Cable Tray vs Mesh vs Ladder

There are key differences between support products to consider when choosing one to help manage your cables…

Normally, you need to consider how much load you want to support, cabling depth, bottom profile and even visual appearance. This is a quick and easy summary between our 3 most popular cable support product groups, more detailed information is available on our relevant product or capability pages.

Cable Trays

Cable trays, or ‘laddertrays’, have the advantage of giving you continuous support for your cables along their entire lengths. Normally trays are made to be 3m lengths. They are precisely formed and engineered to maximise the strength capabilities of their steel. Often, they are fabricated from pre-galvanised steel, for a long corrosion resistant life, with a clean looking, high quality surface which is great for inside installation where they could be seen. Alternatively, most trays can be hot dip galvanised after fabrication to provide a long, corrosion resistant service life even when used outside. Depending on the design of the tray, you either use pre-made fittings to change your cabling direction or level, or fabricate these from the product itself onsite. 

Cable Mesh

Cable mesh  is a metal wire basket style product suited to interior installations and allows for cable drop outs anywhere along its run. This helps make it an ideal solution for working around complex sites such as computer server rooms or other areas where there is complex machinery. Normally mesh is offered in 3m lengths, and a variety of steel finishes. 

Cable Ladders

A cable ladder is generally regarded as being the strongest type of cable support product and can be made from steel, aluminum or FRP. For the support of high volumes of heavyweight cables over long distances, a cable ladder network offers a quickly installed, but strong and long term solution. They support cabling with rungs welded to side rails. All ladder systems use fittings to facilitate changes between cabling directions and levels. 3 or 6m are the standard lengths that they come in. Learn More