Cable Tray Selection - Material & Finish

Standards Available
MATERIAL MATERIAL SPECIFICATION ADVANTAGES
6063-T6 (Side rails, Rungs and Splice Plates) • Corrosion Resistance
• Easy Field Fabrication & Installation
Aluminum 5052-H32 (Trough Bottoms, Covers and Accessories)
• Excellent Strength to Weight Ratio
• Excellent Grounding Conductor
ASTM A1011 SS Gr. 33 (14 Gauge Plain Steel) • Electric Shielding
ASTM A1008 Gr. 33 Type 2 • Finish Options
Steel
(16 & 18 Gauge Plain) • Low Thermal Expansion
ASTM A653SS Gr. 33 G90 (Pre-Galvanized) • Limited Deflection
ASTM A510 Gr. 1008 (FLEXTRAY) (plain wire)

Stainless Steel AISI Type 304 or AISI Type 316 • Superior Corrosion Resistance
ASTM A240 • Withstands High Temperatures
Note: Fiberglass available - see page 308

Aluminum Steel Stainless Steel

Aluminum cable trays are fabricated
from structural grade “copper free”
(marine grade) aluminum extrusions.
Aluminum’s excellent corrosion
resistance is due to its ability to form
an aluminum oxide film that when
scratched or cut reforms the original
Cable Tray Selection
Steel cable trays are fabricated from
continuous roll-formed structural
quality steel. By roll-forming steel, the
mechanical properties are increased
allowing the use of a lighter gauge
steel to carry the required load. This
reduces the dead weight that must be
Stainless Steel cable trays are
fabricated from continuous roll-formed
AISI Type 304 or AISI Type 316/316L
stainless steel. Both are non-magnetic
and belong to the group called
austenitic stainless steels. Like carbon
steel, they exhibit increased strength

protective film. Aluminum has excellent
resistance to "weathering” in most
outdoor applications. Aluminum cable
tray has excellent corrosion resistance
in many chemical environments and
has been used for over thirty years in
petro-chemical plants and paper mills
along the gulf coast from Texas to
Florida. Typically, aluminum cable trays
can perform indefinitely, with little or no
degradation over time, making it ideal
for many chemical and marine
environments. The resistance to
chemicals, indoor and outdoor, can
best be determined by tests conducted
by the user with exposure to the
specific conditions for which it is
intended. For further information,
contact B-Line or the Aluminum
Association.
Some common chemicals which
aluminum resists are shown on pages
CTS-6 & CTS-7.
Aluminum Cable Tray
carried by the supports and the
installers. Using structural quality
steel, B-Line assures that the material
will meet the minimum yield and
tensile strengths of applicable ASTM
standards. All cable tray side rails,
rungs and splice plates are numbered
for material traceability. The corrosion
resistance of steel varies widely with
coating and alloy.
Steel and Stainless Steel Cable Tray
Note:
For help choosing proper cable tray
material, see B-Line Technical Paper
Series.
(bline.com/engineer/Technical.asp)
when cold worked by roll-forming or
bending.
Several important conditions could
make the use of stainless steel
imperative. These include long term
maintenance costs, corrosion
resistance, appearance and locations
where product contamination is
undesirable. Stainless steel exhibits
stable structural properties such as
yield strength and high creep strength
at elevated temperatures.
B-Line stainless steel cable trays
are welded using stainless steel
welding wire to ensure each weldment
exhibits the same corrosion resistant
characteristic as the base metal.
Localized staining in the weld area or
heat affected zone may occur in severe
environments. Specialized shielding
gases and low carbon materials are
used to minimize carbon contamination
during welding and reduce staining and
stress corrosion. Specify passivation
after fabrication per ASTM A380 to
minimize staining, improve aesthetics
and further improve corrosion
resistance.
A detailed study of the corrosive
environment is recommended when
considering a stainless steel design
(see pages CTS-6 & CTS-7).

