MAKING THE CASE FOR GRP

When selecting a cable management system for a corrosive or hazardous environment, there is a tricky balance for electrical contractors to strike. The type of material specified for products such as cable trays and ladders will not only impact how long the system will last, but costs, installation times, labour, and potential maintenance.

For many contractors, stainless steel is their preferred choice. However, switching to glass reinforced polymer (GRP) can tip the scales towards more effective and efficient cable management.

Made from a polymer reinforced with glass, GRP is non-corrosive and does not stretch or shrink, making it suitable for the harshest and most demanding applications in industries such as transport, water, energy, petrochemical and industrial. The material does not conduct heat or electricity, is resistant to fire, and offers excellent UV stability. These properties enable a ‘fit and forget’ solution that once installed, does not need to be maintained, significantly reducing lifecycle costs.

Another key benefit of GRP is that it is 70% lighter than stainless steel, making it much easier to manoeuvre on site, reducing labour and the need for lifting equipment. The installation process is simpler too. No complex earthing or carbide cutting tools are required and, as GRP weighs less than steel, supporting the products is easier under load conditions, saving further time and labour costs.

GRP cable management products can be manufactured in different ways, providing contractors with the option of moulded or pultruded systems. There are, however, important differences between the two – which can affect the quality of the final solution.

The pultrusion process sees two types of fibreglass reinforcement pulled through a machine and then saturated in resin. The reinforced fibres are then pulled through a heated dye, allowing the resin to cure and harden. This creates a very solid profile with more linear strength than a moulded system, enabling it to accommodate higher loads and longer spans. This strength also protects the GRP from damage on site prior to installation, as there is no risk of it cracking if dropped or knocked by onsite vehicles.

Pultrusion technology offers environmental benefits too. The process uses 75% less energy than steel and some studies have shown that it generates a third of the amount of CO2

The environmental credentials of GRP are strengthened further by its durability, meaning it has an exceptionally long lifecycle. However, if GRP is no longer needed for a particular project, it is also recyclable and can be repurposed. GRP waste fibres, for example, can be used for different applications, including asphalt mixes.

Advances in technology and new product development are providing contractors with a wide range of options that can make their project more successful. For example, elevated cable troughing offered by Mita, which is particularly useful for the rail industry, is now available with GRP support posts to increase its durability. The troughing lids clip securely in place, protecting from cable theft.

Mita’s GRP systems can also be integrated with specialist Building Information Modelling (BIM). This provides an accurate 3D model of the cable troughing route, ensuring there is sufficient space and clearances in confined locations, and enabling detailed design and material requirements to be quickly and easily produced.

To ensure the most appropriate solution, contractors are advised to work closely with a GRP cable management specialist. They will be able to provide the technical backup, knowledge, data and equipment needed to cost-effectively meet the brief and maximise durability.

A specialist can also advise on more than just standard components. For many projects, particularly in the transport sector, bespoke cable management items are needed. Joining forces with a company like the Hudson Group provides access to the skills and resources needed to tailor products inhouse, ranging from small variations through to large-scale solutions.

The need for more efficiency and sustainability in construction is growing fast and impacting the whole supply chain. For electrical contractors, cable management can play a significant role in achieving these aims.

When working in corrosive and hazardous environments, the upfront cost of the cable management material should be considered alongside factors such as installation, labour, maintenance, and quality. On balance, the use of a pultruded GRP system will deliver a wide range of benefits for contractors, providing a solution that will drive down costs, is quick and easy to install, and minimises environmental impact.

Milton, miltoncms.com