Jonathon Baker asks this question about the relative merits of cable ladder and tray systems in either glass reinforced plastics (GRP) or in mild steel. It has been answered by Marshall-Tufflex (Theme - Distribution Equipment including Cable Management):
This Q & A is one of thousands posted in our Technical Expertise area, and answered a daily basis by our Voltimum Experts.
Question: Concerning cable ladder and tray systems, why would I use GRP for managing cables rather than steel?
Answer: GRP cable tray, cable ladder and cable troughing are excellent alternative solutions to steel for situations where corrosion, weather and temperatures are an issue - for example, for road, sea and rail installations, or for installation within the petrochemical, process plant and energy distribution industries.
GRP systems are also approximately 40% lighter than steel, making them much easier to handle and use. In terms of corrosion resistance, GRP withstands most chemicals, atmospheric corrosion, UV, saline, combustion gas, lactic agents, base acids. In terms of fire performance, GRP systems are self-extinguishing to UL94-Vo and do not emit toxic fumes or halogen. Fire classification is M1, io, Fo; ASTM E84, Class 2 or Class 1; BS 476 Part 7, Class 2 or 1.
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