An overview of the 5 most common types of metal cable trays and cable ladders. Metal cable trays/ladders come in the following 5 common types:
- Pre-galvanized steel cable trays/ladders
- Powder-coated cable trays/ladders
- Hot-dip galvanized cable trays/ladders
- Aluminum alloy cable trays/ladders (1)
- Stainless steel cable trays/ladders (2)
(1): Aluminum alloy comes in many different grades. Here we look at 6061 aluminum alloy. Learn more about 6061 aluminum alloy here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/6061_aluminium_alloy
(2): Similarly, the stainless steel we look at here is 304 stainless steel.
Comparison Table of 5 Metal Cable Tray/Ladder Types
| Feature | Pre-Galvanized Steel | Powder-Coated | Hot-Dip Galvanized | 6061 Aluminum Alloy | 304 Stainless Steel |
| Material | Steel coated with a thin zinc layer, 6–12 microns | Steel coated with a powder coating layer 55–80 microns thick | Steel fully immersed in a molten zinc bath. Thickness per ASTM A123 standard | 6061 aluminum alloy | SS304 stainless steel |
| Durability/Corrosion Resistance | Fairly good, depending on the environment | Fairly good, depending on the environment | Good, highly rust-resistant | Good, hard to corrode | Excellent, the most corrosion-resistant of all |
| Heat Resistance | High | High | High | Medium | Very high |
| Load-Bearing Capacity | High | High | High | Low | Very high |
| Aesthetics | No options, only 1 color available | High aesthetic value, many color options to suit the installation environment | Similar to pre-galvanized steel, only 1 color available | Only 1 color, but suits nearly any space | Only 3 finish options — glossy, matte and brushed (highlight) — but very attractive |
| Price | Lowest of all types | Lower than the others, only higher than pre-galvanized steel | The mid-range price among the 5 types | High, due to the high cost of aluminum alloy | Highest |
| Applications | Suited to low-corrosion environments | Suited to low-corrosion environments | Suited to low- to high-corrosion environments | Suited to most environments except those with alkaline vapor | Suited to all high-corrosion environments |
Choosing the right type of cable tray/ladder depends on several factors, such as:
- Installation environment: Humid, dry, high temperature, etc.
- Load: The weight of the electrical cables.
- Aesthetic requirements: Interior, exterior.
- Budget: The price of each type.
Real-World Photos of the 5 Cable Tray/Ladder Types
Aluminum alloy cable tray/ladder — one of the 5 common metal cable tray/ladder types.
5 common metal cable tray/ladder types: powder-coated cable tray/ladder in orange. Powder-coated products come in a wide range of colors, suiting typical environments and applications with high aesthetic requirements.
5 common metal cable tray/ladder types: pictured above is hot-dip galvanized cable trunking. This product suits harsh environments.
Among the 5 common metal cable tray/ladder types, pre-galvanized steel cable trunking is the most affordable option.
Summary
- Pre-galvanized steel: Low cost, suitable for projects without particularly harsh environments.
- Powder-coated: Good durability, many color options, suitable for commercial and residential projects.
- Hot-dip galvanized: High durability, excellent rust resistance, suitable for harsh environments.
- Aluminum alloy: Lightweight, durable, good heat resistance, commonly used for projects requiring a lightweight solution.
- 304 stainless steel: The highest durability, absolute corrosion resistance, aesthetically pleasing, suitable for special projects.
Note: For the most accurate choice, you should consult experts or your cable tray/ladder supplier.
Based on the comparison table above, you should now have a clear overview of the metal cable tray/ladder types manufactured by The Sun. We hope this article helps you choose the right cable tray/ladder for your project.
Thank you for reading!
