Looking for a cheap and reliable cable support solution to house your wiring? Are you worried about the wiring in your industrial or engineering plant getting damaged or destroyed? Well,  we have something you might find useful.

Cable TrayCable Ladder

Cable ladders and Cable trays are a viable solution for housing electrical wires used in commercial buildings and large-sized manufacturing plants. Both these solutions have their merits and it is up to you to learn more about them so that you can make a proper decision regarding which way to go.

In this article, we will look at what are cable trays and cable ladders and what makes them different from each other so stay with us till the end.

  • What is a Cable Tray?
  • Advantages of Cable Trays
  • What is a Cable Ladder?
  • Advantages of Cable Ladders
  • Differences Between Cable Ladders and Cable Trays i.e.,
  • Structure
  • Airflow and Moisture Accumulation
  • Safety Level
  • Ease of Access
  • Aesthetic Appearance

What is a Cable Tray?

A cable tray consists of a single sheet of metal which sometimes comes with a slotted pattern. This mechanical support system provides a rigid structure to house electrical cables.

These trays are usually made from aluminum, stainless steel, or galvanized steel which gives them durability. You can also find non-metallic cable trays that are made from glass-fiber-reinforced plastics.

What is a Cable Tray

These trays are mostly used for lightweight cable support in power distribution, control, communication, and signal instrumentation. 

Advantages of Cable Trays

Following are the main reasons why cable trays are a more reliable option for use in industry as well as domestic applications:

  • Cable trays enhance the aesthetic appearance of the wiring they support.
  • They reduce electromagnetic interference and that gives longevity to your wiring.
  • These trays make sure there is no drooping of the wires which allows for better performance of your systems for a long time.
  • The slotted patterns in these trays make it easy to fasten cable ties and position equipment.
  • These trays also allow ventilation and water drainage.
  • Cable trays hide cables completely while keeping them organized at the same time.

What is a Cable Ladder?

This mechanical wire support system has a very simple design which involves side rails that are connected with rungs just like a ladder. It is considered the strongest cable support system of all. It is made from aluminum, steel, or FRP.

What is a Cable Ladder

Cable ladders are used when there is a need to support a high volume of cables or heavy cabling over long spans in industrial spaces, telecommunication, and similar heavy-duty applications.

Advantages of Cable Ladders

Here are a few benefits of cable ladders:

Advantages of Cable Ladders
  • This wiring support solution is cost-effective since installation is both easy and quick.
  • The wiring in this case is more accessible and you can effortlessly reach it for maintenance or replacement.
  • Cable ladders increase safety and mitigate hazards that result from cables trailing on the floor of your plant.
  • These ladders are made from high-quality materials and they have corrosion-resistive properties which makes them ideal for both indoor and outdoor use.
  • The perforations in the rungs and the distance between the rails increase ventilation and reduce humidity and moisture.
  • Cables can enter or exit from any point you want.

Differences Between Cable Ladders and Cable Trays

Now that you know what unique benefits both these wire support solutions provide, let’s look at some key points of difference to give you a better idea.

Structure

The main difference between these two support systems is that of their structure. Cable trays are a closed sheet of metal that comes with perforated patterns.

On the other hand, a cable ladder consists of two side rails and several rungs between them for support. 

Airflow and Moisture Accumulation

In cable trays, there is a slightly greater accumulation of moisture due to less airflow. In cable ladders, however, this is not the case which is the reason why they usually overheat less.

The closed structure of the cable trays can trap moisture and dust that sometimes lead to overheating and cause damage.

Safety Level

Cable trays tend to provide more protection to the wiring. In these trays, the wires are completely hidden and nothing can damage them from the outside. These trays can keep lizards, mice, and other such creatures away that can chew on the wires.

Cable ladders, on the other hand, leave your cables exposed and that can shorten the lifespan of your wiring.

Ease of Access

As we have mentioned before, cable ladders give you more accessibility. In case you need to reposition your wiring, replace the damaged wires, or do regular cleanup, you can easily reach out and access the wiring.

This is not possible with cable trays which are closed from all sides. You need to open the entire unit to access any particular piece of wire which takes more time and effort.

Aesthetic Appearance

Cable trays conceal your wires completely. They come in a lot of different styles and patterns that can make your indoors look more organized. If you don’t have a paneled ceiling then you can use cable trays to keep your wires organized without sacrificing the aesthetics.

This is not the case with cable ladders which is why they are mostly used in industrial applications.  

Conclusion

Choosing the right cable tray can not only increase the safety of your wiring but it can also ensure that your indoors look aesthetically pleasant and that there is also a degree of practicality. If you go with the cable trays you get reduced electromagnetic interference, no risks of drooping, and a great look.

On the other hand, cable ladders give you low costs, more accessibility, and both indoor and outdoor compatibility. By considering these various aspects of cable trays and ladders and weighing their pros and cons, you can easily figure out which option will work best for you.

You can visit PSI power solutions to discover the top quality cable trays and ladders for use in your next project.