Guide to Cable Trays Cable trays are available in six basic types, each with its own characteristics and intended applications. In Brief ‘Overvew on available types of cable trays and ‘heir uses. Related Products: Lodger Cable Tray: Solid Bottom Cable Tay: ‘Tough Cabie Toy: Channel Cable Toy: Wire Mesh Cable Tey, Single ait Cable Tray (0 voy Weed > able trays provide a support system for ‘power, signal, communication and optical Niber cables. As defined by the National Electrical Code (NEC), a cable tray system is “anit or assembly of units or sections and assoc ated fittings forming a rigid structural system used ta securely fasten of support cables and raceways.” NEC Articles 318, 250 and 800 cover the various aspects of cable tay systems The types of cables permitted by the 2008 NEC for installation in cable tray systems are indicated in Section 392.3 uses permitted, (a) Wiring Methods. ‘They inctude: + Bower and Control Tray Cable (Type TO)-NEC Article 336 + Power Limited Tray Cable (Type PLTC)- NEC Sections 725-61(C) and 725.82(E) Instrument “Tray Cable (Type ITC)-NEC Article 727 + Optical Fiber Cables~ Article 770 + Fire Alarm Circuit Conductors~ Article 760 + Communication Cables Article 800 + Mineral Insulated (MI) Cable~ Article 332, + Metal Clad (MC) Cable~Artice 380, + Other cables, including those specially approved for installation in cabe trays. Medium voltage (type MV) and single conductor cables in sizes 1/0 and Jarger are permitted with some restrictions in Industrial Establishments where qualified persons service the installation, able trays ate made of either steel, ahuminum or ber reinforced plastic (FRP) and are available in six basic types, each with its own characteristics and intended applications. These six types ate: Ladder Cable Tray Generally wed in applications with intermediate to Tong support spans 12 030 ft Characteristics + Sold side rail protection and system strength with smooth radius fittings and wide selection ‘of materials and finishes «+ Maximum strength for long span applications + Standard widths of, 12,18, 24, 30 836 inches 4 Standard depths of 34,5 & 6inches + Standard lengths of 1, 12,20 & 24 fect + Rug spacing of 69,128 18 inches Solid Bottom Cable Tray Generally used for minimal heat generating electri al or telecommunication applications with short to iincermediate support spans-—5 to 12 fet. Characteristics, + Non-ventilated continuous support for delicate bles with added cable protection available in ‘metallic and fiberglass + Solid bottom metalic wth solid metal covers for non-plenuim rated cable in enviconmental areas + Standard widths of 6, 12,18, 24, 30 & 36 inches «Standard depths of 34,5 & 6 inches «+ Standard lengths of 10,12, 20 & 24 feet. Trough Cable Tray Generally used for moderate heat generating appl cations with shorto intermediate suppor spans-— ola et Characteristics «+ Moderate ventilation with added cable support frequency—with the bottom configuration providing cable support every four inches. «Available in metal and nonmetallic materials + Standard widths of 12,18, 24, 30 & 36 inches + Standard depths of 3 45 86 inches + Standard lengths of 10,12, 20 & 24 feet + Fixed rung spacing of 4 inches on center. Channel Cable Tray Used for installations with limited. numbers of tray cable when conduit it undesirable, Support feequeney with short to medium support spans—3 oldeCharacteristics + Economical support for cable dropsand branch cableruns | from the backbone cable tray system + Standard widths of 3,4, &6 inches in metal systems and ‘upto 8 inches in nonmetallic systems + Standard depths of | 1/4 10 13/4 inches in metal systems and 1,1 1/8, 15/8 & 2 316 inches in nonmetallic systems «+ Standard length Wie Mesh Cable Tey Wire Mesh Cable Tray Generally used for tlecommunication and fiber optic applica tions, installed on short support spans—4 to 8 feet. Characteristics «jb sit, field adaptable support system primarily forlow voltage, telecommunication and fiber optic cables. These systems ae typically stel wire mesh, zine pated «+ Standard widths of 2 46,8, 12, 16, 18,20 & 24 inches + Standard depths of 1,2 & 4 inches * Standard length of about 10 fet Single Rail Cable Tray Generally used for lo voltage and power cable installations where maximum cable freedom, sde fill and speed to instal se factors haracterstcs «These aluminum systems are the ses systems to install and provide the maximum freedom for cable to eter and exit the system + Single hung or wall mounted systems in single or muiple tiers + Standard widths are 6,9, 12,18 824 inches ¢ Siandatd depths are 34 86 inches, ¢ Standard lengths aze 108 12 feet 4 Information provided by the CT! (Cable Tay b association comprised of the major cal ‘nstallers about using cable ray systems, wweweablets Dic you find this article of intorest? CCacte 320 Very interesting (Grcie 3211 Somawnat interesting, (Circle 322 Net interesting Sear fo mat inemaation on his sujet at ww ECPEONE com manufacturers, | formed to provide information to specifiers, designers and Peel i ey than 45 seconds for $1.93? PC A EL ee DIAMONDS AT WORK Chrele 263 for Foe Product Infermation