CTS-2 Cable Tray Systems


Standards Available
FINISH
Electrogalvanized Zinc
Chromium Zinc
Pre-Galvanized Zinc
Hot Dip Galvanized Zinc
After Fabrication
Special Paint
Zinc Coatings
Zinc protects steel in two ways. First
it protects the steel as a coating and
second as a sacrificial anode to repair
bare areas such as cut edges,
scratches, and gouges. The corrosion
protection of zinc is directly related to
its thickness and the environment.
This means a .2 mil coating will last
twice as long as a .1 mil coating in the
same environment.
Galvanizing also protects cut and drilled edges.
Zn
ZnFe
Fe
Electrogalvanized Zinc
Electrogalvanized Zinc (also known
as zinc plated or electroplated) is the
process by which a coating of zinc is
deposited on the steel by electrolysis
from a bath of zinc salts. This finish is
standard for cable tray hardware and
some accessories for aluminum and
pre-galvanized systems.
A rating of SC3, B-Line standard,
provides a minimum zinc coating
thickness of .5 mils (excluding
threaded rod, which is SC1 = .2 mils)
When exposed to air and moisture,
zinc forms a tough, adherent,
protective film consisting of a mixture
of zinc oxides, hydroxides, and
carbonates. This film is in itself a barrier
coating which slows subsequent
corrosive attack on the zinc. This
coating is usually recommended for
indoor use in relatively dry areas, as it
provides ninety-six hours protection in
salt spray testing per ASTM B117.
Cable Tray Systems
Cable Tray Selection -
SPECIFICATION
ASTM B633
(For Cable Tray Hardware and Accessories, Alum. and Pre-Galv.)
(For Flextray Standard is B633 SC2)
ASTM F-1136-88
(Hardware for Hot Dip Galvanized Cable Tray)
ASTM A653SS Gr.33 G90 (CSA Type 2)
(Steel Cable Tray and Fittings)
ASTM A123 (CSA Type 1)
(Steel Cable Tray and Fittings)
Per Customer Specification
(Aluminum or Steel Cable Tray & Fittings)
Chromium/Zinc
Chromium/Zinc is a corrosion
resistant composition, which was
developed to protect fasteners and
small bulk items for automotive use.
The coating applications have since
been extended to larger parts and
other markets.
Chromium/Zinc composition is an
aqueous coating dispersion containing
chromium, proprietary organics, and
zinc flake.
This finish provides 1000 hours
protection in salt spray testing per
ASTM B117, exceeding NEMA VE-1
requirements by 300%.
Pre-Galvanized Zinc
(Mill galvanized, hot dip mill galvanized
ZnO
or continuous hot dip galvanized)
Pre-Galvanized steel is produced by
coating coils of sheet steel with zinc by
continuously rolling the material
through molten zinc at the mills. This is
also known as mill galvanized or hot
dip mill galvanized. These coils are
then slit to size and fabricated by roll
forming, shearing, punching, or forming
to produce B-Line pre-galvanized
cable tray products.
The G90 specification calls for a
coating of .90 ounces of zinc per
square foot of steel. This results in a
coating of .45 ounces per square foot
on each side of the sheet. This is
important when comparing this finish
to hot dip galvanized after fabrication.
During fabrication, cut edges and
welded areas are not normally zinc
coated; however, the zinc near the
uncoated metal becomes a sacrificial
anode to protect the bare areas after a
short period of time.
To further insure a quality product,
B-Line welds all pre-galvanized cable
trays with a silicon bronze welding wire
CTS-3
Material & Finish
RECOMMENDED USE
Indoor
Indoor/Outdoor
Indoor
Indoor/Outdoor
Indoor
allowing only a small heat affected
zone to be exposed. This small area
quickly repairs itself by the same
process as cut edges.
Hot Dip Galvanized After
Fabrication
(Hot dip galvanized or batch hot dip
galvanized)
Hot Dip Galvanized After Fabrication
cable tray products are fabricated from
steel and then completely immersed in
Cable Tray Selection
a bath of molten zinc. A metallic bond
occurs resulting in a zinc coating that
completely coats all surfaces, including
edges and welds.
Another advantage of this method is
coating thickness. Cable, trays hot dip
galvanized after fabrication, have a
minimum thickness of 1.50 ounces per
square foot on each side, or a total 3.0
ounces per square foot of steel,
according to ASTM A123.
The zinc thickness is controlled by
the amount of time each part is
immersed in the molten zinc bath as
well as the speed at which it is
removed. The term "double dipping"
refers to parts too large to fit into the
galvanizing kettle and, therefore, must
be dipped one end at a time. It does
not refer to extra coating thickness.
The layer of zinc which bonds to steel
provides a dual protection against
corrosion. It protects first as an overall
barrier coating. If this coating happens
to be scratched or gouged, zinc's
secondary defense is called upon to
protect the steel by galvanic action.
Hot dip galvanized after fabrication is
recommended for prolonged outdoor
exposure and will protect steel for
many years in most outdoor
environments and in many aggressive
industrial environments (see charts on
page CTS-4).
 Cable Tray Selection -
Standards Available
Service Life is defined as the time to 5% rusting of the steel surface.
Anticipated Life of Zinc Coatings In Various Atmospheric Environments
40
36
30
Life
in
Years
20
10
10
Rural
PVC Coating
PVC coating aluminum or steel cable
tray is not recommended and has been
removed from B-Line cable tray line.
Cable Tray Selection
The application of a 15 mil PVC
coating to aluminum or steel cable tray
was a somewhat popular finish option
15 or more years ago. The soft PVC
coating must be completely intact for
the finish to be effective. In a caustic
atmosphere, a pinhole in the coating
can render it useless and corrode the
cable tray. The shipment of the cable
tray consistently damages the coating,
as does installation. The splice
hardware, splice plates and ground
straps require field removal of the
coating to ensure connections. PVC
coated cable tray drastically increases
the product’s cost and delivery time.
B-Line recommends using fiberglass
- See Fiberglass section, or stainless
steel cable tray systems in highly
corrosive areas.
Material & Finish
Hot Dip = Zinc Coating 1.50 Oz./Ft.2 (.0026" Thick)
Pre-Galvanized = Zinc Coating 0.45 Oz./Ft.2 (.00075" Thick)
29
25
21
18
11
8
7
6 5
3
Tropical Temperate Suburban Urban Highly
Marine Marine Industrial
Environment
Painting Cable Tray Special Paint
B-Line offers painted cable tray to B-Line cable tray and supports can
any color specified by the customer. It be painted or primed to meet the
is important to note that there are key customers requirements. B-Line has
advantages and disadvantages to several colors available, consult the
ordering factory painted cable tray. factory.
B-Line typically does not recommend
If a non-standard color is required the
factory painted cable tray for most
following information needs to be
applications.
specified:
Painted cable tray is often used in
1. Type of material preparation
“open ceiling” applications, where all
(primer, etc.)
the overhead equipment and structure
is painted the same color. In this type 2. Type of paint, manufacturer and
of application, additional painting is paint number or type of paint with
often necessary in the field, after chip.
installation, to ensure all of the
3. Dry film thickness.
supporting components, such as
hanger rods, clamps and attaching
hardware have been painted uniformly.
Pre-painted cable tray interferes with
common grounding practices, requiring Material/Finish
the paint to be removed at splice Prefix Designation Chart
locations, and/or the addition of
bonding jumpers that were otherwise
Catalog Material
unnecessary. This additional field
modification not only increases the Number to be
installation cost, but causes potential Prefix Furnished
damage to the special painted finish.
A Aluminum
It is typically more cost effective to P Pre-Galvanized
use an Aluminum or Pre-Galvanized G Hot Dip Galvanized
Steel cable tray and paint it after ZN Zinc Plated
installation, along with the other S Plain Steel
un-painted building components. SS4 Type 304 Stainless Steel
Consult painting contractor for proper SS6 Type 316 Stainless Steel
surface preparation.
CTS-4 Cable Tray Systems
 Series 2, 3, 4, & 5 Steel - Straight Sections

