Trough Type Cable Tray – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is a trough type cable tray?

A trough type cable tray is a fully enclosed cable management system designed to support, route, and protect electrical and communication cables. Unlike open or ladder-type trays, the trough cable tray provides complete enclosure, offering enhanced mechanical protection, electromagnetic shielding, and environmental resistance for sensitive cable installations.

2. What cables are suitable for trough type cable trays?

Trough type cable trays are ideal for:

• Computer and data cables

• Communication and telecommunication cables

• Thermocouple and instrumentation cables

• Control and signal cables for sensitive systems

• Low-voltage and weak-current cables

They are especially recommended where signal stability, interference shielding, and cable protection are critical.

3. Why is a trough type cable tray preferred for sensitive systems?

The fully enclosed design of a trough type cable tray helps:

• Reduce electromagnetic and radio frequency interference (EMI/RFI)

• Protect control and signal cables from external electrical noise

• Maintain signal integrity in automation, data centers, and industrial control systems

This makes it highly suitable for highly sensitive electrical and communication environments.

4. Is a trough type cable tray suitable for corrosive environments?

Yes. Trough type cable trays are commonly used in heavy corrosion environments such as:

• Chemical plants

• Offshore facilities

• Power plants

• Coastal and high-humidity areas

They are available in hot-dip galvanized steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and FRP (fiberglass) finishes to provide long-term corrosion resistance.

5. What are the main advantages of a trough type cable tray?

Key advantages include:

• Full enclosure for maximum cable protection

• Excellent shielding performance against interference

• Enhanced safety for control and communication cables

• Suitable for harsh and corrosive industrial environments

• Clean, organized cable routing for professional installations

6. How does a trough type cable tray compare to ladder or perforated trays?

Compared to other cable tray types:

• Trough type cable tray – Best protection and shielding, limited ventilation

• Ladder type cable tray – High load capacity, less cable protection

• Perforated cable tray – Good ventilation, moderate protection

Trough trays are preferred when protection and signal reliability are more important than airflow.

7. Can trough type cable trays be used indoors and outdoors?

Yes. With the appropriate material selection and surface treatment, trough type cable trays are suitable for both indoor and outdoor installations, including industrial buildings, substations, tunnels, and infrastructure projects.

8. Are covers required for trough type cable trays?

Trough type cable trays are designed as fully enclosed systems, and covers are typically included or integrated. Optional removable covers may be provided for easy cable access during maintenance or system upgrades.

9. What installation methods are used for trough type cable trays?

Trough cable trays can be installed using:

• Wall-mounted brackets

• Ceiling-mounted suspension systems

• Floor-mounted support frames

They are compatible with standard cable tray support accessories and comply with IEC, NEC, and international installation standards.

10. What industries commonly use trough type cable trays?

Trough type cable trays are widely used in:

• Data centers

• Telecommunications infrastructure

• Industrial automation systems

• Power generation and distribution

• Chemical and petrochemical plants

• Commercial and infrastructure projects