Fiberglass cable trays require jumper wires

Yes, fiberglass cable trays typically require bonding jumpers to ensure electrical continuity and safe grounding.Fiberglass cable trays are non-metallic, meaning they do not conduct electricity on their own. Unlike steel or aluminum trays, which can sometimes serve as an equipment grounding conductor (EGC) if properly bolted and uncoated, fiberglass trays cannot carry fault currents without a separate conductive path. Therefore, jumper wires or bonding conductors are necessary to maintain a low-resistance path for fault currents, ensuring safety and compliance with NEC 250.96 .Purpose of Bonding JumpersBonding jumpers in fiberglass cable tray systems:Provide electrical continuity across tray sections, fittings, and splices .Direct fault currents safely to ground, reducing the risk of electric shock or equipment damage .Ensure compliance with electrical codes, including NEC requirements for grounding and bonding .Installation ConsiderationsConnection points: Jumpers are typically installed at tray splices, expansion joints, and fittings to maintain continuity.Material: Conductive copper or tinned copper wires are commonly used for bonding jumpers.Environment: Fiberglass trays are often used in corrosive or high-moisture environments, making non-metallic construction advantageous, but still requiring jumpers for grounding .Comparison with Metallic TraysMetallic trays (steel, aluminum) may not require jumpers if UL-classified splice plates provide sufficient electrical continuity and are free of coatings like paint or powder .Fiberglass trays, being non-conductive, always require a separate bonding path, regardless of splice plate design or coating .SummaryFor fiberglass cable trays, bonding jumpers are essential to create a safe, low-resistance grounding path. They ensure that fault currents are properly conducted to ground, protecting personnel and equipment, and maintaining compliance with NEC and other safety standards .