Galvanized cable trays remain one of the most commonly used materials in engineering projects across various industrial facilities, photovoltaic installations, and commercial buildings. Offering moderate pricing and reliable performance, the market for galvanized cable trays presents significant quality variations. A moment's inattention could lead to costly pitfalls. Today, we'll guide you through selecting galvanized cable trays from a procurement perspective, helping you avoid future complications.

I. Distinguishing Hot-Dip Galvanizing from Ordinary Galvanizing

1. Hot-dip galvanized cable trays

① Uniform surface finish with zinc coating thickness typically ranging from 60 to 100 microns;

② Strong corrosion resistance, suitable for outdoor, humid, or salt spray environments;

③ Long service life, lasting up to 15–20 years.

2. Standard Galvanized Cable Tray (Electroplated or Cold-Galvanized)

① Thin zinc coating prone to localized rusting from friction or impact;

② Suitable for indoor environments; low cost but limited corrosion resistance.

When purchasing, always verify the galvanization process to avoid short-lived products chosen solely for their low price.

II. Focus on Zinc Coating Thickness

Zinc coating thickness directly determines the corrosion resistance of cable trays:

Thin zinc coating: Prone to peeling, short outdoor service life;

Thick zinc coating: Forms a robust protective layer, preventing substrate rust.

When purchasing, request suppliers to provide zinc coating thickness test reports or certificates. On-site measurement offers greater assurance.

III. Cable Tray Material and Plate Thickness Selection

Steel thickness: Thicker plates enhance load-bearing capacity but increase cost;

Material grade: Premium carbon steel offers superior flatness, easier galvanization, and better long-term corrosion resistance.

Avoid blindly pursuing low-cost thin plates, as they may cause tray deformation, paint peeling, and compromise circuit safety.

IV. Surface Treatment and Coating

Some galvanized cable trays feature additional powder coating or surface treatments to enhance aesthetics and corrosion resistance:

Powder-coated galvanized cable trays: Offer vibrant colors and smooth surfaces, but require careful consideration of installation environments to prevent peeling;

Bare galvanized cable trays: Rely primarily on zinc layer thickness for corrosion resistance, perform better in high-temperature environments, but have slightly lower aesthetic appeal.

Selecting appropriate surface treatments based on project environments effectively extends tray lifespan.

V. Welding and Processing Quality

Uniform welds with no missed spots are crucial for structural strength and corrosion resistance;

Smooth edge finishing prevents zinc layer abrasion or cable scratches.

When procuring, request supplier-provided weld sample photos or on-site physical inspections—don't rely solely on quotations.

VI. Brand and After-Sales Support

Established brands offer more consistent quality with uniform zinc coating and mature production processes;

Comprehensive after-sales support addresses potential minor issues during transportation and installation.

When procuring, compare not only price but also material quality, manufacturing processes, and service offerings.

Summary

When selecting galvanized cable trays, focus not only on price but also on:

Galvanizing process (hot-dip galvanizing vs. ordinary galvanizing)

Zinc coating thickness and steel plate thickness

Surface treatment method (powder coating or bare galvanized)

Welding and fabrication quality

Brand reputation and after-sales service

Mastering these key points helps avoid the long-term maintenance issues and safety hazards associated with low-cost cable trays, ensuring project quality and extended service life.