Exploring Overhead Cable Management: Cable Tray vs. Cable Runway

Explosive demand for network services has led to increased adoption of overhead cable management systems. Whether suspended from the ceiling, wall mounted, or supported by racks and cabinets, overhead cable management systems are flexible and scalable. Data center operators can move, reconfigure, or expand them as needed to meet changing requirements.

Overhead cable management systems are ideal for “brownfield” data center development using existing buildings that weren’t designed for IT operations. They also allow onsite data centers to grow into adjacent space without the need for a major retrofit.

The components of an overhead cable management system must support the weight of the cables. They should take into account the minimum bend radius of the cables to prevent signal loss due to bending stress. 

Overhead Cable Management System Components

These systems come with their own unique vernacular. We’ll define the language used to describe overhead cable management products such as cable pathway, cable runway, cable ladder, and cable tray below. 

Cable Pathways

Cable pathway is the overarching term used to describe all types of cable runs. To put it simply, cable pathway encompasses all the solutions used to get cables from point A to point B in a facility.

Cable Runways

Cable runways are open on the top, bottom, and sides to allow cables to enter and exit easily. They provide an open framework that can be attached to walls, ceilings, floors, or the tops of racks and cabinets. Cable runways may be powder coated, zinc plated, gray painted, or customized to specific facility needs.

Cable Ladder

Cable ladders (also known as “ladder trays”) are the most common type of cable runway. As the name suggests, they’re constructed of two side rails connected by rungs, creating an open structure for cable support and management. Cables can enter and exit anywhere along the length of the span, and some cable ladders have perforated rungs for fastening cleats or ties. 

The ladder rungs can be manufactured in a few different ways. 

• Tubular cable runways are the best option. Each ladder rung is fully enclosed, but hollow inside. Tubular systems maximize load capacity without sacrificing configurability. Since they’re hollow, cuts and bends are still feasible.
• Aside from tubular, there are also C, U, and Z-style cable runways (among others). These describe the design of the ladder rungs. They’re good options but typically won’t have the same load capacity as tubular systems.

Cable Trays

Cable trays are the lightweight cousins of cable runways. They serve the same purpose as cable runways and ladders but aren’t designed to hold as much weight. These can be open or enclosed or open systems with different levels of perforation along the pathway. One of the most common systems is wire mesh cable tray. This system is easily configurable in the field, lightweight, and maximizes airflow for the cables running through it.

Cable Tray vs. Cable Runway

• Cable runway is typically built in a ladder-style design vs. wire mesh for cable trays.
• Cable runways have higher load capacities than cable trays. Cable trays commonly carry smaller bundles of low-voltage cable (fiber and copper cords), while cable runways can carry higher-voltage power cords and bigger bundles. 
• Cable runways are almost always more expensive than cable trays. They’re built with more substantial metals.
• Cable runways are harder to customize in the field. Cable trays can typically be configured/changed in the field easily.
• Cable runways are almost always open, while some styles of cable tray are enclosed.
• Ladder-style runway systems are distributed in longer increments than cable tray systems. Therefore, operators must ensure their cables are not excessively sagging. 

Choosing the Best Overhead Cable Management Option

The top considerations when choosing comes down to weight capacity, complexity, and price sensitivity. 

• If you need maximum support and price isn’t a factor, cable runway is the best option.
• If you have light cabling needs and price is a factor, cable tray is the best option.
• Complexity of the cable pathway could also tip the scales toward cable tray. It’s much easier to reconfigure in the field (cut, bend, etc.) than cable runway systems.

Cable runways and cable ladders are ideal for network backbone cables, high-capacity cables, and larger cable bundles that require structural support. Horizontal and vertical radius bends create a smooth pathway. New cables can be installed easily without the need to thread them through a conduit.

Cable trays are a versatile option for routing network cables in the data center, equipment room or office space. They are commonly used for lighter cables such as category or fiber optic in low- to high-density environments. They can be installed easily and cut to fit the space. Because they are lightweight, they can be hung from ceilings or walls. 

All this said, it’s not an either/or equation. High-density environments will often employ both cable runway and cable tray systems. This allows for a best of both worlds’ solution. 

Overhead Cable Management Products from Enconnex

Enconnex has partnered with Liberty to deliver best-in-class cable runway and wire mesh cable tray systems. Our overhead cable management systems include everything you need to construct, support, and integrate overhead cable management infrastructure. Our cable trays feature electro-welded mesh rods for ease of assembly and the unique Black C8 coating is highly corrosion-resistant, making it suitable for most outdoor applications. 

Enconnex specialists are here to help you design and spec the ideal overhead cable management solution for your data center and networking space. Contact us to discuss your project requirements.