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

For a simple span, the equivalent uniform load at the design span scales from the NEMA VE 1-2017 test span (12 ft) as:

w_required = w_actual × (L_actual / 12)³

The minimum NEMA class whose rated working load ≥ w_required is selected.

Width Selection

Minimum inside width is chosen so that the allowed cable fill area (NEC 392.22(A), default 50% of W × D) accommodates the total cable cross-sectional area. 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.

NEC 392.22(A) limits cable cross-sectional area to 50% of the tray cross-section for ladder and ventilated trays carrying power cables. Use 40% for solid-bottom trays with control cables.

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.