An energy guiding chain is disclosed for accommodating cables and hoses. The chain has laterally spaced parallel side-plates (1) with upper and lower cross-members (2,3). A cross-sectional space for said cables and hoses is defined by the side-plates and the upper and lower edges of the side-plates. The cross-sectional space is expanded by at least one of the cross-members being detachably mounted on the side-plates by connector parts (7). The cross-member is a bracket including bracket body (2) and a mounting member (6) at each free end of the body with a mounting member connector-part (8) for engagement by connector parts (7) which are engageable by movement of the mounting member connector-part in the lateral direction toward a plate connector part.