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AC-01 · Supply

Cable Tray Supplied for Commercial and Industrial Installs

Cable tray for factories, offices, solar and data installs: ladder, perforated and wire mesh tray in galvanised or stainless steel. Request a free quote today.

Galvanised ladder cable tray carrying black cables along a factory ceiling
Galvanised ladder cable tray carrying black cables along a factory ceiling

When a building has more cables than a few clips can hold, cable tray keeps them supported, separated and easy to reach. It is the standard way to run power and data cables through factories, warehouses, offices, plant rooms and large solar installs. ElectricalCable.co.za is a free quote-request service: tell us what cable tray you need, the sizes and lengths, and where the job is, and we pass your request to an independent electrical wholesaler or contractor in your area. They quote you directly. We do not stock or sell tray ourselves, and there is no obligation to accept.

Types of cable tray

Choosing the right style of cable tray depends on the cable weight, the span between supports and how much airflow and access you need:

  • Ladder tray: two side rails joined by rungs, strong over long spans and best for heavy armoured mains and sub-mains
  • Perforated (punched) tray: a flat base with slots, good for medium cables and lots of smaller runs
  • Wire mesh cable tray: also called basket tray, light and quick to cut and bend on site, popular for data and low-current cables
  • Solid-bottom tray and trunking: fully enclosed where cables need protection from dust or damage

Cable tray sizes and fittings

Common cable tray sizes run from narrow 50 mm or 100 mm widths for a handful of cables up to 600 mm and wider for main plant rooms, with different side heights for deeper loads. Straight lengths usually come in 2.4 m or 3 m sections. A tidy job also needs matching bends, tees, risers, reducers, couplers and covers, plus brackets, cantilever arms, threaded rod and fixings. Leave space for future cables: a tray packed full on day one cannot take an extra circuit later, and tightly bunched cables run hotter.

Galvanised, stainless or fibreglass

Most indoor cable tray is pre-galvanised steel, which is fine for dry offices and warehouses. Outdoors, in plant rooms and on mines, hot-dip galvanised tray lasts far longer. On the coast or in chemical and food plants, stainless steel or GRP (fibreglass) tray resists corrosion best. Bolts and brackets should match the tray, because mixing metals speeds up rust. Metal cable tray must also be bonded to earth, which your electrical contractor will handle as part of a compliant SANS 10142-1 installation.

What affects cable tray price

The cable tray price depends on the type, width and side height, the steel thickness, the finish, and how many fittings and supports the route needs. Steel prices move, so suppliers quote per job rather than from a fixed list. Delivery to site, cutting and whether you want supply only or a contractor to install the tray and pull the cable also change the total. Send a drawing or a sketch with lengths and you will get a far more accurate quote.

Comparing cable tray prices

Cable prices change with the copper price, size, brand and quantity. When quotes arrive, check:

  • Exact specification: size in mm², cores, conductor, insulation, armour and voltage rating.
  • Quantity: cut length or full drum, and whether the drum deposit is refundable.
  • Standards: SABS-marked cable to the relevant SANS standard, not unmarked imports.
  • Delivery: lead time, delivery to site and offloading of heavy drums.

What to include in your request

  • Type of tray (ladder, perforated or wire mesh) and the finish
  • Width, side height and total length needed
  • Number of bends, tees, risers and covers, or a drawing
  • Indoor, outdoor or coastal location and the support method
  • Supply only or supply and installation, plus delivery address

Frequently asked questions

Do you sell cable tray?
No. ElectricalCable.co.za is a free quote-request service. We pass your cable tray request to an independent electrical wholesaler or contractor near you, who quotes you directly and supplies or installs the tray if you accept.
What is the difference between ladder tray and wire mesh cable tray?
Ladder tray has solid side rails and rungs and handles heavy cables over long spans between supports. Wire mesh cable tray is lighter and easier to shape on site, so it suits data, control and light power cables in ceilings, server rooms and shops.
Can power and data cables share the same cable tray?
They should be separated to avoid interference and for safety. Installers use a divider in a wide tray or run separate trays, keeping the required spacing between power and data. Your electrician or network installer will plan this for the specific cables.
How do I know what width of cable tray I need?
Add up the cables you will run now, allow for spare capacity, and consider the weight and support spacing. An electrical contractor or supplier can size the tray from a cable schedule, so include one in your quote request if you have it.

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