Cable Tray Product Configurator

Method & References

This tool recommends cable tray type, NEMA load class, width, and material based on your project inputs.

Load Class Selection

Traditional NEMA load classes encode both rated span and working load: the numeric prefix is the span in feet, while A/B/C represents 50/75/100 lbs/ft. The configurator conservatively selects the smallest class whose rated span is at least the requested support span and whose rated load is at least the actual cable weight. Verify the selected product against manufacturer load tables.

Width Selection

The preliminary inside width uses a user-entered geometric fraction of W × D. This does not implement the cable-size/type-specific rules in NEC 392.22. Complete the final check in the Tray Fill calculator. Standard widths: 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36 in.

Tray Type & Material

Tray type and material are recommended based on application and installation environment, following NEMA VE 1-2017 and NEC Article 392 guidance.

References:

  • NEMA VE 1-2017 — Cable Tray Systems
  • NEMA VE 2-2013 — Cable Tray Installation Guidelines
  • NEMA FG 1-2014 — Fiberglass Cable Tray Systems
  • NEC 2023 Article 392 — Cable Trays
  • ASTM A123 — Hot-Dip Galvanized Coatings

Project Inputs

Load & Span

Sum of all cable weights in lbs/ft sharing this tray section. Use the Support Span calculator or cable manufacturer data.

Distance between cable tray supports. Typical range: 6–20 ft for standard NEMA classes. Longer spans require heavier load classes.

Cable Fill

Sum of π/4 × OD² for all cables. See the Tray Fill calculator for automatic computation from the cable schedule.

User-entered screening fraction only. NEC 392.22 requirements vary with cable size, type, voltage, tray construction, and mixed-cable arrangements; use the Tray Fill calculator for the final rule-specific check.

Environment & Application

Environment determines acceptable material and finish options.

Application guides tray type selection (e.g., ladder for power, solid-bottom for instrumentation).

Tray Geometry Preference

Leave blank to let the tool recommend based on application.

Tray depth affects allowable cable fill area. 4 in is typical for most industrial applications.