IEC 61537:2023

IEC 61537 ®
Edition 3.0 2023-01
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Cable management – Cable tray systems and cable ladder systems

Systèmes de câblage – Systèmes de chemin de câbles et systèmes d'échelle à
câbles
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IEC 61537 ®
Edition 3.0 2023-01
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Cable management – Cable tray systems and cable ladder systems

Systèmes de câblage – Systèmes de chemin de câbles et systèmes d'échelle à

câbles
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 29.120.10 ISBN 978-2-8322-6364-8

– 2 – IEC 61537:2023 © IEC 2023
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 8
1 Scope . 10
2 Normative references . 10
3 Terms and definitions . 11
4 General requirements . 15
5 General conditions for tests . 15
6 Classification . 16
6.1 According to material . 16
6.2 According to resistance to flame propagation . 16
6.3 According to electrical continuity characteristics . 16
6.4 According to electrical conductivity . 17
6.5 According to resistance against corrosion . 17
6.5.1 General . 17
6.5.2 Non-metallic system component . 17
6.5.3 Metallic system component . 17
6.6 According to temperature . 21
6.6.1 Minimum temperature for the system component as given in Table 3 . 21
6.6.2 Maximum temperature for the system component as given in Table 4 . 21
6.7 According to the perforation in the base area of the cable tray length as
given in Table 5 . 21
6.8 According to the free base area of mesh cable tray length or cable ladder
length as given in Table 6 . 22
6.9 According to impact resistance of non-metallic and composite systems . 22
7 Marking and documentation . 22
7.1 Marking . 22
7.1.1 General . 22
7.1.2 Durability of marking . 23
7.2 Documentation . 24
8 Dimensions. 25
9 Construction . 26
10 Mechanical properties. 27
10.1 Mechanical strength . 27
10.2 SWL test procedure . 28
10.2.1 General . 28
10.2.2 General procedure . 28
10.2.3 Alternative test conditions for 10.2.2 . 36
10.3 Test for SWL of cable tray lengths and cable ladder lengths mounted in the
horizontal plane running horizontally on multiple spans . 37
10.3.1 General . 37
10.3.2 Test type I . 37
10.3.3 Test type II . 38
10.3.4 Test type III . 39
10.3.5 Test type IV . 40
10.4 Test for SWL of cable tray systems and cable ladder systems mounted in the
horizontal plane running horizontally on a single span installation . 41
10.5 Test for SWL of cable tray system and cable ladder system mounted in the
vertical plane running horizontally . 42

10.5.1 Multiple span test . 42
10.5.2 Single span test . 45
10.6 Test for SWL of cable tray system and cable ladder system mounted in the
vertical plane running vertically . 51
10.7 Test for SWL of cable tray fittings and cable ladder fittings mounted in the
horizontal plane running horizontally . 56
10.7.1 General . 56
10.7.2 Test for SWL of 90° bend. 57
10.7.3 Test for SWL of equal tee and equal cross . 57
10.8 Test for SWL of support devices . 59
10.8.1 General . 59
10.8.2 Test for SWL of cantilever brackets . 59
10.8.3 Test for SWL of pendants ceiling mounted . 76
10.9 Test for impact resistance . 94
11 Electrical properties . 98
11.1 Electrical continuity . 98
11.1.1 General . 98
11.1.2 Electrical impedance tests . 98
11.2 Electrical non-conductivity . 104
11.2.1 General . 104
11.2.2 Preparation of samples . 105
11.2.3 Preparation of electrodes . 105
11.2.4 Humidity treatment of samples . 105
11.2.5 Mounting of electrodes on samples . 105
11.2.6 Measurement of surface resistance . 106
11.2.7 Calculation of surface resistivity . 106
12 Thermal properties . 107
13 Fire hazards . 107
13.1 Reaction to fire . 107
13.1.1 Initiation of fire . 107
13.1.2 Contribution to fire . 107
13.1.3 Spread of fire . 107
13.1.4 Additional reaction to fire characteristics . 110
13.2 Resistance to fire . 111
14 External influences . 111
14.1 Resistance against environmental forces . 111
14.2 Resistance against corrosion . 111
14.2.1 General . 111
14.2.2 Non-metallic system components . 112
14.2.3 System components made of mild steel with metallic coating or
stainless steel . 112
14.2.4 Salt spray test . 113
14.2.5 System components made from aluminium alloys . 113
14.2.6 System components made of steel with organic coating . 113
15 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) . 114
Annex A (informative) Sketches of typical types of cable tray lengths and cable ladder
lengths . 115
Annex B (informative) Sketches of typical support devices . 117
Annex C (normative) Protective Earth (PE) function . 120

