Specifications of Canadian Fiberglass Straight-through Cable Trays

Canadian fiberglass straight-through cable trays are typically made from polyester or vinyl ester resins, with standard lengths of 3 m, 6 m, 9.1 m, and 12.2 m, rung spacing of 150–300 mm, and load ratings based on NEMA VFG-1 simple beam tests.

Material and Construction

Fiberglass cable trays are constructed from fiber-reinforced plastics, commonly using polyester (F), vinyl ester (FV), or zero-halogen (FA) resins for enhanced corrosion resistance in harsh environments such as petroleum, mining, and fertilizer industries . The trays are designed as ladder-type structures with two longitudinal side members connected by transverse rungs, often using I-beam designs for superior load-bearing capacity . Rungs are typically welded using CMT/GMAW or TIG/GTAW processes, providing strong, precise, and smut-free joints .

Dimensions and Span

• Standard straight section lengths: 3 m, 6 m, 9.1 m, and 12.2 m, with non-standard lengths available on request .
• Rung spacing: 150 mm, 225 mm, 300 mm, or ventilated openings up to 52 mm, chosen based on cable size and type .
• Width: Commonly 36 inches (914 mm) for standard trays .

Load Ratings and Safety

Load ratings are determined using simple beam tests per NEMA VFG-1 standards. The published safety factor is 1.5, which can be converted to a 2.0 safety factor by multiplying the load by 0.75 . Mid-span deflection can be calculated using a deflection multiplier, and trays must be supported on spans shorter than or equal to the tray length. Continuous spans reduce deflection by up to 50% .

Corrosion Resistance and Service Considerations

Fiberglass trays offer superior resistance to corrosive conditions, but environmental factors such as chemical concentration, temperature, and exposure time can affect performance. Regular wash-down is recommended in splash or spill-prone areas . Material samples are often provided for testing to ensure suitability for specific service conditions .

Lead Times and Ordering

A color-coded system is used to indicate lead times for straight sections, covers, and fittings. Green indicates fastest shipping, black normal lead time, and red longer lead times. Part numbers may be adjusted to reduce lead times . These specifications make Canadian fiberglass straight-through cable trays suitable for industrial applications requiring corrosion resistance, high load capacity, and customizable lengths and configurations.