In the electrical wiring of buildings or industry, a cable tray system is used to support insulated electrical cables used for power distribution, control, and communication. Cable trays are used as an alternative to open wiring or electrical conduit systems, and are commonly used for cable management in commercial and industrial construction. They are especially useful in situations where changes to a wiring system are anticipated, since new cables can be installed by laying them in the tray, instead of pulling them through a pipe.

According to the National Electrical Code standard a cable tray is a unit or assembly of units or sections and associated fittings forming a rigid structural system used to securely fasten or support cables and raceways.

According to The Cable Tray Institute, an association of companies involved in the development of cable-tray systems, 9 inches is the most common rung spacing for ladder cable tray, which may be used to support all sizes of cables.

Cable trays are made of either steel, aluminum or fibber reinforced plastic (FRP) and are available in six basic types-

Ladder Type Cable Tray.

Solid Bottom Cable Tray.

Trough Cable Tray.

Channel Cable Tray.

Wire Mesh Cable Tray.

Single Rail Cable Tray.