Nicknames for Cable Tray Elbows and Other Shaped Components

Cable tray elbows, used to change direction or elevation, are sometimes informally called “bends,” “kinks,” or “corners” on job sites.

Standard and Informal Terms

Cable tray elbows are fittings that allow a cable tray to change direction horizontally or vertically. They are typically available in 45° or 90° angles for horizontal turns and as inside or outside vertical elbows for elevation changes . While the formal industry term is simply “elbow,” electricians and installers often use informal nicknames to describe them on the job:

• Bends – A common shorthand for any elbow, emphasizing the change in direction .
• Kinks – Sometimes used colloquially to describe sharp turns in a tray run.
• Corners – Refers to 90° horizontal elbows, especially in tight spaces.
• Risers – Often used for vertical elbows that guide the tray upward or downward .
• Inside/Outside Bends – Informal descriptors for inside vertical elbows (upward) and outside vertical elbows (downward) to distinguish elevation changes .

Usage Context

These nicknames are typically used in field communication among electricians, installers, and maintenance crews to quickly reference the type of elbow without using the full technical term. For example, a foreman might say, “Install a 90-degree corner here,” instead of “Install a horizontal 90° elbow.”

Summary

While “elbow” remains the official term, electricians often rely on bends, kinks, corners, and risers as informal nicknames to describe cable tray directional changes. Understanding these terms can help in reading job instructions, coordinating installation, and communicating efficiently on site .