– 4 – IEC 61537:2023 © IEC 2023
C.1 General . 120
C.2 Cable tray system or cable ladder system with electrical continuity
characteristics and with PE function . 120
C.2.1 Construction . 120
C.2.2 Marking and documentation . 121
C.2.3 Requirements for periodic inspection . 121
C.2.4 Electrical properties . 122
C.2.5 Validation test of the calculated equivalent copper cross-sectional area
of the system . 123
Annex D (normative) Methods of applying and distributing a UDL for SWL tests using
load distribution plates . 126
D.1 General . 126
D.2 Dimensions of load distribution plates for cable tray and cable ladder
mounted in the horizontal plane . 126
D.3 Distribution of point loads across the width of cable tray, cable ladder and
support . 126
D.4 Distribution of point loads along the length of cable tray . 127
D.5 Distribution of point loads along the length of the cable ladder . 129
Annex E (informative) Typical methods of applying a UDL for SWL tests . 131
E.1 UDL applied through a mechanical linkage . 131
E.2 UDL applied through individual loads . 132
E.3 UDL applied through load blocks . 132
Annex F (xxx) Not Used . 133
Annex G (informative) Example for clarification of permitted creep. 134
Annex H (informative) Information for a safe installation of pendants with cantilever
brackets . 135
Annex I (informative) Summary of compliance checks . 137
Annex J (normative) Compliance checks to be carried out for cable tray systems and
cable ladder systems already complying with IEC 61537:2006 . 139
Annex K (informative) Number of samples required for tests . 141
Annex L (informative) Illustrative flow chart for the SWL tests . 142
L.1 Lengths . 142
L.2 Fittings . 143
L.3 Supports . 144
L.4 Cantilever brackets . 145
L.5 Pendants for cantilever bracket . 146
L.6 Centrally supported bracket . 146
L.7 Trapeze supports . 147
Annex M (normative) Application of a point load to a support . 148
Bibliography . 149

Figure 1 – Flame propagating symbol . 22
Figure 2 – Piston for durability of marking test . 23
Figure 3 – Safe working load test – General arrangement . 30
Figure 4 – Load and temperature diagrams with respect to time for test 10.2.2.4 . 34
Figure 5 – Test type I . 38
Figure 6 – Test type II . 39
Figure 7 – Test type III . 40

Figure 8 – Test type IV . 40
Figure 9 – Safe working load for single span test . 42
Figure 10 – Test conditions: Multi-span cable tray mounted in the vertical plane
running horizontally . 43
Figure 11 – Test conditions: Multi-span cable ladder mounted in the vertical plane
running horizontally . 44
Figure 12 – Test conditions: Single span cable tray mounted in the vertical plane
running horizontally . 46
Figure 13 – Test conditions: Single span cable ladder mounted in the vertical plane
running horizontally . 47
Figure 14 – Measurement example of the resultant deflection for Figure 10, Figure 11,
Figure 12 and Figure 13 . 48
Figure 15 – Load position for cable tray or cable ladder mounted in the vertical plane
running horizontal . 49
Figure 16 – Example of applying the test load for cable tray or cable ladder mounted in
the vertical plane running horizontally . 51
Figure 17 – Examples of test arrangements for systems mounted vertically running
vertically . 55
Figure 18 – Safe working load test for 90° bend . 57
Figure 19 – Safe working load test for equal tee . 58
Figure 20 – Safe working load test for equal cross . 58
Figure 21 – Typical examples of length and position of the mid-line of fittings . 59
Figure 22 – Test set-up for cantilever brackets intended for use with unspecified cable
tray of widths at least 80 % of the useable length of the cantilever bracket . 61
Figure 23 – Test set-up for cantilever brackets intended for use with unspecified cable
tray of widths less than 80 % of the useable length of the cantilever bracket . 62
Figure 24 – Test set-up for cantilever brackets intended for use with unspecified cable
ladder systems . 63
Figure 25 – Test set-up for cantilever brackets intended for use with a specified cable
tray system . 65
Figure 26 – Example of test set-up for cantilever brackets intended for use with a
specified cable tray system – Positioning of load . 66
Figure 27 – Test set-up for cantilever brackets intended for use with a specified cable
ladder system only, or with both cable tray systems and cable ladder systems . 67
Figure 28 – Example of test set-up for cantilever brackets intended for use with
specified cable ladder systems . 68
Figure 29 – Test set-up for cantilever brackets: end view showing measurement of
deflection when the bracket twists . 68
Figure 30 – Test set-up for cantilever brackets: end view showing alternative weight
positioning . 69
Figure 31 – Test set-up for cantilever brackets for use with unspecified cable tray
mounted vertically running vertically with widths at least 80 % of the useable length of
the cantilever bracket . 70
Figure 32 – Test set-up for cantilever brackets for use with unspecified cable tray or
cable ladder mounted vertically running vertically with widths less than 80 % of the
useable length of the cantilever bracket . 71
Figure 33 – Test set-up for cantilever brackets for use with unspecified cable ladder
mounted vertically running vertically with widths at least 80 % of the useable length of
the cantilever bracket . 72
Figure 34 – Example of test arrangement on cantilever bracket with a cable tray length . 74

