Thickness of ordinary galvanized cable trays

Ordinary galvanized cable trays typically have steel sheet thicknesses ranging from 1.5 mm to 3 mm, with zinc coatings between 12 and 85 microns depending on the galvanization method.

Steel Sheet Thickness

The base and side plates of standard cable trays are usually made from steel sheets 1.5 mm to 3 mm thick. Thicker components, such as brackets and supports, may exceed 3 mm to provide additional mechanical strength and load-bearing capacity . Lighter trays for office or clean factory environments often use thinner sheets, while heavy-duty trays for industrial or outdoor use require thicker steel .

Zinc Coating Thickness

Galvanization protects the steel from corrosion. The zinc coating thickness varies by method:

• Electro-galvanized trays: typically 12–20 microns (Z120–Z275), suitable for indoor, low-corrosion environments .
• Hot-dip galvanized trays: thicker coatings, usually 65–85 microns, providing long-term protection against rain, humidity, and salt air, often exceeding 20 years of durability .
• Minimum local zinc thickness: at least 45 microns for standard tray sheets, with heavier components requiring ≥55 microns .

Standards and Considerations

Cable trays must comply with standards such as IEC 61537 or NEMA VE 1, which ensure mechanical strength and corrosion resistance. The mean coating mass and local thickness are measured to verify uniform protection, and defects like bare spots or blisters are not permitted . The choice of thickness depends on environmental conditions, load requirements, and expected lifespan. In summary, ordinary galvanized cable trays use steel sheets 1.5–3 mm thick with zinc coatings from 12 to 85 microns, with heavier-duty trays and hot-dip galvanization providing superior corrosion resistance and mechanical strength .