Cable management is an essential element for keeping data centers running smoothly. One challenge users encounter is how to run expansive lengths of cable without compromising the support of the wire mesh tray at the dropout location. That’s why Legrand expanded its Cablofil line to offer two new innovative cable dropout accessories.

“Cablofil makes it easy to select the right dropout solution for your unique needs by now offering a spectrum of cable dropout accessories,” said Bob Crain, director of marketing and product development for Cablofil at Legrand. “The two new dropout accessories are the perfect support solution for running cables in high-capacity centers without compromising strength and support for flexibility and speed.”

The Basic Dropout (BDO) smooths the transition of cabling dropping out of the wire mesh tray. These dropouts snap into place without hardware and reduce the strain of cables as they exit or enter the tray. It mounts at the end of the wire basket cable tray parallel or perpendicular to the tray bottom. The 4-inch width capacity allows small cable bundles through the mesh. The full 90-degree drop eliminates pressure points on cables as the 2-inch radius reduces cable stress. Extended side wings offer extra cable support. Tie-down slots are available to assist and secure the cables as they exit the dropout. With this dropout solution, wires need to be cut on the cable tray. The solution is compatible with all Cablofil Wire Mesh trays.

The Standard Dropout (SDO) offers stronger cable support and creates a seamless transition for cables on the side of the wire mesh tray without any cutting. This protects cables as they exit the tray while maintaining all the strength and support of the wire mesh. The SDO is available in 150 (6-inch) and 300 (12-inch) widths that, when used in combination, provide options for 6-, 12-, 18-, and 24-inch. The full 90-degree drop eliminates pressure points while the 3-inch radius reduces stress on the cables. The solution is compatible with all Cablofil Wire Mesh trays by interlocking on the side wires for added rigidity. The dropout mounts over the side or at the end of the wire basket cable tray (both atop or below wire basket wires). Tie-down slots are available to assist and secure the cables as they exit the drop out. No tray cutting required.

The Universal Dropout (UDO), which is the original product in this line, is the premiere Cablofil dropout solution. As the dropout with the strongest cable support, the UDO protects larger capacities of cables all without compromising the strength of the cable tray. It is ideal for copper, fiber optic, or PoE cabling. This dropout solution makes it easy to perform cable drops directly off the side of the tray without having to make any wire tray cuts or modifications.

Legrand’s goal with the expansion of the Cablofil line was threefold. Goal one was to create products that are simple and easy to install to drastically reduce labor. Goal two was to create products that have a significantly higher (50% or greater) cable capacity while reducing the stress and strain on the cable by at least 30%. The third — and probably most significant — goal was to create a product that allows the dropout location to be relocated when the data hall is reconfigured. 

“There is a huge unmet need to provide the ability to dropout cables without any modification to the cable management system,” Crain said. “By eliminating the need to modify the cable tray when cabling needs to be rerouted, there is a major reduction in cost and time to bring the hall back online and productive.”