Apr. 28, 2025
We want to see your next construction project succeed whether you choose Snake Tray as your partner for cable management solutions or not (although we don’t know why you wouldn’t).
Please allow our cable tray experts to offer these bits of advice when selecting a cable tray to help guide your selection of the right cable tray for every job.
Cable trays can be used both indoors and out. For outdoor use the trays must have extra protection, especially near saltwater bodies, to prevent corrosion and failure from exposure to the elements. Snake Tray customers can choose from hot dipped galvanized, stainless steel, or powder coated finishes to lock out moisture. Also, note that environmental conditions such as ice, snow, heavy winds, extreme temperature fluctuations, and even possible seismic activity can impact the cable types and volumes deployed in the tray. Snake Tray offers trays with a “lobster trap” design that securely hold cables in hurricane force winds for outdoor applications.
For indoor use, pre-galvanized and electroplated finishes are the norm, however powder coated trays are becoming more prevalent with architects and interior designers where the cable pathways are exposed. Snake Tray offers a rainbow of powder coated finishes so cable trays may blend with the surrounding décor in “open” commercial, institutional, and office installations.
Cable trays can be mounted in multiple ways; most are hung from the ceiling using threaded rods. Others are mounted directly to ceilings, walls, floors, rooftops, or are bolted to equipment racks in a data center or telecom room. Some cable pathways transition from wall to ceiling and back or change elevation.
Make sure the tray you choose is designed to be mounted to the proper horizontal and/or vertical surface(s). Many competitive trays will require the use of support struts and accessories to hang the trays and manage transitions. Snake Tray products have built-in universal mounting rings that attach to any surface without need for additional hardware. Features such as quick connection mechanisms, prefabricated basket tray sections, and hand-bendable trays enhance flexibility, speed installation, and reduce labor costs.
The NEC sets the standards for cable loading and the type of cables that are approved for use in a cable tray. The most frequently used tray cables are:
Snake Tray’s cabling experts can help you select the proper tray for each cable type.
The NEC Article 392 also sets limits for the volume of cables that can be loaded in a tray. The type of cable tray (e.g., solid, ventilated), ampacity (current-carrying limit) requirements, and voltage rating of the cables used determines the allowable fill for each cable tray. Overfilling a cable tray can lead to heat build-up, mechanical damage to cables, and potential safety hazards.
For low voltage and communication cables, the standard allows up to 50% fill capacity based on the cross-sectional
area of the tray. As an example, a 4” x 12” tray has a cross-sectional area of 48“ square. A typical .3” diameter CAT 6 communication cable equates to 0.070“ square. At a 50% fill rate, the 4” x 12” tray would hold roughly 342 cables.
For higher voltage cables up to 600 V, the issue here is ampacity. NEC Sections 392.9 – 12 describe cable fill in terms of area and cable diameter. The ampacity criteria in Article 392 are based on not exceeding those fill values. The number of conductors that can be installed in a cable tray is also limited by the weight of the cables for its given load rating.
Be sure to size the width of the cable tray and its load rating to accommodate for future expansion and additions. Never install trays that will reach the 50% fill capacity instantly. Snake Tray offers cable trays in widths up to 24” wide. Stepping up width in 6” increments from 6” to 12”, 18”, or 24” only increases the price by about 10% over the previous tray size. Check out our Loading Capacity Guide here.
Does the project call for additional components such as power or data modules? Make sure the cable tray you choose allows for the attachment of things like security cameras, occupancy sensors, and smoke detectors. It should also permit cables to safely exit the tray for end-point connection to devices.
Snake Tray’s Mega Snake® products allow for the easy integration of multiple accessories pertaining to the cables in the tray. For low voltage cabling, patch panels, cable waterfalls, cameras, and laboratory components can be directly mounted to the Mega Snake side rail.
On the electrical side, Mega Snake has a full complement of utility boxes, power modules, conduit plates, and cable dropouts that also attach directly to the built-in rail system. No accessories needed for accessories!
While low voltage systems may not be required to be grounded for shock or arcing, they should be grounded for noise, lightning protection, and electromagnetic interference. For higher voltage systems it is important to treat the cable tray as an equipment grounding conductor in conjunction with the ground conductors in the cables or an individual ground conductor.
