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Type of Cable Tray

AUGUST 13, 2011 14 COMMENTS (HTTP://ELECTRICALNOTES.WORDPRESS.COM

/2011/08/13/TYPE-OF-CABLE-TRAY/#COMMENTS)

Introduction:

Today cable trays have become a necessary part of industrial and commercial construction by
offering quick, economical and flexible solutions to these problems. Cable trays are capable of
supporting all types of wiring:

1. High Voltage Power Lines.

2. Power Distribution Cables
3. Sensitive Control Wiring
4. Telecommunication Wiring
5. Optical Cables

Cable Tray Materials:

Most cable tray systems are fabricated from a corrosion-resistant metal (low-carbon steel,
stainless steel or an aluminium alloy) or from a metal with a corrosion-resistant finish (zinc or
epoxy).
The choice of material for any particular installation depends on the installation environment
(corrosion and electrical considerations) and cost.

(1) Aluminium:

Cable trays fabricated of extruded aluminium are often used for their high strength-to-weight
ratio, superior resistance to certain corrosive environments, and ease of installation. They also
offer the advantages of being light weight (approximately 50% that of a steel tray) and

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maintenance free, and since aluminium cable trays are non-magnetic, electrical losses are
reduced to a minimum.
Cable tray products are formed from the 6063 series alloys which by design are copper free
alloys for marine applications. These alloys contain silicon and magnesium in appropriate
proportions to form magnesium silicate, allowing them to be heat treated. These magnesium
silicon alloys possess good formability and structural properties, as well as excellent corrosion
resistance.
The unusual resistance to corrosion, including weathering, exhibited by aluminium is due to
the self-healing aluminium oxide film that protects the surface. Aluminium’s resistance to
chemicals in the application environment should be tested before installation.

(2) Steel:

Steel cable trays are fabricated from structural quality steels using a continuous roll-formed
process. Forming and extrusions increase the mechanical strength.
The main benefits of steel cable tray are its high strength and low cost. Disadvantages include
high weight, low electrical conductivity and relatively poor corrosion resistance.
The rate of corrosion will vary depending on many factors such as the environment, coating or
protection applied and the composition of the steel. T&B offers finishes and coatings to
improve the corrosion resistance of steel. These include pre-galvanized, hot dip galvanized
(after fabrication), epoxy and special paints.

(3) Stainless Steel:

Stainless steel offers high yield strength and high creep strength, at high ambienttemperatures.
Stainless steel cable tray is roll-formed from AISI Type 316 stainless steel.
Stainless Steel is resistant to dyestuffs, organic chemicals, and inorganic chemicals at elevated
temperatures. Higher levels of chromium and nickel and a reduced level of carbon serve to
increase corrosion resistance and facilitate welding. Type 316 includes molybdenum to
increase high temperature strength and improve corrosion resistance, especially to chloride
and sulfuric acid. Carbon content is reduced to facilitate welding.

Finishing of Cable Tray

(1) Galvanized Coatings

The most widely used coating for cable tray is galvanizing. It is cost-effective, protects againsta
wide variety of environ mental chemicals, and is self-healing if an area becomes unprotected
through cuts or scratches.
Steel is coated with zinc through electrolysis by dipping steel into a bath of zinc salts. A

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combination of carbonates, hydroxides and zinc oxides forms a protective film to protect the
zinc itself. Resistance to corrosion is directly related to the thickness of the coating and the
harshness of the environ ment.

(2) Pre-Galvanized:

Pre-galvanized, also known as mill-galvanized or hot dip mill-galvanized, is produced in a

rolling mill by passing steel coils through molten zinc. These coils are then slit to size and
fabricated.
Areas not normally coated during fabrication, such as cuts and welds, are protected by
neighboring zinc, which works as a sacrificial anode. During welding, a small area directly
affected by heat is also left bare, but the same self-healing process occurs.
G90 requires a coating of .90 ounces of zinc per square foot of steel, or .32 ounces per square
foot on each side of the metal sheet. In accordance with A653/A653M-06a, pre-galvanized steel
is not generally recommended for outdoor use or in industrial environments.

(3) Hot-Dip Galvanized:

After the steel cable tray has been manufactured and assem bled, the entire tray is immersed in
a bath of molten zinc, resulting in a coating of all surfaces, as well as all edges, holes and
welds.
Coating thickness is determined by the length of time each part is immersed in the bath andthe
speed of removal. Hot dip galvanizing after fabrication creates a much thicker coating than the
pre-galvanized process, a minimum of 3.0 ounces per square foot of steel or 1.50 ounces per
square foot on each side of the sheet (according to ASTMA123,grade 65).
The process is recommended for cable tray used in most outdoor environments and many
harsh industrial environment applications.

Type of Cable Trays:

Cable trays are made of either steel, aluminium or fibber reinforced plastic (FRP) and are
available in six basic types,

1. Ladder Type Cable Tray

2. Solid BoCom Cable Tray
3. Trough Cable Tray
4. Channel Cable Tray
5. Wire Mesh Cable Tray
6. Single Rail Cable Tray

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(1) Ladder Cable Tray

Generally used in applications with intermediate to long support spans 12 to 30 feet.

