National Standard Thickness of Cable Trays 2016

The standard thickness of cable trays in 2016 is defined by NEMA VE 1 and VE 2, which specify metal tray gauges based on tray type, width, and load/span class.

Overview of Standards

In 2016, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) VE 1 standard governed the manufacturing requirements for metal cable trays, including ladder, ventilated trough, solid-bottom, and channel types, while NEMA VE 2 provided design guidelines and load/span classifications . These standards were harmonized with the Canadian Electrical Code (CEC), ensuring consistent thickness and structural requirements across North America .

Typical Thickness Specifications

The thickness of metal cable trays is generally expressed in gauge (AWG) or millimeters, depending on the material:

• Steel (hot-dip galvanized or pre-galvanized):
  • Light-duty trays: 16–14 gauge (≈1.5–2.0 mm)
  • Medium-duty trays: 14–12 gauge (≈2.0–2.5 mm)
  • Heavy-duty trays: 12–10 gauge (≈2.5–3.5 mm)
• Aluminum trays:
  • Typically 1.5–3.0 mm depending on width and load/span class, with corrosion-resistant alloys used for harsh environments .
• Stainless steel trays (AISI 316L):
  • Thickness ranges from 1.5 mm for light-duty to 3.0 mm for heavy-duty applications, with molybdenum added for enhanced corrosion resistance . The exact thickness is determined by the tray width, span between supports, and load class (light, medium, heavy), as specified in NEMA VE 2. For example, a 300 mm wide ladder tray with a 3 m span may require 14-gauge steel, whereas a 600 mm wide tray with the same span may require 12-gauge steel .

Nonmetallic Cable Trays

For fiberglass or other nonmetallic trays, UL 568 and NEMA FG 1 standards define wall thickness and structural requirements. Thickness is typically 6–12 mm, depending on tray type and load rating, with pultruded fiberglass providing high strength-to-weight ratios .

Key Considerations

• Load/span class: Determines minimum thickness for safe support of cables.
• Material type: Steel, aluminum, or fiberglass affects corrosion resistance and mechanical strength.
• Environmental conditions: Corrosive or outdoor environments may require thicker or coated trays.
• Compliance: All trays must meet NEC Article 392 installation requirements and applicable NEMA or UL standards . In summary, the national standard thickness of cable trays in 2016 was not a single fixed value but varied by material, tray type, width, and load/span class, as defined in NEMA VE 1 and VE 2, with additional guidance from UL 568 for nonmetallic trays and IEC 61537 for international applications .