Introduction
Most industries with large amounts of wires and cables in the vicinity are always on the look for a cable management system that can support their solution. With a range of options available, it might be difficult to figure out which is the best option for your application. When it comes to selecting from the most popular ones, cable ladders and cable trays are both good solutions for the industry. However, selecting one among the two can be a difficult one. So, to give viewers more clarity here is a short guide to help you select the right solution. Let us today understand the fundamental difference between Cable Ladders and cable tray systems.
Difference between Cable Ladders and Cable Tray systems
Generally, cable ladders are used for supporting high volume and heavy cables, in the vicinity. Cable trays on the other hand are used for supporting lightweight cables, instruments, and tubing. So, depending on the requirement and industry that require cable management systems are purchased from cable tray manufacturers. So, to understand things better and know what suits best given below are some of the differences listed below.
Cable Tray systems
Cable ladders
Popularly known
Cable trays are also known as trough or ventilated cable tray systems
Cable ladders are also known as ladder trays, cable runway
Design
Designed from a single sheet of metal with plenty of slot patterns that facilitate easy positioning of equipment and installing other fixing, and tubing clamps.
Designed simply with side rails and perforated rungs connected that makes it easy to fasten cable ties onto the ladder.
Application
Cable trays are suited for light electrical and instrumentation cables and tubing.
Cable ladders are usually suited for electrical, instrumentation, and telecommunications cables.
Support facility
They are known to support any light electrical and instrumentation cables.
They are known to support heavy cables, cable bundles, and pipes at long support spans
Cable placement & support
Cable trays too facilitate easy entry and exit of cables from anywhere along the span.
Cable ladders facilitate easy entry and exit anywhere along the span.
Features
The able tray is designed with bottom coverage that helps reduce electromagnetic interference, and perforations enable easy water drainage and ventilation.
They provide good ventilation essential for preventing overheating of cables.
Resistant
Cable trays are resistant to moisture, dust, or any chemical reaction.
Cable ladders are resistant to moisture, dust, or any chemical reaction.
Benefits
Trays provide additional support and prevent cables from drooping, which could potentially damage the circuit. Besides Cable trays can be a great option for hiding cables whilst keeping them organized.
They are designed robust and flexible facilitating easy access for a hassle-free inspection and modifications.
Space
Cable trays require minimal space making them ideal for any industry.
Cable ladder solutions require minimal space making them ideal for any industry.
Length
Cable trays are typically supplied in 3-meter lengths.
Cable ladders are typically supplied in 3 or 6-meter lengths.
Conclusion
Cable trays and Cable ladders are equally popular in the industry. However, depending on the industry, and application in use, and the objective of the Cable management system, businesses often purchase either a Cable tray or a Cable ladder based on the best fit. You can always consult a cable Tray Manufacturer to guide you in the right direction and provide you the best fit solution.
