Aluminum alloy cable trays are lightweight, corrosion-resistant systems designed to support electrical and instrumentation cables, conforming to NEMA, UL, CSA, and IEC standards.

Material and Construction

Aluminum cable trays are typically fabricated from Aluminum Association Alloy 6063 for straight sections and rungs, with 5052 alloy used for other fabricated parts . Ladder-type trays consist of two longitudinal side rails with welded transverse rungs. Rungs are spaced at 6, 9, or 12 inches, with radiused fittings following industry-standard spacing . Side rails are often I-beam shaped for structural strength, and all edges are rounded and smooth to prevent cable damage . Snap-in splice plates or Wedge-Lock splice plates are used for connecting sections, ensuring electrical continuity and mechanical stability .

Load Ratings and Safety

Aluminum trays are designed to support an additional 200 lb concentrated load at any point above the rated cable load, with a safety factor of 1.5 . Deflection is calculated based on simple spans, with continuous spans reducing deflection by up to 50% . Load classes follow CSA, NEMA, and UL guidelines, with specific ratings for ladder, ventilated, and solid-bottom trays .

Dimensions and Configurations

Standard tray widths range from 6 to 36 inches, with lengths of 10, 12, 20, or 24 feet . Fittings include elbows, tees, and crosses with minimum radii of 12 to 48 inches, depending on the application . Ventilated trays allow airflow and heat dissipation, while solid-bottom trays provide full support for sensitive instrumentation cables .

Standards and Compliance

Aluminum cable trays comply with multiple standards:

• NEMA VE 1 & VE 2: Manufacturing and installation requirements for metal cable trays .
• UL 568: Performance requirements for safe application of fiberglass and aluminum trays .
• CSA C22.1 Part 1: Canadian Electrical Code for installation and ampacity of conductors .
• IEC 61537: International standard for metal and nonmetal cable tray systems .
• NFPA 70 (NEC): Installation and safety requirements for ladder, ventilated, and solid-bottom trays .
• NFPA 79 & 70E: Safety standards for industrial machinery and electrical hazard protection .

Advantages

Aluminum trays are lighter than steel, making them easier to handle and install, and they are corrosion-resistant, suitable for indoor and outdoor environments . They are compatible with cable ties, clamps, and grounding systems, and their modular design allows for flexible routing of instrumentation and power cables.

Installation Considerations

• Ensure proper span support to minimize deflection.
• Select tray material based on environmental exposure (e.g., corrosive or humid conditions).
• Follow manufacturer guidelines for fittings, splice plates, and grounding.
• Verify compliance with local electrical codes and safety standards before installation . Aluminum alloy instrument cable trays provide a reliable, lightweight, and code-compliant solution for supporting and organizing electrical and instrumentation cables in industrial and commercial installations.