Electric Power Engineering

Cable Tray types & sizes Complete Guide

Cable Tray – Types, Sizes, and Complete Guide (Pakistan 2025)

Cable trays are essential components of modern electrical installations, used to support, manage, and protect cables in industrial, commercial, and residential sectors. This complete guide explains cable tray types, sizes, materials, applications, installation practices, and selection criteria—fully optimized for Pakistan’s electrical standards.

What Is a Cable Tray?

A cable tray is a structural system used to safely support and route electrical cables, communication wires, and power distribution lines. Cable trays provide mechanical protection, organized routing, and easy maintenance.

Why Cable Trays Are Important in Electrical Installations?

  • Prevent cable damage

  • Improve heat dissipation

  • Ensure safe cable routing

  • Reduce installation time

  • Allow future expansion

  • Provide organized cable management

Cable Tray Types (Complete Classification)

Below are the most commonly used electrical cable tray types in Pakistan.

Perforated Cable Tray

Cable tray joint plate and couple
Solid bottom cable tray for sensitive cables

A perforated cable tray is manufactured from mild steel or galvanized steel and features evenly spaced holes across the bottom and side rails. These holes improve ventilation, reduce cable heat buildup, and allow easy drainage in moisture-prone areas.

Benefits

Industrial electrical wiring Power distribution inside factories Commercial buildings Suspended ceiling systems

Uses

Prevents overheating of wires Easy cable tie-down points Cost-effective & durable Can be paired with covers for dust protection

Solid Bottom Cable Tray (Maximum Cable Protection)

A solid bottom cable tray has a complete metal sheet base with no ventilation holes. This protects cables from dust, moisture, and external physical contact.

Advantages

Prevents dust contamination Shields cables from physical damage Ideal for clean environments

Ladder Cable Tray (Heavy-Duty & Long Span Support)

Electrical cable tray types and uses

A ladder cable tray is built using two side rails connected by horizontal rungs. This structure provides strong mechanical support and maximum air circulation.

Strength & Properties

Highest load-bearing capacity among all cable trays Ideal for long cable routes Best ventilation prevents insulation damage Reduces cable stress on bends

Best for

High-voltage power cables Outdoor cable routing Industrial plants & refineries Generator and transformer connections

Manufacturing & Fabrication

Production of standard and customized trays, cable supports, and accessories.

Advantages

No heat accumulation Superior structural strength Perfect for thick armoured cables Low maintenance

Wire Mesh Cable Tray (Basket Tray for IT & Low-Voltage Cables)

Made from welded steel wires shaped into a basket, wire mesh trays offer exceptional flexibility and lightweight installation.

Strength & Properties

Sleek & modern design Easy to cut, bend, and shape onsite Excellent airflow for sensitive equipment

Channel Cable Tray (C-Type or U-Type Tray)

Channel cable trays are made in a “U” or “C” shape, ideal for low-volume cable runs and short distances.

Strength & Properties

  • Slim profile

  • Cost-effective

  • Ideal for areas with limited space

Best for:

  • Residential buildings

  • Small offices

  • Control cables & signal wires

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Need more help?

Need help? Our team is here to assist you with cable tray selection, pricing, customization, and technical support.

Cable Tray Sizes in Pakistan (Standard Dimensions)

Cable tray sizes vary depending on cable load and project requirements.

 Standard Widths

  • 50 mm

  • 100 mm

  • 150 mm

  • 200 mm

  • 300 mm

  • 450 mm

  • 600 mm

  • 900 mm

 Standard Heights

  • 25 mm

  • 50 mm

  • 75 mm

  • 100 mm

 Standard Lengths

  • 8 ft (Most common in Pakistan)

  • 10 ft

  • 12 ft

Cable Tray Materials

Cable trays are manufactured using several materials based on application.


 1. Mild Steel (MS) Cable Trays

  • Economical

  • Strong load capacity

 2. Galvanized Steel Cable Trays (GI)

  • Rust-resistant

  • Long lifespan

  • Ideal for outdoor use

 3. Stainless Steel Cable Trays

  • Best corrosion resistance

  • Used in chemical, food, pharmaceutical industries

Aluminum Cable Trays

  • Lightweight

  • Good heat dissipation

Cable Tray Accessories (Complete List)

Proper installation requires matching accessories.

 Common Accessories

  • Cable tray bends (Horizontal & Vertical)

  • Reducers

  • Tee joints

  • Cross junctions

  • Couplers

  • Clamps & Hangers

  • Fasteners

  • Covers

Cable Tray Load Capacity (Light, Medium, Heavy)

 1. Light-Duty Cable Trays

Used for control cables & data lines.

2. Medium-Duty Cable Trays

Used for mixed wiring systems.

 3. Heavy-Duty Cable Trays

Used for industrial power cables with long spans.

How to Select the Right Cable Tray? (Engineer Checklist)

Follow these steps to choose the correct tray:

Checklist

  • Cable size & quantity

  • Load weight

  • Installation environment (indoor/outdoor)

  • Corrosion level (humidity, chemicals)

  • Required lifespan

  • Budget

  • Material selection

  • Safety requirements

Cable Tray Installation Guide (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Plan Cable Routing

Mark all points where cable trays will be installed.

 Step 2: Install Support System

Use wall brackets, ceiling hangers, threaded rods, or supports.H3: Step 3: Fix Cable Trays

Join trays using couplers, bolts, and clamps.

Step 4: Lay Cables

Place cables without overloading the tray.

Step 5: Apply Covers (if needed)

Use covers in dusty or outdoor conditions.

Applications of Cable Trays in Pakistan

  • Factories & industrial plants

  • Solar power projects

  • High-rise buildings

  • Shopping malls

  • Data centers

  • Hospitals

  • Power distribution rooms

Cable trays play a crucial role in electrical projects by providing strong, organized, and safe cable support. By understanding cable tray types, sizes, materials, installation methods, and applications, you can choose the right system for your industrial or commercial project in Pakistan.

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