Long-span cable trays in Australia

Long-span cable trays in Australia are typically supported by heavy-duty perforated or ladder-style systems, designed for commercial and industrial installations, with compliance to AS/NZS standards.

Cable Tray Types for Long Spans

For long-span applications, heavy-duty cable trays such as the Ozstrut T5 system are ideal. The T5 tray features an 80mm cable depth, one-piece formed construction, and superior long-span strength, allowing continuous support of electrical, data, and communication cables across spans without intermediate supports, while maintaining airflow and accessibility. Ladder-style trays or perforated trays are also commonly used for long spans due to their structural rigidity and load-bearing capacity.

Materials and Durability

Cable trays in Australia are available in pre-galvanised steel, hot-dip galvanised steel, aluminium, stainless steel, or FRP. Hot-dip galvanised trays are preferred for outdoor or high-corrosion environments, while aluminium trays offer lightweight solutions with good corrosion resistance. Fire-rated trays are available for projects requiring compliance with AS/NZS 3013 fire hazard standards.

Manufacturers and Suppliers

Leading Australian manufacturers and suppliers include EzyStrut, Ozstrut, Burndy CSS, Axelent, Brilltech, and ACURA Group. These companies provide a range of custom-engineered solutions for long-span installations, including ladder trays, perforated trays, and mesh baskets, suitable for commercial, industrial, and infrastructure projects. Compliance and StandardsLong-span cable tray installations must comply with AS/NZS 3000 wiring rules and relevant fire and structural standards.

Proper sizing, material selection, and installation methods are critical to ensure load capacity, safety, and durability. Depth and width selection depend on the number and diameter of cables, with typical depths ranging from 25mm to 100mm for high-capacity installations.

Installation Considerations

Support spacing: Long-span trays require careful calculation of support intervals to prevent sagging. Heavy-duty trays like T5 allow longer spans between supports. Accessibility: Perforated or ladder trays provide easy access for cable installation and maintenance.

Environmental factors: Outdoor or corrosive environments may require galvanised or stainless steel trays. Customization: Large projects may require custom tray components to accommodate unusual layouts or high cable volumes. By selecting the appropriate tray type, material, and manufacturer, and adhering to Australian standards, long-span cable tray installations can achieve structural integrity, safety, and efficient cable management across commercial and industrial projects.