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Cable Tray Types Explained: Perforated, Ladder, Solid-Bottom, Trunking and Wire Mesh
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Cable Tray Types Explained: Perforated, Ladder, Solid-Bottom, Trunking and Wire Mesh
There are five main types of cable tray, and each one suits a different job. Perforated tray is the all-round choice for most indoor power and control routes. Ladder tray carries heavy cables over long supports. Solid-bottom tray shields sensitive or dusty cable routes. Cable trunking fully encloses cables for a neat, protected finish. Wire mesh tray is light and quick to install for data and low-voltage cables. The right type depends on the cable load, the environment, and how much ventilation and protection the cables need. This guide explains each type, when to use it, and how to choose.
Quick Comparison
Type | How it is built | Ventilation | Protection | Typical use |
Perforated tray | Solid base with punched holes and side rails | Good | Moderate | General power, control, and data routes |
Ladder tray | Two side rails joined by rungs | Very good | Low | Heavy cables, long spans, industrial plants |
Solid-bottom tray | Solid base with side rails, no holes | Low | High | Dusty areas and sensitive signal cables |
Cable trunking | Closed channel with a lid | Low | High | Exposed indoor routes, offices, and equipment areas |
Wire mesh tray | Welded steel wire basket | Very good | Low | Data centers and low-voltage cable runs |
Perforated Cable Tray
Perforated tray has a solid base punched with holes and two side rails. The holes let heat escape, allow cable ties to be fixed anywhere along the run, and let water drain. It is the most common type because it balances strength, ventilation, and protection at a moderate cost, and it can take a cover where more protection is needed.
Choose it when
- You need one tray type that suits most power, control, and data routes
- Cables need some ventilation but also some support across the base
- You want to fix cables easily at any point along the run
Think twice when
- The cables are very heavy and the supports are far apart, since a ladder may carry them better
- The area is very dusty or needs full shielding of the cables
Ladder Cable Tray
Ladder tray is made of two side rails connected by rungs, like a ladder lying on its side. The open design gives the best airflow and lets dust and water pass through, and the rails carry heavy loads over longer distances between supports. It is widely used in industrial plants, power stations, and large cable routes where cables are thick and heavy.
Choose it when
- You carry heavy power cables or many cables in one route
- Supports need to be spaced further apart
- Heat from the cables needs to escape freely
Think twice when
- Cables are small and need continuous support along the base
- The route needs dust or interference protection
Solid-Bottom Cable Tray
Solid-bottom tray, also called trough, has a solid base without holes, so it holds cables in a closed channel and, when fitted with a cover, shields them from dust and falling debris. It also gives some shielding from interference, which is why it is used for sensitive signal and communication cables. The trade-off is heat: with no airflow through the base, cables run warmer, so cable ratings and fill need checking.
Choose it when
- The route passes through dusty or dirty areas
- Sensitive cables need protection from interference
- Small cables need continuous support along the base
Think twice when
- The cables produce a lot of heat and need ventilation
- Water could collect on the base without drainage
Cable Trunking
Cable trunking is a closed rectangular channel with a removable lid. It encloses the cables completely, so it gives the neatest appearance and the most physical protection among the five types. It is common in offices, commercial buildings, and equipment rooms where cables run along walls or ceilings in plain sight.
Choose it when
- Cables are exposed and appearance matters
- The route needs full mechanical protection
- You need to add or change cables later through a removable lid
Think twice when
- You have large, heavy cables or a high cable count that will not fit in the channel
- Cables need strong ventilation
Wire Mesh Cable Tray
Wire mesh tray, also called basket tray, is made of welded steel wire that forms an open basket. It is light, quick to cut and install on site, and gives excellent airflow, which is why data centers and IT rooms use it for network and low-voltage cables. Because the wire mesh has a smaller contact surface, it suits lighter cable loads than ladder tray.
Choose it when
- You run data, network, or low-voltage cables
- Fast, flexible installation matters and routes change often
- Airflow around the cables is important
Think twice when
- Cables are heavy or the supports are far apart
- Cables need protection from dust or interference
How to Choose the Right Type: 4 Questions
- What are you carrying?
- What is the environment?
- How much heat do the cables produce?
- Do the cables need a cover or shielding?
Material and Finish
The tray type decides the shape, and the material and finish decide how long it lasts in the environment. Galvanized steel is the usual choice for most projects. Pre-galvanized steel suits dry indoor locations, while hot-dip galvanized steel suits outdoor, humid, and industrial sites because the zinc covers every surface. Stainless steel and aluminum are used where corrosion is severe or weight matters. Tell us the environment and we will recommend a suitable material and finish.
Conclusion
Choosing a cable tray type comes down to the cable load, the environment, the heat the cables produce, and how much protection they need. Perforated tray is the all-round option, ladder suits heavy cables, solid-bottom and trunking protect, and wire mesh is the light, fast choice for data cables. Many projects use more than one type on the same site, so match each route to the type that fits it. Final selection should follow your project specification and applicable standards.
FAQ
What is the most common type of cable tray?
Perforated cable tray is the most widely used, because it balances strength, ventilation, and cost and works for most power, control, and data routes.
What is the difference between a cable tray and cable trunking?
A cable tray is an open support that holds cables and lets air reach them, while cable trunking is a closed channel with a lid that fully encloses them. Tray suits larger cable routes and better cooling, and trunking suits exposed areas where protection and appearance matter.
Which cable tray type is best for a data center?
Wire mesh tray is commonly chosen for data centers because it is light, gives good airflow, and is quick to install and change. Perforated tray is also used, especially for larger power cables. The best choice depends on the cable types and the layout of the facility.
Need help choosing? Browse our cable tray range, or email admin@wananelectric.com with your cable list, environment, and quantity, and our team will recommend the right type and size.
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Room 17A01, Block 1, Yintai Building, No. 15 Huilong Road, Shengping Community, Longcheng Street, Longgang District, Shenzhen City,
Guangdong Province, China
Shenzhen Wanan Industrial Co., Ltd. is a China-based manufacturer of Cable Tray Systems and GI Electrical Conduits, established in 2004.
We manufacture perforated cable trays, cable ladders, cable trunking, galvanized and ZAM cable trays, and EMT, IMC and rigid steel conduits. With 22+ years of manufacturing experience, we provide factory-direct supply, OEM/ODM customization, and technical support for EPC contractors, MEP contractors, distributors, and industrial projects worldwide.
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