Cable tray structural types can be classified into perforated trays, non-perforated trays, ladder racks, and assembly-type trays. (1) A perforated tray is a trough-shaped component composed of a perforated bottom plate and side plates, or a component formed by punching and bending a single sheet of steel. (2) A non-perforated tray is a trough-shaped component formed by a bottom plate and side edges, or one made from a single sheet of steel. (3) A ladder rack is a ladder-shaped component consisting of side rails and several cross rungs. (4) An assembly-type tray consists of perforated components—designed for flexible combination at the project site—connected together via bolts or interlocking mechanisms to form a complete tray. Cable trays are universally used for laying cables; when low-voltage cables and control cables share the same tray or ladder rack:
Cable Tray Structural Types
They can be classified into perforated trays, non-perforated trays, ladder racks, and assembly-type trays.
(1) A perforated tray is a trough-shaped component composed of a perforated bottom plate and side plates, or a component formed by punching and bending a single sheet of steel.
(2) A non-perforated tray is a trough-shaped component formed by a bottom plate and side edges, or one made from a single sheet of steel.
(3) A ladder rack is a ladder-shaped component consisting of side rails and several cross rungs.
(4) An assembly-type tray consists of perforated components—designed for flexible combination at the project site—connected together via bolts or interlocking mechanisms to form a complete tray. Cable trays are universally used for laying cables; when low-voltage cables and control cables share the same tray or ladder rack, a ladder rack or tray equipped with a central divider should be selected.
Distinction Between Trough-Type and Tray-Type Cable Trays
- Applicable Fields
The trough-type cable tray is a fully enclosed type of cable containment system. This specific type of cable tray is particularly suitable for laying control cables associated with highly sensitive systems—such as computer cables, signal cables, and thermocouple cables—where protection against external interference is critical. Tray-type cable ladders are widely utilized in sectors such as petrochemicals, broadcasting, and telecommunications. Moreover, they are suitable not only for the installation of power cables but also for the routing of control cables. In this regard, the scope of application for tray-type cable ladders is broader than that of trough-type cable ladders. Specifically, trough-type ladders are primarily suited for routing wires and cables with small cross-sections but in large quantities, whereas tray-type ladders are mainly used for routing power cables with large cross-sections but in smaller quantities.
- Comparison of Features
Trough-type cable ladders offer excellent shielding against electromagnetic interference for control cables. Furthermore, they provide superior protection for cables situated in highly corrosive environments.
Tray-type cable ladders are relatively lightweight, capable of supporting heavy loads, and possess a more aesthetically pleasing appearance compared to trough-type ladders. Additionally, their simple structure makes installation both convenient and rapid. However, the surface treatment of tray-type cable ladders typically involves either plating or painting; consequently, in highly corrosive environments, special anti-corrosion treatments are required.
- Heat Dissipation
Trough-type cable ladders feature a closed design with no perforations; as a result, their heat dissipation performance is significantly inferior. In contrast, the bottom of a tray-type cable ladder is perforated with numerous waist-shaped holes, resulting in vastly superior heat dissipation capabilities.