6" NEMA VE 1 Loading Depth

7" Side Rail Height

Straight Section Part Numbering

Prefix
Example: 378 P 09 - 24 - 240

Series Material *Type *Width Length

P = Pre-Galvanized Ladder- 06 = 6" ¨ 144 = 12 ft.
¡
378 378
G = HDGAF 06 = 6" rung spacing 09 = 9" 240 = 20 ft.
09 = 9" rung spacing 12 = 12" ¨ 240 = 20 ft.
¡
476 476
12 = 12" rung spacing 18 = 18" 288 = 24 ft.
24 = 24" ¨ 240 = 20 ft.
¡
574 574
30 = 30" 288 = 24 ft.
Trough- 36 = 36"
6" thru 36" wide ¨Primary Length.
VT = Vented Trough ¡Secondary Length.
For side rail & rung
data, see chart on
pages AP-5 &
ST = Non-Ventilated Trough
AP-6 See page CTS-23 for
Rung
Spacing explanation of lengths.

Width
(Inside)
Overall Width
(Width + 13/8")

See page APP-1 for additional rung options. *Special sizes available.

Ladder Type Ventilated Trough Non-Ventilated Trough

(Specify Rung Spacing)
Series 2, 3, 4, & 5 Steel

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HST-9 Cable Tray Systems

 Series 2, 3, 4, & 5 Steel - Straight Sections

6" NEMA VE 1 Loading Depth

7" Side Rail Height

Values are based on simple beam tests per NEMA VE 1 on 36" wide cable tray with rungs spaced on 12" centers. Cable trays will
support without collapse a 200 lb. (90.7 kg) concentrated load over and above published loads. Published load safety factor is 1.5.
To convert 1.5 safety factor to 2.0, multiply published load by 0.75. To obtain mid-span deflection, multiply a load by the deflection
multiplier. Cable tray must be supported on spans shorter than or equal to the length of the cable tray being installed.

Individual rungs will support without collapse a 200 lb. (90.7 kg) concentrated load applied at the mid-span of the rung, over and
above the NEMA rated cable load with a 1.5 safety factor for highlighted NEMA spans and loads.