The purpose of grounding is to minimize the damage from a wiring or equipment ground fault, and cable tray systems are considered a path of ground fault currents. Cable tray sections are bonded together through bolts, splice plates, clamps, and bonding jumpers. All bonding jumpers must be sized accordingly to meet the requirements of equipment grounding conductors. Both side rails of the tray must be bonded together to the next section. Snake Tray offers simple to install hardware that provides a mechanical and bonded electrical connection in one step. Snake Tray is your one-stop shop for all cable management needs!
What does the future hold? If the past 20 years are any indication the need for cable management will only increase. Smart buildings. AI-driven data centers. Solar plants. The underpinnings of our mobile world are hidden cables connecting wireless access points to the hardwired network. These drivers and others will continue to fuel the need for effective and flexible cable management solutions.
Cable trays should always be sized to accept additional cables in the future, and most engineers use a rule of thumb to only fill the trays to 40% capacity at time of install; 10% less than the NEC max fill capacity. What this means is that larger trays should be installed whenever possible to allow for future growth and expansion. As stated previously, adding six inches to the width of a Snake Tray cable tray only increases its price by approximately 10%, a lot less than the cost of adding a second tier.
An integral part of any project is having a place to store materials on the job site before it is installed. Snake Tray products are designed to nest together for a much higher density of material per square foot.
Typically, Snake Tray occupies 50 to 60% less space as the same number of competitive cable trays that do not nest. Advantages here include:
Building sweeping turns, Tees, and elevation transitions out of straight basket tray sections on-site is a time consuming and costly process. Highly skilled craftsmen are required to cut, grind, weld, and fabricate each piece manually, significantly impacting productivity and time to completion. Rather than spending 60 to 90 minutes completing each fixture, Snake Tray offers two classes of cable trays that slash installation time by up to 90% and we prove it in this video.
Mega Snake sections are available in prefabricated turns, Tees, and crosses that connect to the next segment in under five minutes. Our hand-bendable cable trays allow installers to navigate around any obstacle in seconds by shaping the tray as needed without tools. This also allows for the use of less skilled labor, further reducing overall cost of construction.
Will your selected cable tray work and play nice with other aspects of the project made by different manufacturers? Don’t get locked into purchasing a proprietary system that makes integration or transitions difficult or requires a specific accessory.
Snake Tray products are universal. Our Solar Snake Max products attach to any kind of pilings and transverse any terrain. Our hand-bendable cable trays have built in mounting rings that attach to any surface at any angle without struts or trapezes.
The prefabricated 801 Series Mega Snake system hangs from a single point using standard threaded rods and bolts.
Our 301 Series Snake Canyon® basket tray system is compatible with any brand of raised access floor (RAF) to build concealed cable pathways using a simple drop-in process and will not void any floor manufacturer’s warranty.
Link to Hongrui Manufacturing
Have any further questions? Please reach out. We’re happy to help guide your next cabling project from concept to completion.
Cable trays are indispensable in modern infrastructure, providing a safe, organized, and efficient way to manage electrical and communication cables across industries like manufacturing, telecommunications, and commercial construction. The best cable tray goes beyond basic support—it ensures safety, enhances system longevity, and streamlines maintenance. Whether you’re wiring a data center or an industrial plant, selecting the best cable tray is critical to achieving operational success and compliance with safety standards.
As cable tray manufacturers with extensive industry experience, we’ve created this ultimate guide to help you navigate the process of choosing the best cable tray for your project. We’ll cover manufacturer insights, key features, essential selection factors, and practical steps to ensure you invest in a solution that delivers value in and beyond. Let’s explore what makes the best cable tray the right choice for your needs.
A cable tray is a structural system designed to support and manage cables, wires, and conduits in diverse environments, from office buildings to heavy industrial facilities. The best cable tray stands out by ensuring safety, accessibility, and organization for power, data, and signal cables, preventing hazards like overheating or electrical faults. Its defining characteristics include durability to withstand environmental stress, sufficient load capacity to handle cable weight, and versatility to adapt to various installations.
