Metal cable tray product codes are manufacturer-specific identifiers used to specify ladder, ventilated, solid bottom, or wire mesh trays and their fittings according to standards like NEMA VE 1 and UL 568.

Overview of Product Codes

Metal cable trays are categorized by type, material, finish, and dimensions, and each manufacturer assigns a unique product code for ordering and specification purposes. Common types include:

• Ladder Cable Tray: Open side rails with rungs for cable support.
• Ventilated Trough/Channel Tray: Solid bottom with perforations for airflow.
• Solid Bottom Tray: Fully enclosed bottom for maximum protection.
• Wire Mesh Tray: Flexible, lightweight mesh for routing cables in complex layouts. Each type has associated fittings (elbows, tees, reducers, covers) with their own product codes for assembly.

Manufacturer Examples

• ABB T&B Cabletray: Offers codes for straight sections, fittings, and accessories in steel or aluminum with various finishes. CAD and BIM files are available for registered users to identify product codes for specific tray types and sizes (ABB Product Catalogue) .
• Legrand: Provides a technical guide with product codes for their cable management ranges, including compliance with CE marking, UL, and NF standards. Each tray type and fitting has a reference code for ordering and installation (Legrand Technical Guide) .
• Code Electric: Publishes a full catalogue with product codes for enclosures and cable trays, including dimensions, material, and finish options (Code Electric Catalogue) .
• Unitech/SFSP: Offers steel cable trays with product codes for ladder, ventilated, and solid bottom trays, manufactured under ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards, with hot-dip galvanization options (Unitech Cable Tray Catalogue) .

Standards and Compliance

Metal cable tray product codes are often linked to standards to ensure compatibility and safety:

• NEMA VE 1: Defines manufacturing requirements, load/span classes, and types of metal cable trays (ladder, ventilated, solid bottom) .
• UL 568: Covers performance requirements for safe application of fiberglass and metal cable trays .
• NFPA 70 (NEC): Specifies installation requirements and ampacities for conductors in cable trays .
• IEC 61537: International standard for metal and nonmetallic cable tray systems .

How to Use Product Codes

1. Identify tray type (ladder, ventilated, solid bottom, wire mesh).
2. Select material and finish (steel, aluminum, galvanized, powder-coated).
3. Determine dimensions (width, depth, length).
4. Reference manufacturer catalogue to find the specific product code for the tray and any required fittings.
5. Verify compliance with applicable standards (NEMA, UL, NEC, IEC) for your project. By following these steps, engineers and procurement teams can accurately specify and order metal cable trays using the correct product codes, ensuring compatibility and safety in electrical installations.