Cable Tray- The 8th Wonder In The Wiring System
Cable Tray- The 8th Wonder In The Wiring System
If you’re in the construction, industrial or wiring business directly or indirectly, ‘Cable Trays’ are something that you would have definitely heard of. Its popularity of course comes because of its emergence as a big alternative to electrical conduits & open wiring systems for reasons more than one. Be it industrial sites or commercial buildings or even high-rises, cable trays have become a normal occurrence whenever it comes to an efficient, budget-friendly and easy to install wiring system. This growing popularity has given rise to a lot of players in the cable tray manufacturing business who supply custom-tailored cable trays as well depending upon the needs.
So what are cable trays? What are they made up of? Let’s run through these questions one by one.
What Are Cable Trays?
A cable tray is a material made up of galvanized steel, aluminium, glass-fiber reinforced or stainless steel to hold and support a large number of wires in place in a systematized manner running from one end to the other. Cable trays are highly customizable and are available in different varieties with not just the material but also types and sizes. The biggest advantage they carry is the ease to change, replace or remove wires from the trays as opposed to pulling off wires through pipes from electrical conduits. Thus, they find a place in systems where change in wiring is highly anticipated from time to time.
Cable trays are used to route all types of wires such as high voltage power lines, power distribution cables, control cables, telecommunication cables and optical fiber cables.
Cable Tray Types
There are 5 types of cable trays available as below-
- Ladder cable tray
As the name indicates, these contain two side rails running parallelly joined by rungs at regular intervals just like a ladder. Thus, the cables are approachable from both top and bottom. With an astounding 80% usage in the industry, these cable trays carry the advantage of no-moisture accumulation given the well ventilated design. - Perforated cable tray
This tray type offers more support to the wires compared to the ladder type. The rungs are replaced by a perforated solid tray. This tray system also allows ventilation thereby minimizing chances of moisture accumulation in the tray. - Solid-bottom cable tray
This type is the same as perforated cable trays, but without perforations. It is preferred because covering cables entirely prevents interference from electromagnetic and radio frequency thus keeping the transmission efficient and unhindered. - Wire mesh cable tray
This cable tray looks like a mesh owing to its welding of stainless steel. It is used for short route wires and the ones with low voltage. - Channel cable tray
These are sent for when we have a lesser number of cables or branch cable running through the cable system’s main column with an impossibility for conduits.
Benefits of Cable Trays
Not just the budget, there are a number of considerations which project cable trays as an absolute winner. Running through the advantages is hence very much important given the wide-scale advantages offered:
- Durable & Systematic: Cable trays can carry a wide variety of wires suiting the needs. The management becomes easier in both short-term and long-term owing to its durability . Plus, it requires less maintenance throughout its life.
- The material advantage: The extent of customization isn’t just limited to cable tray size but also the manufacturing material. Thus, with the selection of the manufacturing material, it brings in the safety factor in play suiting the industry’s outdoor and indoor purposes.
- Pocket friendly: Cable trays are comparatively cheaper when juxtaposed with conduits and raceways in overall perspective covering design, fitting and maintenance, not just the cost.
- Customization advantage: Cable tray manufacturers provide cable trays in a variety of sizes depending upon the needs. Thus, you get exactly what you want.
- In a jiffy: When it comes to wiring systems, it’s some serious business demanding great attention to detail. Cable tray installation is quicker and safe at the same time compared to the alternatives.
Considerations and Bottomline
Cable tray has definitely emerged as a game changer in the wiring system. However, there are certain details which need to be taken care of. Before choosing, one must ensure a complete knowledge of the conditions of the installation site, the cost associated and the purpose of the wires being used. This will ensure choosing the right tray type based on both material and shape. The malleable nature allows for getting the right cable tray from the cable tray manufacturer. Galvanized cable trays are most preferred because they keep mishaps away from the site by preventing overheating and the likely short circuit of the wires.