Ladder cable tray is used for about 75 percent of the cable tray wiring system installations. It is
the predominate cable tray type due to its many desirable features:
A ladder cable tray without covers permits the maximum free flow of air across the cables.
This allows the heat produced in the cable’s conductors to effectively dissipate. Under such
conditions, the conductor insulation in the cables of a properly designed cable tray wiring
system will not exceed its maximum operating temperature. The cables will not prematurely
age due to excessive operating temperatures.
The rungs of the ladder cable trays provide convenient anchors for tying down the cables inthe
non-horizontal cable tray runs or where the positions of the cables must be maintained in the
horizontal cable tray runs. This capability is a must for single conductor cable installations.
Under fault conditions (short circuit), the magnetic forces produced by the fault current will
force the single conductor cables from the cable tray if they are not securely anchored to the
cable tray.
Cables may exit or enter the ladder cable trays through the top or the boCom of the cable tray.
Where the cables enter or exit conduit, the conduit to cable tray clamps may be installed
upright or inverted to terminate conduits on the top or boCom of the cable tray side rail.
Moisture can’t accumulate in ladder cable trays

(hCp://electricalnotes.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/1.jpg)

If cable trays are being installed where working space is a problem, hand access through the
cable tray boCom may help to facilitate the installation of small diameter cables: control
instrumentation, signal, etc.
The most common rung spacing for ladder cable tray is 9 inches. This spacing may be used to
support all sizes of cables. This spacing is desirable for the small diameter Type PLTC and TC
cables as the support distance is such that there is no visible drooping of the small cables
between rungs. 12 or 18 inch rung spacing provides adequate cable support but the slight
amount of small diameter cable drooping between rungs may be aesthetically objectionable for
some installations. The maximum allowable distance between supports for 1/0 through 4/0
AWG single conductor cables is 9 inches [1993 NEC Section 318-3(b) (1)].
Ventilated Trough Cable Tray
The only reason to select a ventilated trough cable tray over a ladder type cable tray is
aesthetics. No drooping of small cables is visible. The ventilated trough cable tray does provide
more support to the cables than does the ladder cable tray but this additional support is not
significant. It doesn’t have any impact on the cables service record or life.
Characteristics:
Solid side rail protection and system strength with smooth radius fiCings.
Maximum strength for long span applications
Standard widths of 6, 12, 18, 24, 30 & 36 inches

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Standard depths of 3, 4, 5 & 6 inches

Standard lengths of 10, 12, 20 & 24 feet
Rung spacing of 6, 9, 12 & 18 inches.

(2) Solid Bottom Cable Tray:

Generally used for minimal heat generating electrical or telecommunication applications with
short to intermediate support spans 5 to 12 feet.
The main reason for selecting solid boCom cable tray (with covers) is the concern of EMI/ RFI
shielding protection for very sensitive circuits. A solid boCom steel cable tray with steel covers
provides a good degree of shielding if there are no breaks or holes in the completed
installation.
The solid boCom cable tray system has a disadvantage in that moisture can build up in the
cable trays. This can be controlled by drilling 1/4 inch drain holes in the boCom of the cable
tray at three foot intervals (at the middle and very near the sides) if the cable tray is not being
used for EMI/RFI shielding.
Some engineers and designers specify solid boCom cable trays (often with covers) in the belief
that all electrical circuits have to be totally enclosed by metal. The cable trays are just
supporting cables that are designed for such installations. Cable failures in cable tray runs
rarely happen. Cable failures due to cable support problems in cable trays are nonexistent.

(hCp://electricalnotes.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/2.jpg)Characteristics:
Non-ventilated continuous support for delicate cables with added cable protection available in
metallic and fiberglass
Solid boCom metallic with solid metal covers for non-plenum rated cable in environmental
areas
Standard widths of 6, 12, 18, 24, 30 & 36 inches
Standard depths of 3, 4, 5 & 6 inches
Standard lengths of 10, 12, 20 & 24 feet.

(3) Trough Cable Tray

Generally used for moderate heat generating applications with short to intermediate support
spans—5 to 12 feet

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(hCp://electricalnotes.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/3.jpg)

Characteristics:
Moderate ventilation with added cable support frequency—with the boCom configuration
providing cable support every four inches.
Available in metal and nonmetallic materials
Standard widths of 6, 12, 18, 24, 30 & 36 inches
Standard depths of 3, 4, 5 & 6 inches
Standard lengths of 10, 12, 20 & 24 feet
Fixed rung spacing of 4 inches on center.

(4) Channel Cable Tray

Used for installations with limited numbers of tray cable when conduit is undesirable. Support
frequency with short to medium support spans 5 to 10 feet.

Characteristics:
Economical support for cable drops and branch cable runs from the backbone cable traysystem
Standard widths of 3, 4, & 6 inches in metal systems and up to 8 inches in nonmetallic systems
Standard depths of 1 1/4 to 1 3/4 inches in metal systems and 1, 1 1/8, 1 5/8 in nonmetallic
systems
Standard length of 10, 12, 20 & 24 feet.

