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Cable Tray

03/09/2025
by Rick Coleman
cable tray

G'day! If you're need data cabler, or any tradie worth their salt, you know that a tidy job is a good job. When it comes to running a whole heap of cables, you can't just leave them dangling like spaghetti. You need a solid, reliable way to keep them organised, supported, and safe. That's where a good old cable tray comes into play.

These things are the unsung heroes of the electrical world, providing a proper highway for your wiring in commercial, industrial, and even some residential jobs. Let's get into what they are and why you should be using a quality system.

So, What's the Deal with a Cable Tray?

A cable tray is essentially a structural system used to securely support and route electrical cables and wires. Think of it as a bridge or a shelving unit specifically designed for cabling. Instead of running dozens of individual conduits, you can lay multiple cables neatly onto a single tray system. This makes installation quicker and future maintenance an absolute breeze.

Why a Quality Cable Tray is a Ripper Choice

Using a proper cable tray system isn't just about making things look neat; it's got some cracking benefits:

  • Top-Notch Organisation: It keeps your power cables, data cables, and instrumentation wires separated and orderly. This makes finding and tracing a specific cable later on a thousand times easier. No more rat's nests!
  • Improved Safety: By getting cables off the ground and away from potential damage, you reduce the risk of trip hazards and electrical faults. It’s a crucial part of a compliant and professional installation.
  • Better Airflow: Unlike enclosed conduits, many cable tray designs (like ladder or mesh trays) are open, allowing for excellent air circulation. This helps to dissipate heat from the cables, allowing them to run more efficiently and safely.
  • Future-Proofing: Need to add another cable down the track? Easy as! With a tray system, you can simply lay a new cable in without having to pull new conduit through walls and ceilings. It saves a heap of time and money in the long run.

Different Trays for Different Days

Not all jobs are the same, and neither are cable trays. The most common types you'll come across are:

  • Ladder Tray: Looks like a ladder, as the name suggests. It has two side rails connected by rungs. It’s brilliant for heavy-duty applications and provides maximum ventilation.
  • Perforated Tray (Vented): A solid bottom tray with holes or slots punched in it. It offers more support than a ladder tray but still allows for decent airflow and drainage.
  • Wire Mesh Tray (Basket Tray): Made from a grid of steel wires, this type is lightweight, super flexible, and can be easily cut and shaped on-site. Perfect for data cabling and lighter-duty jobs.
  • Solid Bottom Tray (Unvented): Offers the most protection for sensitive cables but has no ventilation. Best used for fibre optic or instrumentation cables that you don't want to be disturbed.

Where to Get Your Gear? Schnap Electrical Wholesaler, of Course!

Right, so you're convinced. But where do you get a quality cable tray system that won't let you down? You can't just grab any old bit of metal. You need gear that's up to Australian Standards, durable, and comes with all the necessary fittings and accessories.

This is where a dedicated supplier like Schnap Electrical Wholesaler is worth its weight in gold. They're a proper one-stop shop for Aussie tradies. Schnap stocks a massive range of cable tray systems, including ladder, perforated, and wire mesh options in various finishes like galvanised steel to suit any environment.

More importantly, the blokes at Schnap know their stuff. They can help you figure out the exact type and size of tray you need for your job, and they’ll have all the brackets, joiners, bends, and supports to go with it. Sourcing your gear from a reliable wholesaler like Schnap means you're getting compliant, trade-quality products that are built to last.

The Wrap-Up

For any serious electrical or data installation, a cable tray system is a non-negotiable part of the job. It’s the professional way to manage your wiring, ensuring safety, organisation, and efficiency.

So next time you're planning a project with a serious amount of cabling, do it right. Head on down to Schnap Electrical Wholesaler in Australia and get sorted with a top-notch cable tray system. Your work will look more professional, and you'll save yourself a heap of trouble in the future. Good on ya!