– 6 – IEC 61537:2023 © IEC 2023
Figure 35 – Example of test arrangement on cantilever bracket with a cable ladder
length . 76
Figure 36 – Test set-up – Pendants for cantilever brackets . 78
Figure 37 – Example test set-up for pendant with centrally supported bracket for evenly
and unevenly loaded specified cable ladder systems . 80
Figure 38 – Example test set-up for pendant with centrally supported bracket for evenly
and unevenly loaded specified cable tray systems . 81
Figure 39 – Load positioning for centrally supported bracket for unevenly loaded
specified cable tray or cable ladder systems . 82
Figure 40 – Deflection of a centrally supported bracket for unevenly loaded specified
cable tray or cable ladder systems . 83
Figure 41 – Load positioning and deflection for a centrally supported bracket for evenly
loaded specified cable tray or cable ladder systems . 84
Figure 42 – Test set up for unevenly loaded centrally supported brackets intended for
unspecified use . 86
Figure 43 – Deflection and alternative method of unevenly loading a centrally
supported bracket for use with unspecified cable ladder and cable tray systems . 87
Figure 44 – Test set up for evenly loaded centrally supported brackets intended for
unspecified use . 89
Figure 45 – Test set-up for a C shape ceiling support . 91
Figure 46 – Test set-up for trapeze system designed for supporting cable ladder only . 92
Figure 47 – Test set-up for trapeze system designed for supporting cable tray or cable
ladder . 93
Figure 48 – Alternative test set-up for trapeze systems . 94
Figure 49 – Impact test stroke arrangement . 97
Figure 50 – Test set-up impedance along the length . 99
Figure 51 – Test set-up impedance across the width . 100
Figure 52 – Test set-up impedance of a joint . 103
Figure 53 – Test set-up impedance of an earthing terminal or termination . 103
Figure 54 – Test set-up impedance of the connection between an access cover and a
cable tray or cable ladder. 104
Figure 55 – Typical arrangement of surface resistivity test . 106
Figure 56 – Arrangement for the flame test . 109
Figure 57 – Enclosure for the flame test . 110
Figure A.1 – Solid bottom cable tray lengths . 115
Figure A.2 – Perforated cable tray lengths . 115
Figure A.3 – Mesh cable tray lengths . 115
Figure A.4 – Cable ladder lengths . 116
Figure B.1 – Cantilever brackets . 117
Figure B.2 – Pendants . 118
Figure B.3 – Fixing brackets . 119
Figure B.4 – C shape ceiling support . 119
Figure C.1 – Arrangement for the test of 5 s current carrying capability . 125
Figure D.1 – Examples of distribution load points across the width . 127
Figure D.2 – Typical arrangement of load distribution plates . 128
Figure D.3 – Example of equispaced point loads along the length . 129

Figure D.4 – Examples of test load distribution on cable ladder lengths . 130
Figure E.1 –UDL applied through a mechanical linkage . 131
Figure E.2 –UDL applied through individual loads . 132
Figure E.3 – UDL applied through load blocks . 132
Figure G.1 – Example for clarification of permitted creep . 134
Figure H.1 – Forces on pendant and cantilever bracket. 135
Figure H.2 – Illustration of the safe area . 136
Figure L.1 – Lengths . 142
Figure L.2 – Fittings . 143
Figure L.3 – Supports . 144
Figure L.4 – Cantilever brackets . 145
Figure L.5 – Pendants for cantilever bracket . 146
Figure L.6 – Centrally supported bracket . 146
Figure L.7 – Trapeze supports . 147
Figure M.1 – Maximum area of the applied point load to a support . 148

