The allowable deviation of cable tray thickness depends on the material, type, and width of the tray, with national standards specifying minimum thickness tolerances for steel and aluminum trays.

General Thickness Standards

Cable trays are manufactured in various materials, primarily steel and aluminum, and in different types such as trough, ladder, and ventilated trays. The thickness of a tray includes the base/pallet, side plates, cover plates, and connecting plates. Typical thicknesses for steel trays are 1.0mm, 1.2mm, 1.5mm, 2.0mm, and 2.2mm, while aluminum trays are slightly thicker, ranging from 1.2mm to 2.5mm depending on the application and load requirements .

Allowable Deviations by Standard

JB/T 10216-2000 (Outdoor Hot-Dip Galvanized)

• For steel trays less than 100mm wide, the minimum thickness deviation of the tray and cover plate must not be less than 1.0mm.
• For steel trays greater than 800mm wide, the minimum thickness deviation must not be less than 2.5mm .

JB/T 10216-2013 (Indoor Cold-Dip Galvanized)

• For steel trays up to 150mm wide, the minimum thickness deviation of the pallet and cover must not be less than 1.0mm.
• For steel trays greater than 800mm wide, the minimum thickness deviation must not be less than 2.2mm .

Ladder Cable Trays

• The side plate thickness of steel ladder trays follows the same nominal thicknesses as trough trays.
• Zinc coating thickness for galvanized ladder trays is also specified: thin layer ≥12 microns, thick layer ≥65 microns .

International Standards (IEC 61537)

While IEC 61537 does not specify exact thickness deviations, it requires that all trays undergo coating thickness tests and meet durability and mechanical performance requirements. Compliance ensures that trays maintain structural integrity under load and environmental conditions .

Practical Considerations

• Tray width and load: Wider trays require thicker material to maintain strength and reduce deflection.
• Material selection: Aluminum trays are more corrosion-resistant but may require slightly higher thickness to achieve equivalent strength.
• Installation environment: Outdoor or corrosive environments may require hot-dip galvanization or thicker coatings to meet durability standards. In summary, the allowable deviation of cable tray thickness is determined by the tray type, material, width, and applicable standard. For steel trays, deviations typically range from 1.0mm for narrow trays to 2.5mm for wide trays, while aluminum trays follow similar proportional tolerances. Compliance with these standards ensures safety, structural integrity, and long-term performance .