From Routing to Interfaces: A Systematic Approach to Cable Management in Functional Containers

When designing and building functional containers, cable management is often overlooked — yet it is one of the most critical factors. Good cable management directly impacts not only the safety and reliability of the equipment but also the ease of maintenance in later stages.

At TLS, based on years of project experience, we treat cable management as a complete engineering system. From routing design to interface sealing, we follow a clear and systematic logic.

1. Planning the Cable Routes
Cable routing is not as simple as connecting point A to point B. Inside a functional container, cables must be arranged so they do not interfere with airflow channels, equipment zones, or maintenance access.

• Zoned routing: Power cables and signal cables should be separated to avoid electromagnetic interference.
• Path optimization: Minimize crossings and sharp bends to reduce stress and transmission loss.
• Maintenance access: Reserve space for future cable additions and repairs without blocking service routes.

2. Cable Trays and Fixing Methods
Cable trays are more than just supports — they ensure the safe and long-term performance of cables.

• Material choice: Depending on the environment (offshore or chemical plants), galvanized steel, stainless steel, or coated trays may be required.
• Fixing method: Use weather-resistant ties or metal clamps to prevent loosening or wear caused by vibration.
• Redundancy: Leave 10–20% spare capacity in trays for future expansion.

3. Bulkhead Penetrations and Sealed Interfaces
The positive pressure and explosion-proof performance of a functional container depend heavily on how cables pass through the container wall.

• Dedicated cable entries: Cables should be grouped through specific entry points, avoiding random drilling that can break the seal.
• Sealed glands: In Zone 1/Zone 2 areas, certified explosion-proof glands must be used to block gas intrusion.
• Protection levels: Select sealing methods according to environmental requirements.

4. Termination and Port Management
The way cables are terminated directly affects overall system stability.

• Clear labeling: All cables should have unified numbers for easy identification.
• Organized layout: Terminals should be layered to reduce overlaps and crossings.
• Service-friendly ports: Frequently used connections should be located near panels or doors for easier maintenance.

5. Systematic and Traceable Management
At TLS, cable management goes beyond installation. We build a complete, traceable system:

• Design stage: Prepare detailed cable lists and routing diagrams.
• Manufacturing stage: Apply numbering and perform section-by-section testing.
• Delivery stage: Provide customers with full cable documentation for future expansion and maintenance.

Conclusion
Cable management is never just a finishing touch — it is a core element of functional container design. With a systematic approach covering routing, trays, interfaces, and documentation, TLS transforms cable management into a controlled and traceable process. This ensures safety, reliability, and convenience throughout the container’s entire lifecycle.

TLS Offshore Containers / TLS Energy is a global supplier of standard and customised containerised solutions. 
Wherever you are in the world TLS can help you, please contact us.
 
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Written by Snowy

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