Definition and Main Types of Galvanized Cable Trays
Galvanized cable trays are cable support systems fabricated from steel trays that undergo galvanizing corrosion protection treatment. They are primarily categorized into two types based on the production process: hot-dip galvanizing (hot-dip zinc) and electro-galvanizing (cold galvanizing). Widely utilized for cable laying in construction, power engineering, and chemical industry sectors, they serve as a reliable solution for diverse cable management needs.
Galvanized cable trays achieve corrosion resistance by coating the steel surface with a zinc layer and are classified into two main categories according to the galvanizing process:
Hot-dip Galvanized (Hot-dip Zinc) Cable Tray
Steel components, after thorough rust removal, are submerged in molten zinc at a temperature of 450–600℃. This process forms a composite structure composed of a zinc-iron alloy layer and a pure zinc layer on the steel surface. The zinc layer typically has a thickness of ≥65μm, endowing the tray with excellent corrosion resistance and a service life of 15–20 years or more. It is especially suitable for deployment in harsh environments such as coastal areas and chemical industry facilities where corrosion risks are high.
Electro-galvanized (Cold Galvanized) Cable Tray
A zinc layer is deposited on the steel surface via electrochemical deposition. The zinc layer is relatively thin, usually ranging from 5–15μm, resulting in a shorter corrosion-resistant service life of approximately 12 years. This type of galvanized cable tray is more cost-effective and better suited for indoor applications or environments with mild corrosive conditions.
Specifications
Galvanized cable trays are mainly available in three structural styles: slot-type, tray-type, and ladder-type. Their specifications are uniformly denoted as width × height × thickness. Common parameter ranges include:
- Width: 100mm to 1500mm
- Height: 20mm to 150mm
- Thickness: 0.5mm to over 2.0mm
Market prices of galvanized cable trays are significantly affected by specifications, raw material quality, manufacturing craftsmanship, and zinc layer thickness. For example, hot-dip galvanized cable trays, which involve complex production processes and thicker zinc layers, generally command a higher price compared to electro-galvanized products.