of the manufacturers, contractors, consultants and other users throughout the electrical industry.

The more important aspects of the NEMA Standard VE 1 which are relevant to products are described as
follows:

1. Load Capacity and Safety Factor

The NEMA VE 1 rating method is based on the Imperial system of measurement, as follows:

1.1 Cable Load / Working Load

The Cable load or the working load is the total weight of the cables to be placed in the tray. The NEMA classes
are based on cable loads of 50 lbs/ lin.ft, 75 lbs/ lin.ft, and 100 lbs/ lin.ft per lineal foot. This is the total weight
of cables in the tray. For purposes of selecting a suitable tray, this weight should be rounded off to the next
higher NEMA working (allowable) load.

1.2 Support Spans

Support span is the distance between the supports. The NEMA standard support spans are based on 8’, 12’, 16’
and 20’.

NOTES:
Working load:
 Static load: - Cables
- Concentrated loads: Light fitting & Junction boxes
 Dynamic load: Wind, snow,…
 NEMA STANDARD VE 1 77

1.3 NEMA Classes

The following table summarizes the NEMA classes based on cable/ working load and support span described
previously.

NEMA Load/ Span Class Designations

Class Support span Working load Working load

designation (lbs/Linear ft) (kg/m)
feet m

8A 8 2.4 50 75
8B 8 2.4 75 112
8C 8 2.4 100 149
12A 12 3.6 50 75
12B 12 3.6 75 112
12C 12 3.6 100 149
16A 16 4.8 50 75
16B 16 4.8 75 112
16C 16 4.8 100 149
20A 20 6.0 50 75
20B 20 6.0 75 112
20C 20 6.0 100 149

1.4 Other Loading Considerations

It is important to note that when specifying loading requirements, there are other loading factors that may need
to be considered over and above the actual cable loads.

1.4.1 Concentrated Loads

A concentrated load is a static weight applied between the side rails at mid span. When specified, these
concentrated static loads may be converted to an equivalent uniform load (We), in pounds per lineal foot, using
the following formula:
We = 2 x {Concentrated Load, kg (lb)}
Support Span, m (ft)

This load (We) is then added to the static weight of the cable before selecting the appropriate NEMA load span
designation.

1.4.2 Interpolation of test data

When allowable load and deflection data are determined by the load test, destruction load capacity for span
length less than the tested span shall be interpolated with the formula shown below. When interpolating in this
manner, ensure that the Rung strength is also sufficient to support the load.
78 NEMA STANDARD VE 1

W₂ = w₁ x L₁² / L₂²

Wherein:
w₂ = calculated load, kg/m (lb/ft)
w₁ = tested load, kg/m (lb/ft)
L₁ = tested span length, m (ft)
L₂ = new span length, m (ft)

2. Deflection
The NEMA Standard VE1 does not specify any limitation on the deflection of cable support members. To do
so, would inevitably result in an over-designed (and hence uneconomical) system. For further information on
deflection please refer to note under Guidelines for Ladder Selection.
L: Spam Length

Simple Beam Span

Materials 12’ 20’
Steel L/100 L/75
Aluminium L/75 L/50

2.1 Minimum Test Load

The minimum test load to be applied shall be determined in accordance with the following formula:

Total minimum test load = 1.5 x L x w

Wherein: 1.5 = safety factor

L = span length, m (ft)
w = rated load, kg (lb/ft)
3. Electrical Continuity
- Each specimen shall consist of two 600 mm (24 in.) minimum lengths of standard spliced or coupled
sections.
- A current of 30 Ampere DC shall be passed through the specimen and the resistance measured between
two points located 1.6 mm (1/16 in.) from each side of the splice or coupling. The net resistance of the
connection shall be not more than 330 micro-ohms (0.00033Ω) as computed from the measured voltage
drop and current passing through the specimen, at an ambient temperature of 15 – 35° C (60 – 95° F).
The current source shall be applied at least 300 mm (12 in.) on either side of the splice or coupling.