Snap Track® replaces rigid conduit and bolt-together tray in the harshest petrochemical and LNG environments. Marine-grade 6063-T6 aluminum construction resists coastal corrosion. Push-pin assembly cuts installation labor 40–60% compared to conduit — with fewer support points, fewer structural penetrations, and faster project delivery on turnarounds and new builds.
Manufactured in Spanish Fort, Alabama with regional service from La Porte, Texas. Specified by EPCs, installed by industrial electrical contractors, and stocked by leading electrical distributors along the Gulf Coast and nationwide.
The Cable Routing Problem in LNG & Petrochemical Facilities
LNG export terminals, refineries, and petrochemical complexes along the Gulf Coast generate thousands of individual cable runs — analyzer circuits, instrument signals, control wiring, fire and gas detection, and communication cables — that route from main cable ladder trays to field devices scattered across process areas, pipe racks, and equipment modules.
The traditional approach uses rigid metallic conduit for these "last mile" runs. Every conduit run requires threading, bending, coupling, and individual support hardware — work that consumes electrician labor hours, demands scaffolding, and creates schedule bottlenecks during turnarounds when outage windows are measured in days, not weeks. Meanwhile, coastal salt spray, humidity, and chemical vapors degrade galvanized steel systems within years, creating recurring maintenance liability.
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Conduit — The Status Quo
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Snap Track — The Alternative
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Labor-intensive: Threading, bending, and coupling each run individually. Every direction change requires fittings, every support requires hardware. Schedule drag: In turnaround scenarios, conduit work often sits on the critical path. Fabrication lead time plus field install time compresses already tight outage windows. Corrosion liability: Galvanized steel coatings degrade in coastal and chemical environments, requiring inspection, maintenance, and eventual replacement cycles. |
40–60% less labor: Push-pin assembly requires no threading, bending, or specialized tools. Crews install tray and fittings at 2–3× the speed of equivalent conduit runs. Fewer support points: Snap Track spans up to 10 ft between supports versus 6–8 ft for conduit — fewer brackets, fewer penetrations, less scaffolding time. Inherent corrosion resistance: 6063-T6 marine-grade aluminum doesn't rely on coatings. It handles salt spray, humidity, and chemical exposure without the degradation cycle of galvanized steel. |
Where Snap Track Gets Installed in LNG & Petrochemical Facilities
Snap Track serves as the "last mile" cable carrier — routing instrument, control, and low-voltage power circuits from main ladder tray to field devices throughout the facility.
1. Analyzer Shelters & Field Instruments
Routing analyzer sample and signal cables from process area junction boxes to analyzer shelters. Snap Track's ventilated channel protects cables while allowing airflow, and push-pin fittings handle the direction changes required to reach individual instruments on pipe racks and vessels.
2. Marshalling Cabinets & DCS/SIS Wiring
Carrying control system wiring from marshalling cabinets to field junction boxes and terminal strips. The channel geometry keeps signal cables organized and separated, with dividers available for circuits requiring physical isolation per NEC guidelines.
3. Motor Control Centers & VFD Connections
Last-mile cable runs from MCC lineups to motors, pumps, and rotating equipment. Snap Track's lightweight aluminum construction simplifies overhead routing in pipe rack corridors where steel conduit would add structural loading.
4. Fire & Gas Detection Systems
Routing F&G detection circuits through process areas where corrosion exposure is highest. ABS Type Approval and marine-grade aluminum ensure long-term reliability for safety-critical wiring in hazardous classified areas.
Technical Specifications
| ATTRIBUTE | SPECIFICATION |
|---|---|
| Material | Marine-grade aluminum, 6063-T6 alloy |
| Available Widths | 2", 4", 6" channel |
| Standard Lengths | 10 ft and 20 ft sections |
| Assembly Method | Patented push-pin (tool-free) |
| UL Classification | File #E249472 |
| ABS Approval | Product Design Assessment (PDA) for marine/offshore |
| Manufacturing Standards | NEMA BI-50015-2024 (formerly VE1) |
| Installation Standards | NEMA BI-50016-2024 (formerly VE2), NEC Article 392 |
| Support Spacing | Up to 10 ft between supports (load dependent) |
| Weight | Approximately 1/3 the weight of equivalent steel tray |
| Fittings | Full range: elbows, tees, reducers, waterfall exits, drop tees, conduit outlets, custom |
Standards, Compliance & Certifications
NEC Article 392
Cable Tray Use & Grounding
Governs cable tray installations including conductor types, fill requirements, bonding, and grounding. Snap Track is designed and classified for use under Article 392 in industrial occupancies.
NEMA BI-50015-2024
Manufacturing Standard
Formerly NEMA VE1. Defines dimensions, materials, structural loading, and testing requirements for cable tray manufacturing. Snap Track is produced in compliance with this standard.
NEMA BI-50016-2024
Installation Guideline
Formerly NEMA VE2. Provides installation guidance for cable tray systems including support spacing, grounding methods, and cable fill calculations.
UL Classified
File #E249472
UL classification confirms Snap Track meets safety requirements for cable tray systems. UL file number is available for AHJ and inspector verification.
ABS PDA
Marine Type Approval
ABS Product Design Assessment confirms Snap Track meets classification society requirements for marine and offshore installations — critical for FLNG, FPSOs, and nearshore LNG.
API / NFPA 59A
LNG-Specific Standards
Many LNG owner-operators require compliance documentation against API and NFPA 59A standards. TechLine provides traceable documentation including mill test reports on request.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Snap Track different from conventional conduit in LNG applications?
Snap Track's push-pin assembly eliminates the threading, bending, and coupling required by rigid conduit. In LNG turnarounds and new construction, this translates to 40–60% less installation labor. The aluminum channel tray also requires fewer support points than conduit — typically every 10 feet versus every 6–8 feet — which means fewer structural penetrations and less scaffolding time.
Does Snap Track hold ABS Type Approval for marine and offshore LNG applications?
Yes. Snap Track channel tray has received ABS Product Design Assessment (PDA), confirming it meets classification requirements for marine and offshore installations. This is critical for FLNG vessels, floating production units, and nearshore LNG facilities.
What cable tray standards apply to LNG and industrial facilities?
LNG cable tray installations are governed by NEC Article 392. Manufacturing standards include NEMA BI-50015-2024 (formerly VE1) and installation guidelines follow NEMA BI-50016-2024 (formerly VE2). Snap Track is UL Classified (File #E249472).
Where in an LNG facility is Snap Track typically installed?
The most common applications are the 'last mile' cable runs from main ladder tray to field instruments, analyzers, and control devices. This includes analyzer shelters, marshalling cabinets, and field junction boxes.
Why is marine-grade aluminum preferred over steel for LNG cable trays?
Marine-grade 6063-T6 aluminum provides inherent corrosion resistance without the maintenance burden of galvanized steel. Aluminum is also roughly one-third the weight of steel, reducing structural loading.
Can Snap Track be specified for turnaround and brownfield projects?
Turnarounds are one of Snap Track's strongest use cases. The speed of push-pin assembly is especially valuable when outage windows are compressed and labor rates are at a premium.
Engineering Resources & Downloads
Access spec sheets, CAD files, load tables, and product catalogs to support project design, quoting, and installation planning.
Related Industries & Products
Power Generation & Utilities → Industrial Manufacturing → Water & Wastewater → Snap Track Cable Trays → Instrument Stands → Distribution Manifolds → Perforated Angle & Channel →