types of cable trays

What are Types of Cable Trays?

January 10, 2025

What are Cable Trays?

Cable trays are essential components in electrical systems, providing a safe, organized, and efficient means of managing cables. They are widely used across industries such as construction, manufacturing, data centers, and more. Each type of cable tray serves a specific purpose and is tailored to meet varying requirements. In this article, we’ll explore the most common types of cable trays, their advantages, and the cable tray sizes available to help you choose the right one for your project.

Below are the types of cable trays:

  • Ladder Cable Tray
  • Perforated Cable Tray
  • Wiremesh Cable Tray
  • Raceway Cable Tray
  • Stainless Steel Cable Tray
  • Aluminum Cable Tray
  • Electrical Cable Tray
  • Solid Bottom Cable Tray
  • Channel Cable Tray

1. Electrical Cable Tray

Electrical cable trays are the backbone of cable management systems. Designed to support and organize power and data cables, they are a versatile solution for numerous applications.

Advantages:

  • Provides a safe pathway for cables, reducing the risk of electrical hazards.
  • Easy to install and modify for future cable additions or rerouting.
  • Enhances the aesthetic appeal of cable installations.

Applications:

  • Commercial buildings and offices.
  • Industrial plants for routing heavy-duty electrical cables.

Sizes:

  • Widths: 100 mm to 600 mm
  • Heights: 25 mm to 150 mm
  • Lengths: Typically, 2.5 to 3 meters per section

2. Raceway Cable Tray

Raceway cable trays are enclosed pathways designed to protect cables from external elements, ensuring durability and safety in harsh environments.

Advantages:

  • Shields cables from dust, debris, and moisture, extending their lifespan.
  • Ideal for environments with high electromagnetic interference (EMI).
  • Provides a clean, professional look to cable installations.

Applications:

  • Hospitals and laboratories for protecting sensitive communication cables.
  • Outdoor installations exposed to harsh weather conditions.

Sizes:

  • Widths: 50 mm to 300 mm
  • Heights: 50 mm to 100 mm
  • Lengths: 2 to 3 meters per section

3. Wire Mesh Cable Tray

Wire mesh cable trays, also known as basket trays, are lightweight and provide excellent ventilation, making them perfect for IT and telecommunication setups.

Advantages:

  • Promotes optimal airflow, preventing overheating of cables.
  • Lightweight design ensures easy installation and handling.
  • Highly customizable for on-site modifications.

Applications:

  • Data centers and IT facilities for high-density cabling.
  • Commercial buildings with suspended ceilings.

Sizes:

  • Widths: 50 mm to 600 mm
  • Heights: 25 mm to 150 mm
  • Lengths: 2 to 3 meters per section

4. Perforated Cable Tray

Perforated cable trays have small holes or slots along their surface, making them ideal for moderate cable support while allowing heat dissipation.

Advantages:

  • Facilitates proper ventilation, preventing cable overheating.
  • Offers strong support for medium to heavy cables.
  • Cost-effective and widely available.

Applications:

  • Power plants for supporting high-voltage cables.
  • Manufacturing facilities and workshops.

Sizes:

  • Widths: 50 mm to 1000 mm
  • Heights: 25 mm to 150 mm
  • Lengths: 2.5 to 3 meters per section

5. Ladder Type Cable Tray

Ladder type cable trays consist of two side rails connected by rungs, resembling a ladder. These trays are ideal for heavy-duty cable management.

Advantages:

  • Provides superior strength and durability for heavy cables.
  • Easy to install with pre-punched holes for accessories.
  • Allows cables to be secured with ties or clamps.

Applications:

  • Industrial plants and factories for heavy electrical cables.
  • Oil and gas industries for harsh outdoor conditions.

Sizes:

  • Widths: 150 mm to 1200 mm
  • Heights: 50 mm to 150 mm
  • Lengths: 3 to 6 meters per section

6. Aluminum Cable Tray

Aluminum cable trays are lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and highly durable, making them suitable for outdoor and industrial applications.

Advantages:

  • Resistant to rust and corrosion, even in harsh environments.
  • Lightweight design reduces installation effort and costs.
  • High thermal conductivity helps in heat dissipation.

Applications:

  • Solar power installations.
  • Coastal and marine industries.

Sizes:

  • Widths: 100 mm to 1000 mm
  • Heights: 25 mm to 150 mm
  • Lengths: 2.5 to 3 meters per section

7. Stainless Steel Cable Tray

Stainless steel cable trays offer unparalleled strength and corrosion resistance, making them an excellent choice for chemical plants and marine environments.

Advantages:

  • Highly durable and resistant to chemical exposure.
  • Supports heavy loads without bending or warping.
  • Maintains a polished appearance over time.

Applications:

  • Petrochemical plants and chemical factories.
  • Food and beverage processing industries.

Sizes:

  • Widths: 100 mm to 900 mm
  • Heights: 25 mm to 200 mm
  • Lengths: 3 to 6 meters per section

8. Solid Bottom Cable Tray

Solid bottom cable trays are fully enclosed and provide maximum protection for sensitive cables, especially in dusty or corrosive environments.

Advantages:

  • Prevents dust, debris, and moisture from entering the tray.
  • Ideal for low-voltage and fiber optic cables.
  • Offers enhanced EMI shielding.

Applications:

  • Telecommunications and fiber optics.
  • Cleanroom environments requiring cable isolation.

Sizes:

  • Widths: 100 mm to 600 mm
  • Heights: 25 mm to 100 mm
  • Lengths: 2.5 to 3 meters per section

9. Channel Cable Tray

Channel cable trays are compact and designed for installations with limited space. They are commonly used for light-duty cable management.

Advantages:

  • Space-saving design for compact installations.
  • Lightweight and easy to handle during installation.
  • Provides adequate support for small bundles of cables.

Applications:

  • Residential wiring setups.
  • Small-scale commercial or office projects.

Sizes:

  • Widths: 50 mm to 300 mm
  • Heights: 25 mm to 50 mm
  • Lengths: 2 to 3 meters per section

Conclusion

Selecting the right cable tray is crucial for ensuring the safety, organization, and longevity of your cable management system. Each type of cable tray—whether it’s the versatile electrical cable tray, the ventilated wire mesh tray, or the durable stainless steel tray—has unique advantages tailored to specific needs. By understanding the features, advantages, and available sizes of each type, you can make informed decisions for your projects. Always consider the environment, load capacity, and cable type when choosing a cable tray to maximize efficiency and performance. Visit Elcon Global a leading cable tray manufacturer in India to know more about cable management systems.

FAQs

1. What are the 3 main types of cable trays?

The three main types of cable trays are ladder-type, perforated, and wire mesh cable trays.

2. What are the benefits of using cable trays?

Cable trays provide organized cable management, improved airflow, and easy maintenance.

3. What is the standard cable tray size?

Standard cable tray sizes range from 50mm to 900mm in width and 25mm to 150mm in depth.