Difference between wire and cables
November 12, 2017
Types of cable Trays-Ladder cable tray
November 13, 2017

Cable Tray Material

Cable trays have become a necessary part of industrial and commercial construction. Cable trays are capable of supporting all types of wiring:

  1. High Voltage Power Lines.
  2. Power Distribution Cables
  3. Sensitive Control Wiring
  4. Telecommunication Wiring
  5. Optical Cables

 

Cable Tray Materials:

  •  Most cable tray systems are fabricated from a corrosion-resistant metal (low-carbon steel, stainless steel or an aluminium alloy) or from a metal with a corrosion-resistant finish (zinc or epoxy).

 

(1)    Aluminium:

  • Cable trays fabricated of extruded aluminium are used for their high strength to weight ratio, superior resistance to certain corrosive environments, and ease of installation. They also offer the advantages of being light weight and maintenance free, and since aluminium cable trays are non-magnetic, electrical losses are reduced to a minimum.
  • Cable tray products are formed from the 6063 series alloys which by design are copper free alloys for marine applications. These alloys contain silicon and magnesium in appropriate proportions to form magnesium silicate, allowing them to be heat treated. These magnesium silicon alloys possess good formability and structural properties, as well as excellent corrosion resistance.
  • The unusual resistance to corrosion, including weathering, exhibited by aluminium is due to the self-healing aluminium oxide film that protects the surface. Aluminium’s resistance to chemicals in the application environment should be tested before installation.

 

(2)    Steel:

  • Steel cable trays are fabricated from structural quality steels using a continuous roll-formed process. Forming and extrusions increase the mechanical strength.
  • The main benefits of steel cable tray are its high strength and low cost. Disadvantages include high weight, low electrical conductivity and relatively poor corrosion resistance.
  • The rate of corrosion will vary depending on many factors such as the environment, coating or protection applied and the composition of the steel. T&B offers finishes and coatings to improve the corrosion resistance of steel. These include pre-galvanized, hot dip galvanized epoxy and special paints.

 

(3)    Stainless Steel:

  • Stainless steel offers high yield strength and high creep strength, at high ambient temperatures.
  • Stainless Steel is resistant to dyestuff, organic chemicals, and inorganic chemicals at elevated temperatures. Higher levels of chromium and nickel and a reduced level of carbon serve to increase corrosion resistance and facilitate welding. Type 316 includes molybdenum to increase high temperature strength and improve corrosion resistance, especially to chloride and sulfuric acid. Carbon content is reduced to facilitate welding.

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