In industries where heat, moisture, and chemicals are part of everyday operations, metal cable trays can give up too soon. That’s where fiberglass cable trays (also known as FRP cable trays) come into play.
Designed for performance in chemically aggressive and high-risk zones, these trays are now standard in industries like oil & gas, power generation, chemical processing, and water treatment.
In this blog, we explore the structural properties, functional advantages, and installation guidelines for fiberglass cable tray systems. If you’re evaluating options for a new facility or planning a retrofit, this guide will help you make a more informed decision.
What Are Fiberglass Cable Trays, and Why Do They Matter?
FRP cable trays are non-metallic, molded from fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP). Tough but light. Not prone to rust. Not electrically conductive. Built for places where sparks are a deal-breaker and corrosion just never stops.
You’ll find them in ladder-type formats when airflow and load support matter most. Or trough-type, when shielding and moderate loads are the focus. Great for tighter spaces or smaller cable bundles.
It’s not a one-size-fits-all thing—it comes down to how you’re routing, what you’re carrying, and how much room you’ve got to play with.
Picking a tray is about reading the site, the stress points, and the scale, and finding what holds up without overengineering the system.
Structural Features of Fiberglass Cable Trays You Shouldn’t Overlook
The performance of fiberglass trays is the result of careful material engineering—not just material substitution.
A few core features of fiberglass cable tray that make them stand out include:
Corrosion Resistance
Fiberglass trays don’t give in to salt air, chemical fumes, moisture-laden interiors, or acidic drips from overhead lines. It gives long-term stability across corrosive zones where metals typically fail or demand constant touch-ups.
Non-Conductive Surface
This one’s a quiet but critical advantage, especially in plants handling high voltages or sensitive electronics. Fiberglass trays act as an insulating layer, helping reduce shock risks and minimizing the chances of fault currents.
Lightweight Profile
Compared to metal, fiberglass is much easier to work with. Fewer people, less equipment, faster installation. Which, in a project schedule that’s already squeezed tight, can make a surprising difference. Especially in retrofits or elevated runs, where handling heavy trays becomes a logistical puzzle.
Thermal Stability
No warping. No expansion-related distortions. Fiberglass trays retain their shape through temperature swings – freezers, rooftops, process-side enclosures. Once installed, they stay put. No surprises during inspections.
Fire and UV Resistance
They’re rated to meet fire safety standards. They don’t degrade under UV, which makes them ideal for outdoor use or anywhere there’s a risk of high heat exposure. You install it once and know it’s going to last.
They may read like features, but they deliver real-world gains that can significantly impact O&M cycles and system uptime.
FRP vs. Metal Cable Trays: A Technical Comparison
Factor in parameters, like performance, longevity, and safety, when deciding between FRP and traditional metal trays. Cost-based evaluation should be secondary.
Here’s a quick comparison of the critical elements:
| Parameter | Fiberglass Cable Tray | Metal Cable Tray (Steel/Aluminum) |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent | Susceptible without coatings |
| Electrical Conductivity | Non-conductive | Conductive (requires grounding) |
| Weight | Lightweight | Heavier, harder to handle |
| Maintenance | Low (wash-downs, visual checks) | High (coating, rust checks, etc.) |
| Installation Time | Faster due to light handling | Longer due to a support-heavy setup |
| Lifecycle Cost | Lower over time | Higher due to maintenance needs |
Best Practices for Fiberglass Cable Tray Installation
While FRP cable tray exporters are easier to work with, their installation still demands precision. Structural reliability and performance depend on getting this right.
Pre-Installation Checklist
- Confirm tray width, depth, and load rating based on cable volume
- Plan layout with clear support spacing (usually 1.5m to 2m)
- Select appropriate hardware and fixings – FRP-compatible where needed
- Review compliance requirements (e.g., ASTM E84, NEMA FG-1, IEC 61537)
Installation Workflow
- Mark and mount tray supports – wall, floor, or ceiling as per design
- Place tray sections and connect using FRP joints or couplers
- Torque bolts appropriately – avoid over-tightening or misalignment
- Ensure structural grounding if used in mixed-material systems
- Inspect the complete run before pulling cables
The flexibility of FRP allows for on-site adjustments with basic tools – no welding or grinding required. That alone shortens the installation timeline considerably.
Once installed, schedule periodic checks to ensure system integrity, joint stability, and cleanliness – especially in high-risk or corrosive zones.
Choosing the Right FRP Cable Tray Manufacturer
Selecting an FRP cable tray system starts with choosing a manufacturer who prioritizes quality over cost-cutting. Here’s what’s worth assessing:
- Material Certification: Use of tested resins (e.g., vinyl ester for chemical zones)
- Load Ratings & Span Data: Verified performance under static and dynamic loads
- UV and Fire Ratings: Compliance with fire codes and outdoor use cases
- Availability: Standard sizes vs. custom builds – important for tight schedules
- Project Support: Engineering assistance, load calculations, layout optimisation
A trusted fiberglass cable tray manufacturer should also offer sample testing, spec sheets, and application case studies relevant to your sector.
Why the Right FRP Tray Choice Pays Off Long Term
Fiberglass cable trays aren’t just corrosion-resistant – they’re future-resistant.
If you’re working on projects in sectors where environmental stressors are high, or if long-term operational stability is a key metric, FRP trays offer a compelling value proposition.
They deliver:
- A lower total cost of ownership
- Reduced installation effort
- Higher safety ratings across the board
- Proven resilience in mission-critical applications
That said, they’re not a one-size-fits-all solution. Evaluate load, layout, environmental factors, and project timelines – and make the call accordingly.
At Fiber Tech Composite, the trays are built to match what the job needs. We don’t develop off-the-shelf copies. Our team adheres to specs that align with global standards and whatever conditions your setup throws at them.
Explore our FRP cable tray solutions designed for performance and safety.
FAQs
- Is fiberglass as strong as metal for cable support?
Yes, when engineered and supported correctly, fiberglass trays meet or exceed load requirements for most industrial environments.
- Do fiberglass trays need grounding?
Not inherently. But grounding is required in mixed-material systems where metallic supports or accessories are used.
- Can I install FRP trays in outdoor applications?
Absolutely. They are UV-resistant and perform reliably across temperature extremes and weather conditions.
- What is the expected lifespan of an FRP cable tray system?
Typically 20+ years, with minimal maintenance – especially in corrosive or moisture-heavy settings.