These qualities make the best cable tray essential across applications. In data centers, it organizes intricate networks; in industrial plants, it supports heavy power cables; and in commercial buildings, it maintains tidy, accessible wiring. The best cable tray is a foundational element of efficient cable management.
Ladder cable trays feature an open, rung-based design that promotes airflow and simplifies cable access. Known as the best cable tray for ventilation, they’re ideal for power cables and heat-generating systems, preventing overheating in high-load setups like factories. Their advantages include superior air circulation and cost-effective installation, making them a top choice for large-scale electrical projects.
Wire mesh cable trays offer a lightweight, grid-like structure that excels in adaptability. Recognized as the best cable tray for flexibility, they suit data centers and environments requiring frequent cable changes, such as IT hubs. Benefits include easy modifications—cut and bend on-site—and excellent heat dissipation, ensuring reliable performance for dynamic installations.
Solid bottom cable trays have an enclosed base that shields cables from dust, debris, and physical damage. As the best cable tray for protection, they thrive in outdoor or corrosive settings like coastal plants or chemical facilities. Their durability in harsh conditions and enhanced cable safeguarding make them a robust option for challenging environments.
Channel cable trays feature a U-shaped design for compact cable routing, earning them the title of the best cable tray for small runs. They’re perfect for small-scale electrical or HVAC systems in offices or retail spaces, offering simple installation and space efficiency. Their streamlined design suits limited cable volumes with ease.
The best cable tray must match your cables’ sizes and types. Assess cable diameters (e.g., 10 mm to 50 mm) and configurations (bundled or single) to determine tray width and depth. Address power, data, or instrumentation needs—power cables need ventilation, while data cables prioritize flexibility. Follow NEC guidelines (Article 392) for fill capacity, ensuring safe loading (e.g., 50% for power cables).
Consider whether the best cable tray will be indoors or outdoors. Outdoor exposure to moisture or UV rays requires corrosion-resistant materials like galvanized steel, while indoor settings may allow lighter options. In harsh environments—think chemical plants—coatings like PVC enhance durability. Ensure the best cable tray handles temperature extremes, from -20°C to 60°C, for reliable performance.
Calculate the total weight of cables plus additional loads, like maintenance personnel (e.g., 200 lbs/ft). The best cable tray must offer structural integrity—check NEMA load ratings (e.g., 50-200 lbs/ft). Oversizing by 20-30% provides a safety margin for future expansions, preventing sagging or collapse over time.
Mounting options impact the best cable tray’s setup. Ceiling suspension suits overhead runs, wall mounting saves space, and floor placement works in basements. Use brackets, hangers, and supports for stability, ensuring spans meet manufacturer specs (e.g., 6-12 ft). Designs that reduce labor—like pre-punched holes—streamline installation.
The best cable tray in boasts material quality—steel for strength, aluminum for lightweight durability, or fiberglass for corrosion resistance. Galvanization or powder-coating protects against rust, ensuring longevity in humid or salty conditions, a must for outdoor applications.
Flexibility defines the best cable tray with bendable designs (e.g., wire mesh) for custom routing around obstacles. Modular systems allow expansion—add sections as needs grow—making it ideal for evolving projects like data center upgrades.
Open designs in the best cable tray, like ladder trays, optimize airflow, dissipating heat to extend cable life. Grounding capability—per NEC requirements—ensures it doubles as an equipment grounding conductor, enhancing electrical safety.
The best cable tray slashes labor costs by up to 84% (per Cable Tray Institute) with easy-to-install designs. Its durability minimizes replacements, offering lifecycle value that offsets initial investment—a key advantage for budget-conscious projects.
Selecting the best cable tray for your project in requires a structured approach to ensure safety, efficiency, and scalability. As cable tray manufacturers, we’ve refined this process into four actionable steps, drawing on decades of expertise to help you choose the best cable tray for your specific needs. From defining requirements to testing performance, this guide ensures your cable management system meets both current demands and future growth. Follow these steps to secure the best cable tray for your infrastructure.
