Handbook of Electrical Installation Practice - BeKnowledge

system, but which is constructed from a wire framework (rather like supermarket
shopping baskets, hence the name), which makes it notably lighter and easier to
work with. The reduction in labour costs when using basket systems is considerable
and this is one of the reasons for its popularity in modern installations. Figure 4.2
shows the economic use of cable basket in industry.
The skills required in the installation operatives are not as specialised as those
for the fitting of galvanised tray, and in general skilled electricians are able to fit
and install cable basket at a fast rate. The system also requires less factory produced
fittings and accessories, as the basic basket can easily be bent and adapted on site
(owing to its open wire construction). Gland plates may be fitted to the sidewalls
to accommodate conduit or small trunking tees to feed sockets, etc. The designer
must remember that if using basket systems, the cables will be exposed to the local
environment, and that may mean the more extensive use of low smoke and fume
(LSF) cable sheathing material which could offset some of the initial cost savings.
In many jobs where intrinsically safe cables are a requirement anyway, there is no
cost penalty in moving towards this less enclosed and cheaper to install system.
HYBRID SYSTEMS
Cable Management Systems 91
With extensive use in commercial buildings of raised floor techniques and the introduction
of increasing numbers of cable types, there have been several products
Fig. 4.2 Economic use of cable basket in industry.