50100 Cable Tray Standard

The 50100 cable tray is a 50mm wide, 100mm high tray available in solid or perforated designs, compliant with NEMA VE-1 standards, and suitable for steel or aluminum construction.

General Description

The 50100 cable tray, often referred to as the "050" series in Eaton documentation, is designed to support and organize electrical cables in industrial, commercial, and infrastructure installations. It can be used in straight runs, bends, tees, elbows, and drop-outs, with appropriate supports and accessories provided for secure installation (Eaton Full Cable Tray Specification Document) .

Material and Finish

• Steel Options: Hot-dip galvanized, pre-galvanized, or stainless steel (304 or 316L) for corrosion resistance in indoor, outdoor, or marine environments (Eurostrut) .
• Aluminum: Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, but 1.0mm thickness is not available for aluminum in widths up to 300mm (Eaton Pan Tray Catalog) .
• Coatings: Zinc coatings per ASTM A123, electrodeposited zinc per ASTM B633, or stainless steel passivation for aggressive environments .

Dimensions and Thickness

• Width: 50mm (050 designation)
• Height: 100mm
• Thickness: 1.0mm for widths up to 300mm; thicker options available for larger widths .
• Length: Standard straight sections typically 3 meters; custom lengths may be available.

Load and Safety

• Load Safety Factor: 1.5 for standard applications
• Rung Spacing: 150–230mm recommended for ladder-type trays; solid or perforated bottoms available for pan trays .
• Standards Compliance: NEMA VE-1 (metallic cable tray systems), NEMA VE-2 (installation guidelines), ANSI/NFPA 70 (NEC), ASTM A123, A653, A1011, A1008, B633 .

Types and Accessories

• Tray Types: Solid bottom, perforated, ladder, channel, or trough types depending on ventilation and cable protection requirements .
• Fittings: 90° bends, tees, elbows, drop-outs, and splice plates (ordered separately) .
• Covers: Optional solid covers for heat-sensitive or dust-prone environments.

Installation Notes

• Field verification of dimensions and routing is required before installation.
• Supports must maintain proper spacing to prevent sagging and ensure cable protection.
• Perforated slot patterns may vary depending on tray type and size .

Environmental Suitability

• Suitable for indoor, outdoor, and corrosive environments depending on material selection.
• Stainless steel 316L recommended for marine or highly corrosive applications; galvanized steel suitable for general industrial use . The 50100 cable tray provides a compact, durable, and standards-compliant solution for cable management, offering flexibility in material, finish, and configuration to meet diverse installation requirements.