Start by assessing your project scope to pinpoint the best cable tray’s requirements. Identify cable types—power cables (e.g., 600V feeders) need robust support, while data cables (e.g., Cat6) demand flexibility. Quantify your needs—50 cables today might grow to 60 with expansion—so plan for a 20% increase in cabling capacity. Evaluate environmental factors: indoor humidity might call for coated steel, while dry office settings allow lighter options. For example, a factory with 200 power cables in a humid climate needs a durable, ventilated tray. This step ensures the best cable tray aligns with your operational goals.
Next, evaluate the types of the best cable tray to match your application. Ladder trays suit ventilated power runs in industrial plants, supporting heat dissipation for 50+ heavy cables. Wire mesh trays excel in flexible data setups—like a data center with frequent rerouting—handling 100+ lightweight cables. Solid bottom trays protect outdoor installations (e.g., coastal warehouses) from debris, while channel trays fit small runs, like 10 HVAC cables in an office. Compare materials: steel offers strength for heavy loads, aluminum saves weight in overhead setups, and fiberglass resists corrosion in chemical plants. This evaluation pinpoints the best cable tray type and material for your site.
Collaboration with manufacturers refines your choice of the best cable tray. Leverage vendor technical specs—load ratings (e.g., 100 lbs/ft for ladder trays) and compliance data (e.g., UL, NEMA)—to confirm suitability. Request custom options: a 12-inch-wide tray for wide cable bundles or pre-fitted bends for tight corners ensures a perfect fit. For instance, a solar farm might need UV-resistant fiberglass trays with grounding accessories. Our team at [Your Company Name] provides free design consultations, ensuring the best cable tray meets your unique layout and standards with precision.
Finally, install and test the best cable tray to validate its performance. During installation, check alignment—spans (e.g., 6-10 ft) must match supports like brackets or hangers—and secure mounting to prevent sagging. Post-installation, test load capacity: a 150 lbs/ft tray should handle 100 lbs of cables without strain. Assess cable organization—ensure tidy routing and accessibility for maintenance. For example, a commercial building’s ladder tray should support 50 power cables while allowing easy upgrades. This step confirms the best cable tray delivers under real-world conditions.
Choosing the best cable tray for your project is a critical decision that can impact safety, efficiency, and long-term performance. However, common pitfalls can undermine even the most well-intentioned plans. As cable tray manufacturers, we’ve seen these mistakes derail installations, leading to costly repairs or safety hazards. Below, we outline four key errors to avoid when selecting the best cable tray, ensuring your cable management system stands the test of time in .
One of the most frequent mistakes is ignoring load limits, which risks collapse and jeopardizes safety. The best cable tray comes with specific capacity ratings—e.g., 100 lbs/ft for a ladder tray or 50 lbs/ft for a wire mesh design. Overloading beyond these limits, such as piling 150 lbs of cables onto a 100 lbs/ft tray, can cause sagging or structural failure. Always adhere to manufacturer-rated capacities, factoring in cable weight plus occasional loads like maintenance personnel, to ensure the best cable tray performs reliably.
Overlooking environmental conditions can doom the best cable tray to premature failure. Using uncoated steel outdoors, for instance, invites rust in humid or coastal areas, while indoor trays might not need such robust protection. A factory near a chemical plant requires corrosion-resistant fiberglass or galvanized steel, not bare aluminum prone to pitting. Match materials to your site’s conditions—moisture, UV exposure, or corrosive agents—to guarantee the best cable tray’s durability and safety.
Skipping compliance with standards like the National Electrical Code (NEC) can lead to fines or unsafe installations. The best cable tray must meet NEC Article 392 for fill capacity (e.g., 50% for power cables) and grounding requirements. Ignoring local codes or certifications (e.g., UL, NEMA) risks penalties or rework—imagine a commercial project halted for non-compliance. Verify codes upfront to ensure the best cable tray aligns with regulatory demands.
Failing to plan for maintenance complicates future repairs and upgrades. Inaccessible trays—e.g., solid bottom designs tucked behind machinery—make cable additions or inspections a nightmare. The best cable tray prioritizes access, like ladder trays with open rungs or mesh trays with flexible routing. Plan for maintenance pathways during selection to avoid downtime or costly retrofits, ensuring the best cable tray remains functional over its lifespan.
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