(5) Wire Mesh Cable Tray

Generally used for telecommunication and fiber optic applications, installed on short support
spans—4 to 8 feet.

Characteristics
A job site, field adaptable support system primarily for low voltage, telecommunication and
fiber optic cables.
These systems are typically steel wire mesh, zinc plated
Standard widths of 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 18, 20 & 24 inches
Standard depths of 1, 2 & 4 inches
Standard length of about 10 feet.

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(6) Single Rail Cable Tray

Generally used for low voltage and power cable installations where maximum cable freedom,
side fill and speed to install are factors.

Characteristics
These aluminum systems are the fastest systems to install and provide the maximum freedom
for cable to enter and exit the system
Single hung or wall mounted systems in single or multiple tiers
Standard widths are 6, 9, 12, 18 & 24 inches
Standard depths are 3, 4 & 6 inches
Standard lengths are 10 & 12 feet.

Thermal Expansion and Contraction of Cable Tray:

A cable tray system may be affected by thermal expansion and contraction, which must be
taken into account during installation.
To determine the number of expansion splice plates you need, decide the length of the straight
cable tray runs and the total difference between the minimum winter and maximum summer
temperatures.
To function properly, expansion splice plates require accurate gap seCings between trays.
The support nearest the midpoint between expansion splice plates should be anchored,
allowing the tray longitudinal movement in both directions.
When a cable tray system is used as an equipment grounding conductor, it is important to use
bonding jumpers at all expansion connections to keep the electrical circuit continuous.

MAX DISTANCE BETWEEN EXPANSION JOINTS (For

1” Movement)
Temperature Steel (Feet) Aluminum(Feet)
Differential (oF)
25 512 260

50 256 130

75 171 87

100 128 65

125 102 52

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150 85 43

175 73 37

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About Jignesh.Parmar
Jignesh Parmar has completed his B.E(Electrical) from Gujarat University. He has more than 11
years experience in Power Transmission-Power Distribution-Electrical energy theft detection-
Electrical Maintenance-Electrical Projects(Planning-Designing-coordination-Execution). He is
Presently associate with one of the leading business group as a Assistant Manager at
Ahmedabad,India. He is Freelancer Programmer of Advance Excel and design useful Excel Sheets
of Electrical Engineering as per IS,NEC,IEC,IEEE codes. He is technical Author for ʺElectrical
Mirrorʺ and ʺElectrical Indiaʺ Magazines. He is Technical Blogger and Familiar with English,
Hindi, Gujarati, French languages. He wants to Share his experience & knowledge and help
technical enthusiasts to find suitable solutions and updating themselves on various Engineering
Topics.

14 Responses to Type of Cable Tray

Varun says:
August 16, 2011 at 2:31 pm
Thank U Sir for ur sharing with us.

Reply
mohammed samir says:
January 3, 2012 at 7:53 am
IS THERE ANY ISSUE REGARDING FIRE/WATER PIPES THAT SOMETIMES PASS
DIRECTLY UNDER CABLE TRAY INSIDE BUILDING AND MAKE CROSS (+) SHAPE? IS IT
SERIOUS MATTER IF IT OCCURS??
THANKS

Reply
narendra charola says:
January 24, 2012 at 2:41 pm

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now a day also FRP CALBE TRAY AVAILABLE IN MARKET IT IS LIGHTER THAN MATEL
CABLE TRAY.

Reply
subhash sharma says:
February 12, 2012 at 4:02 am
DEAR SIR,
I HAVE A QUECTION ABOUT CABLE TRAY,PLEASE TELL ME ABOUT FIRE BARRIER IN
50 MM
WITH COVER PERFORATED CABLE TRAY

SUBHASH SHARMA
ENNG. ELECTRICAL

Reply
saddam ali says:
April 15, 2012 at 2:19 pm
respected sir
plaese tell me about soft starter.

Reply
anand says:
October 8, 2012 at 1:33 pm
recpected sir please tell motor power&control how work motor

Reply
anand says:
October 8, 2012 at 1:53 pm
with timer

Reply
Dharti Gandhi says:
December 12, 2012 at 11:49 am
Very nice website.. Thank u so much… All topics are very good

Reply
dharmraj says:
March 31, 2013 at 10:30 am
thank u sir, it is very useful

Reply
pocalas says:
April 7, 2013 at 7:55 am
Kindly advice if there is an Electrical CODE to prevent or allow water pipeline across above
electrical cable tray?
Need your reply asap, please!

Reply
shrawan kumar says:
July 31, 2013 at 6:48 am
sir cable tray ka columan

Reply

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Hara prasad senapati says:

August 15, 2013 at 11:58 am
Sir,it s a nice topic..for cabel laying equipment …

Thanks
Er hara prasad senapati

Reply
anand says:
August 17, 2013 at 5:13 pm
r
sir my question
30 kw motor how much sqmm cable used
need answer with calacuation as soon as possible
1450 kw ht motor how to calcaute current

Reply
Jignesh.Parmar says:
August 17, 2013 at 5:21 pm
Already Given Excel sheet” Cable Size Design” in Excel Tools for this Purpose…

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