Why Ladder Cable Trays Are The Best Cable Management Solution

Keeping electrical and communication cables organized in commercial or industrial spaces isn’t just about looking neat—it’s about safety and performance. That’s why ladder cable trays are a popular choice. They’re strong, easy to maintain, and work well in nearly any environment. Whether it’s a factory or a power plant, these trays help keep systems safe and efficient. 

Everything About Ladder Cable Trays? 

Picture a ladder lying flat against a wall or ceiling. That's the general idea. A ladder cable tray has two long, solid sides connected by crossbars (called rungs). These rungs hold the cables in place and, more importantly, allow air to pass through freely. 

Cables can overheat, particularly if power loads are heavy. That heat has to dissipate somewhere. The open nature of these trays allows air to circulate naturally, so cables won't overheat. In the long run, that translates to fewer breakdowns and longer cable life. 

Depending on where the tray will be deployed, materials differ. Some common choices include: 

• Mild steel, for simple indoor applications 
• Pre-galvanized steel, adding light rust protection 
• Hot-dip galvanized steel, well suited to outside or exposed environments 
• Aluminium, best when weight or corrosion is an issue 
• Stainless steel, ideal for high-moisture or chemically hostile environments 

All three have a specific application, so selection is based on location and load. 

Why Do So Many Projects Use Ladder Trays? 

They're not a new thing, but they've remained popular for a reason. Here's why ladder trays are such a tried-and-true solution:

1. Heat Management 

Their open construction allows hot air to escape. This keeps cable insulation from getting worn out too soon or from being a source of fire.

2. Withstanding Heavy Loads

These trays are able to handle heavy loads—bundles of heavy cables over long distances—without breaking or bending. 

3. Simple Access 

Want to add a new cable? Want to remove one? Don't have to remove the entire thing. You just lift it in or out from the top. 

4. Fits Your Design 

Ladder trays are available in cut-to-length or joint, elbow, and bend styles that can be fit to your building's design—straight, angle, or vertical. 

5. Complies with Industry Standards 

Top-of-the-line products, such as Bonn Gulf, are designed to comply with commonly accepted safety and quality standards like IEC 61537 and NEMA VE1. 

The Market Is Growing—Here's Why 

More infrastructure, more cables, more data. That's the truth across industries today. According to a MarketsandMarkets report, the cable tray market may expand to USD 3.6 billion by 2028, from USD 2.8 billion in 2023. That's a 5.3% annual growth. 

Ladder trays are at the forefront of that movement because they're versatile, budget-friendly, and useable in nearly any environment—particularly where high loads and airflow matter. 

Who's Using Them? A Quick Look

 You can find ladder trays in all kinds of facilities: 

• Oil and gas facilities, where material needs to withstand both chemicals and moisture 
• Office buildings and shopping malls, where power and networking cables need to be routed safely
•  Data centers, where heat management is as important as wire organization 
• Manufacturing facilities, where configurations get changed frequently, and flexibility is essential 
• Power generation facilities, where cables are long, heavy, and mission-critical 

From office buildings to industrial areas, ladder trays are ubiquitous for a reason—they work. 

Tray Sizes and What's Available at Bonn Gulf 

Each job is unique. That's why Bonn Gulf has an assortment of sizes and finishes. Standard configurations include: 

Widths: 100 mm to 1200 mm 

Side heights: 50 mm to 150 mm

 Rung gaps: typically 150 mm or 300 mm 

Metal thickness: between 1.2 mm and 3 mm 

Finishes: powder-coated, hot-dip galvanized, pre-galvanized, or aluminium 

Need something more specific? Custom builds are available too.

Tips to Get the Most from Your Tray System 

A good product can still underperform if installed poorly. Here’s how to make sure your ladder tray setup stays reliable: 

• Use support brackets every 1.5 to 2 meters 
• Always leave 20–30% space in the tray for future cabling 
• Secure cables with clips or straps to avoid slippage or rubbing
•  Inspect trays routinely for rust or overload 
• Adhere to the manufacturer's weight capacities 

If done correctly, the system will have no problems for years. 

What Can Go Wrong—and How to Avoid It 

Even a sturdy tray won't do much good if used improperly. Avoid these mistakes: 

• Installing indoor-only trays outdoors 
• Failing to support long spans adequately 
• Overloading trays with excessive cables 
• Omitting labels or cable management 
• Providing no room for expansion in the future 

Planning in advance and installing with care makes all the difference.

A Greener Choice Than You May Think 

Ladder trays are also more sustainable than you may think. Materials such as aluminium and galvanized steel are long-lasting and recyclable. Which means: 

• Less often replaced 
• Fewer long-term resources consumed 
• Less waste from junked materials

If your building project is seeking LEED or Estidama certifications, these trays are designed to help accrue those credits without additional effort. 

Why Builders Trust Bonn Gulf 

When you require products that can take the heat, the weight, and the moisture—and deliver on time—Bonn Gulf has the history to support it. What we offer: 

• An extensive selection of ready-to-use and custom tray sizes 
• Rapid, guaranteed shipping throughout the Gulf area 
• Proven layout and installation guidance 
• Products engineered to take the toughest environments 

A Tray That Holds It All Together

There's nothing showy about a ladder cable tray—and that's precisely the idea. It does what it does in the background: keeping cables away from the floor, minimizing fire hazards, enhancing maintenance, and accommodating future upgrades. 

If your project requires a secure, robust, and versatile system to hold its wiring, a tray from Bonn Gulf is a good starting point.