Weight of FRP Cable Tray

FRP cable trays typically weigh between 10 kg/m and 50 kg/m depending on type and side runner height.

Weight by Side Runner Height

FRP cable trays are manufactured in various side runner heights, which directly affect their weight per meter. Common weights for standard FRP trays are:

• 10 kg/m – Small side runner height, light-duty applications
• 12 kg/m – Slightly higher side runners for moderate loads
• 15 kg/m – Medium-duty trays
• 18 kg/m – Medium-heavy duty
• 25 kg/m – Heavy-duty applications
• 30 kg/m – High load-bearing trays
• 40 kg/m – Extra heavy-duty, industrial use
• 45 kg/m – Very high load, large cable bundles
• 50 kg/m – Maximum load-bearing, large industrial installations

Factors Affecting Weight

1. Tray Type: Ladder-type trays are generally lighter than solid-bottom or channel trays due to open rungs, while solid-bottom trays provide full cable protection and are heavier .
2. Glass Fiber Content: Pultruded FRP trays typically contain 60–65% glass fiber by weight, which ensures high strength and consistent mechanical properties. Lower glass content reduces weight but also decreases load capacity .
3. Resin Type: Polyester, vinylester, or epoxy resins affect density and weight slightly, with vinylester and epoxy offering better corrosion and heat resistance .
4. Support Span: Longer support spans may require deeper or wider side rails, increasing the tray's weight per meter .

Summary

FRP cable trays are lightweight compared to metal trays, corrosion-resistant, and easy to handle. Their weight ranges from 10 kg/m for small trays to 50 kg/m for heavy-duty industrial trays, depending on side runner height, tray type, and material composition. When planning installation, always consider the total cable load plus tray weight and add a safety margin of 25% for structural calculations .