Table 1 – Classification for resistance against corrosion for zinc electroplated,
pre-galvanised and post-galvanised mild steel products . 18
Table 2 – Classification for resistance against corrosion for stainless steel products . 19
Table 3 – Minimum temperature classification . 21
Table 4 – Maximum temperature classification . 21
Table 5 – Perforation base area classification . 21
Table 6 – Free base area classification . 22
Table 7 – Use of test type IV . 41
Table 8 – Load distribution plates for the SWL test of the cable tray lengths and cable
ladder lengths mounted in the vertical plane running horizontally . 45
Table 9 – Impact test values . 95
Table 10 – System component compliance and classification for resistance against
corrosion . 111
Table 11 – Salt spray test duration. 112
Table C.1 – Calculated and declared cross sectional area of the system used for the
PE function equivalent to copper conductors . 123
Table D.1 – Number of point loads across the width of a cable tray, a cable ladder or a
support . 126
Table D.2 – Number of point loads along the length of a cable tray . 128
Table I.1 – Summary of compliance checks . 137
Table J.1 – Required compliance checks . 139
Table K.1 – Number of samples required for tests . 141

– 8 – IEC 61537:2023 © IEC 2023
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
CABLE MANAGEMENT –
CABLE TRAY SYSTEMS AND CABLE LADDER SYSTEMS

FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote international
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Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by agreement between the two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all
interested IEC National Committees.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
Committees in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the technical content of IEC
Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any
misinterpretation by any end user.
4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional publications. Any divergence between
any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in the latter.
5) IEC itself does not provide any attestation of conformity. Independent certification bodies provide conformity
assessment services and, in some areas, access to IEC marks of conformity. IEC is not responsible for any
services carried out by independent certification bodies.
6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and
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8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of patent
rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
IEC 61537 has been prepared by subcommittee 23A: Cable management systems, of IEC
technical committee 23: Electrical accessories. It is an International Standard.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 2006. This edition
constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) new, repositioned and renumbered figures,
b) revised classification for corrosion,
c) revised SWL test types and procedures,
d) new tests for lengths mounted vertical running horizontal and mounted vertical running
vertical,
e) tests for support devices: cantilevers, pendants, C shape ceiling supports and trapeze
systems,
f) new and revised annexes including use of tray as a protective earth conductor.

The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
Draft Report on voting
23A/1032/FDIS 23A/1039/RVD
Full information on the voting for its approval can be found in the report on voting indicated in
the above table.
The language used for the development of this International Standard is English.
This document was drafted in accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2, and developed in
accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1 and ISO/IEC Directives, IEC Supplement, available
at www.iec.ch/members_experts/refdocs. The main document types developed by IEC are
described in greater detail at www.iec.ch/standardsdev/publications.
The following differences exist in some countries:
In the USA it is permitted to use cable tray systems and cable ladder systems as a PE conductor,
in which case national wiring regulations have to be adhered to.
In France it is not permitted to use cable tray systems and cable ladder systems as a PE
conductor.
In France the use of flame propagating cable tray and cable ladder systems is not permitted.
In this document, the following print types are used:
– Requirements proper: in roman type.
– Test specifications: in italic type.
– Explanatory matter: in smaller roman type.
The committee has decided that the contents of this document will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC website under webstore.iec.ch in the data related to the
specific document. At this date, the document will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
– 10 – IEC 61537:2023 © IEC 2023
CABLE MANAGEMENT –
CABLE TRAY SYSTEMS AND CABLE LADDER SYSTEMS

1 Scope
This document specifies requirements and tests for cable tray systems and cable ladder
systems intended for the support and accommodation of cables and possibly other electrical
equipment in electrical and/or communication systems installations. Where necessary, cable
tray systems and cable ladder systems can be used for the arrangement of cables into groups.
This document does not apply to conduit systems, cable trunking systems and cable ducting
systems or to any current-carrying parts.
NOTE Cable tray systems and cable ladder systems are designed for use as supports for cables and not as
enclosures.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies.
For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any
amendments) applies.
IEC 60068-2-75:2014, Environmental testing – Part 2-75: Tests – Test Eh: Hammer tests
IEC 60287 (all parts), Elec
...