National Standard for Wall Thickness of Cable Trays

Cable tray wall thickness varies by material, tray type, and duty class, with NEMA VE 1/VE 2 providing standard specifications for metallic trays and UL 568 for nonmetallic trays.

Metallic Cable Trays

For steel and aluminum cable trays, wall thickness is determined by tray type, load class, and span: Ladder and ventilated trays: Typical wall thickness ranges from 1. 2 mm (16 gauge) to 2. 5 mm (12 gauge) for side rails and rungs, depending on load rating and span length (light, medium, or heavy duty) as per NEMA VE 1/VE 2 guidelines.

Solid bottom or channel trays: Sidewalls and bottom panels generally range from 1. 5 mm to 3 mm, with thicker walls for heavy-duty or long-span installations. Aluminum trays: Due to higher strength-to-weight ratio, aluminum trays may have slightly thinner walls than steel, typically 1.

2 mm to 2 mm, while still meeting mechanical and corrosion resistance requirements. Galvanized steel trays: Hot-dip or electro-galvanized coatings add minimal thickness, but the base steel thickness follows the same NEMA VE 1/VE 2 specifications.

Nonmetallic Cable Trays

For fiberglass or other nonmetallic trays, wall thickness is specified under UL 568 and NEMA FG 1 (for fiberglass): Ladder, trough, or channel types: Wall thickness typically ranges from 3 mm to 6 mm, depending on tray width, span, and load class. Nonmetallic trays are designed to meet mechanical strength, fire resistance, and environmental durability, so thickness may vary with resin type and reinforcement.

Key Considerations

Duty class: Light, medium, or heavy-duty trays require different wall thicknesses to support the intended cable load and span. Tray width and span: Wider trays or longer unsupported spans require thicker walls or additional reinforcement. Environmental factors: Corrosive or outdoor environments may necessitate thicker walls or protective coatings.

Compliance: Always verify that the tray meets NEMA VE 1/VE 2, UL 568, NEC, or CEC requirements for your region. In summary, wall thickness is not uniform but depends on material, tray type, load class, and environmental conditions, with NEMA and UL standards providing the authoritative specifications for safe and code-compliant installations.