B-Line Side Rail NEMA, CSA & UL Span Load Deflection Design Factors Span Load Deflection Design Factors
Series Dimensions Classifications ft lbs/ft Multiplier for Two Rails meters kg/m Multiplier for Two Rails
1.50 NEMA: 20A, 16B 8 319 0.0006 2.4 474 0.009
CSA: D1-3m 10 204 0.0014 3.0 304 0.023
12 142 0.0028 Area=1.01 in2 3.7 211 0.048 Area=6.52 cm2
6.14 Sx=1.77 in3 Sx=29.01 cm3
378 7.188 14 104 0.0052 4.3 155 0.089
UL Cross-Sectional 16 80 0.0089 Ix=6.90 in4 4.9 119 0.151 Ix=287.20 cm4
Area: 0.70 in2 18 63 0.014 5.5 94 0.242
18 gauge 20 51 0.022 6.1 76 0.369

B-Line Side Rail NEMA, CSA & UL Span Load Deflection Design Factors Span Load Deflection Design Factors
Series Dimensions Classifications ft lbs/ft Multiplier for Two Rails meters kg/m Multiplier for Two Rails
1.50 NEMA: 20B, 16C 12 214 0.0019 3.7 318 0.033
CSA: D1-6m 16 120 0.0061 Area=1.22 in2 4.9 179 0.105 Area=7.87 cm2
18 95 0.010 Sx=2.14 in3 5.5 141 0.168 Sx=35.07 cm3
476 7.188
6.13
UL Cross-Sectional 20 77 0.015 Ix=8.30 in4 6.1 115 0.255 Ix=345.47 cm4
Area: 1.00 in2 22 64 0.022 6.7 95 0.374
16 gauge
24 53 0.031 7.3 80 0.529

B-Line Side Rail NEMA, CSA & UL Span Load Deflection Design Factors Span Load Deflection Design Factors
Series Dimensions Classifications ft lbs/ft Multiplier for Two Rails meters kg/m Multiplier for Two Rails
1.50 NEMA: 20C 12 361 0.0014 3.7 537 0.025
CSA: E-6m 16 203 0.0046 Area=1.64 in2 4.9 302 0.078 Area=10.58 cm2
18 160 0.0073 Sx=2.87 in3 5.5 239 0.125 Sx=47.03 cm3
574 7.188
6.11
UL Cross-Sectional 20 130 0.011 Ix=11.10 in4 6.1 193 0.191 Ix=462.02 cm4
Area: 1.50 in2 22 107 0.016 6.7 160 0.280
14 gauge 24 90 0.023 7.3 134 0.396

When cable trays are used in continuous spans, the deflection of the cable tray is reduced by as much as 50%. Design factors:
Ix = Moment of Inertia, Sx = Section Modulus.

Series 2, 3, 4, & 5 Steel

Cable Tray Systems HST-10

 Series 2, 3, 4, & 5 Steel - Accessories

Cable Tray Clamp/Guide

• Features a no-twist design.
• Has four times the strength
of the traditional design. 9ZN-1208 shown.
• Each side is labeled to Installed as a
ensure proper installation. clamp.
• Furnished in pairs, with or
without hardware.
• Not recommended for
vertical support.

9ZN-1204 shown.
Installed as a 11/2" 21/4"
(39mm) (57mm)
guide.

Catalog No.
Without With Overall Hardware
Hardware Hardware Length Size Finish Note: For heavy duty or vertical applications
in. mm see 9(*)-1241 or 9(*)-1242 page HDS-18.
9ZN-1204 9ZN-1204NB 11/2 38 1/4" G90
9ZN-1208 9ZN-1208NB 21/4 57 3/8" G90 When installing this device as an expansion
9A-1205 -- 21/4 57 1/2" Alum. guide on the outside flange of Steel Side Rail,
9G-1205 -- 21/4 57 1/2" HDGAF use the Catalog No. B202 Square Washer
in order to properly elevate the guide.
9SS6-1205 -- 21/4 57 1/2" 316SS Patent #
RE35479
9ZN-1205 -- 21/4 57 1/2" G90

Cable Tray Guide

• Expansion guide for single or double cable tray runs.
• Guide allows for longitudinal movement of the
cable tray.
• No field drilling of support I-beam or channel is required.
• Guides are required on both sides of cable tray to
prevent lateral movement - can be placed on either the
inside or outside flange of cable tray.
• Guides are sold in pieces - two guides are
required per tray.
• Maximum flange thickness 11/8" (28.58 mm).

Catalog No. Finish

9ZN-1249 Zinc Plated
9G-1249 HDGAF

Nylon Pad Neoprene Roll

• Use for friction reduction. • Used for material isolation.
• Hardness: Shore D80. • 1/8" x 2" x 25' roll.
• Low friction coefficient. • Hardness: Shore A60.
• UV resistant. • Good weatherability.
Series 2, 3, 4, & 5 Steel

• Excellent weatherability.
• UL-94HB.
1/8"
(3mm)

6"
(152mm)
3"
(76mm)

Catalog No. 99-PE36 Catalog No. 99-NP300

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HST-15 Cable Tray Systems