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What type of support cable tray should be used

Fiber and communications infrastructure knowledge brief Published 11 Aug 2020

Prepared for preliminary research by the ALFA PRO knowledge desk. Confirm optical interfaces, port or core capacity, electrical input and output, enclosure protection, thermal design and installation limits against current standards and product documentation.

Cable tray supports should be chosen based on tray type, load, span, and environmental conditions, using wall brackets, suspended supports, or center suspensions as appropriate.

Types of Cable Tray Supports

Wall and Support BracketsUsed to attach cable trays directly to walls or vertical surfaces. Suitable for short-span trays or when ceiling suspension is not feasible. Ideal for indoor installations with moderate cable loads.

Suspended Supports (Hangers)Cable trays are hung from ceilings or structural beams using rods, chains, or straps. Common for ladder or perforated trays carrying heavy power cables. Span intervals typically range from 6–12 feet for short to intermediate spans, depending on tray type and load.

Center Suspensions

Support trays at midpoints between two end supports, reducing sag in long spans. Often used in industrial or outdoor installations where trays span 14–20 feet or more. Extra-long spans (20–40 feet) may require multiple center suspensions to maintain structural integrity.

Span and Load Considerations

Short Span Trays: Supported every 6–8 feet; suitable for light to moderate cable loads. Intermediate Span Trays: Supported every 10–12 feet; common for standard industrial installations.

Long and Extra-

Long Span Trays: Supported every 14–20 feet or more; used outdoors or for heavy cable bundles. The support span must always be less than or equal to the tray length, and only one splice plate should be placed between supports to maintain strength.

Material and Environmental Factors

Supports should match the tray material (steel, stainless steel, aluminum) and be compatible with environmental conditions such as humidity, corrosive substances, or outdoor exposure. Galvanized or stainless steel supports are recommended for corrosive or wet environments. For solid bottom trays, consider weep holes to prevent water accumulation when used outdoors or in humid areas.

Practical Tips

Ladder trays carrying large power cables may require wider rung spacing (9–18 inches) to maintain proper cable bending radii. Always follow manufacturer recommendations for support placement and load capacity. For sensitive circuits, solid bottom trays with covers can provide EMI/RFI shielding, but moisture management must be considered.

By selecting the correct type of support and spacing, cable trays can safely carry electrical, control, and communication cables while ensuring compliance with standards and long-term reliability.

What type of support cable tray should be used - ALFA PRO COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS (Pty) Ltd [PDF]

What type of support cable tray should be used

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Technical note

This reference is intended for preliminary fiber and communications infrastructure research. Optical interface, fiber type, port or core capacity, electrical input and output, enclosure protection, cooling, installation limits and applicable standards must be verified for the specific project.

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