Nicknames for various types of elbows in cable trays

Cable tray elbows are often referred to by descriptive or shorthand nicknames such as “inside bend,” “outside bend,” “horizontal elbow,” or “vertical elbow” depending on their orientation and installation.

Common Cable Tray Elbow Types and Nicknames

1. Horizontal Elbow
   • Changes the direction of the cable tray in the horizontal plane.
   • Nicknames: “flat bend,” “side turn,” “90-degree turn”.
   • Used to navigate around walls or obstacles on the same level .
2. Vertical Elbow
   • Changes the direction of the cable tray in the vertical plane.
   • Nicknames: “up bend,” “down bend,” “rise/fall elbow”.
   • Useful for moving cables between floors or levels .
3. Inside Elbow
   • Turns the tray inward toward a corner or confined space.
   • Nicknames: “inner bend,” “concave elbow”.
   • Often used in tight corners where the tray must hug the wall .
4. Outside Elbow
   • Turns the tray outward around a corner.
   • Nicknames: “outer bend,” “convex elbow”.
   • Common in open areas where the tray needs to wrap around a structural element .
5. Adjustable or Multi-Angle Elbow
   • Can be set to various angles, not fixed at 90°.
   • Nicknames: “flex elbow,” “angle adjuster”.
   • Provides flexibility for non-standard routing .

Additional Notes

• In the electrical trade, nicknames can vary regionally or by company, and installers may use shorthand like “bend” or “elbow” without specifying inside/outside unless context requires it .
• Some catalogs and technical documents may also refer to these fittings as “radius elbow” or “swept elbow” to indicate a smooth curve for cable protection .
• Using these nicknames helps in quick communication on-site, especially when coordinating installation or ordering parts. By understanding these common nicknames, electricians and engineers can more easily identify and discuss the correct elbow fitting for a cable tray system, ensuring proper routing and installation.