A Complete Guide to Cable Trays

by Hariom Balhara Digital Marketing Manager

A cable tray system is used to support insulated electric cables required for communication and power distribution. These are generally utilized in electrical wiring of commercial and industrial constructions. The cable trays offer quick, efficient, and organized solution to different kinds of wiring related problems. The most advantageous part of these trays is that they are capable of supporting all types of cables including power distribution, telecommunication, optical, sensitive control, and high voltage power wiring.

Cable Tray Material

To suit the requirements of different industries cable trays are manufactured from different types of materials. This includes:

Aluminum

Cable trays that are manufactured from extruded aluminum are preferred in most of the industries. These are known for high strength-to-weight-ratio, ease of installation, and great resistance to particular resistive environment. Being non-magnetic in nature, it reduces electrical losses to a great extent. The resistant to corrosion is made possible due to the self heating of aluminum-oxide film that protects the surface.

Steel

Steel cables trays are fabricated from high quality steel by using a continuous roll-formed process. The process increases its mechanical strength making it suitable for many industries. Main advantage of steel cable trays is low cost and high strength. On the other hand, its disadvantages include low electrical conductivity, poor corrosion resistance, and high weight. Corrosion on the steel trays depends upon variety of factors like environmental conditions, coating applied for finishing, and others etc.

Stainless Steel

The main qualities of stainless steel trays are high creep strengths and high yield strength at high ambient temperatures. In addition, stainless steel is resistant to organic chemicals, dyestuff, and inorganic chemicals at elevated temperature. High amount of nickel & chromium and reduced amount of carbon helps to increase its corrosion resistant property and also facilitate welding.

Like aluminum and steel cable trays, stainless steel trays are also available in different sizes. Cable tray manufacturers in Delhi and other cities are offering all type of cable trays in all sizes and at affordable price range.

Types of Cable Trays

In general, there are six types of cable trays:

1. Solid Bottom

2. Ladder Type

3. Trough

4. Single Rail

5. Wire Mesh

6. Channel

Let’s describe them in detail:

1. Solid Bottom Cable Tray

Solid Bottom Cable Trays are generally used for EMI/RFI shielding protection for sensitive circuits particularly. When combined with steel covers, it provides higher level of shielding provided there are no breaks and holes in entire installation. In addition, it is also used for minimal heat generating electrical and telecommunication applications with short intermediate support.

2. Ladder Type Cable Trays

Unlike solid bottom, ladder type cable trays are used in applications with intermediate to long support spans. It comes with solid side rail protection and system strength with smooth radius fittings. The advantageous part is moisture can’t accumulate in ladder type cable trays.

3. Trough Cable Trays

It is mainly used moderate heat generating applications with short intermediate support spans. It is available in both metallic and non-metallic materials. With fix rung spacing of 4 inches on center, it is used in variety of industries.

4. Single Rail Cable Tray

Single rail cable tray is mainly used for power cable and low voltage installations. These aluminum systems are quick and efficient systems to install and provide maximum freedom for cable to enter & exit the system.

5. Wire Mesh Cable Tray

Wire mesh is mostly used for fiber optic and telecommunication applications. Like solid bottom and trough cable trays, it also has short support spans.

6. Channel Cable Tray

Channel cable tray is primarily used for installation with limited number of tray cables where conduit is undesirable. It is used in the applications with short to medium support spans.

Hariom Balhara is an experienced writer. He is adept in writing on storage racks manufacturers, cable trays, and raceway manufacturers.