Why FRP Cable Trays Are Replacing Steel: Benefits & Applications

In industrial electrical systems, the cable tray you choose directly affects safety, durability, and long-term maintenance costs. For decades, steel was the standard—yet its heavy weight, corrosion problems, and high maintenance demands now make it less ideal for today’s harsh environments.

This is where FRP cable trays (Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic cable trays) stand out. These composite, corrosion-resistant trays are quickly becoming the preferred choice in petrochemical plants, offshore platforms, data centers, and other critical installations.

In this guide, we explain why FRP cable trays are replacing steel, their advantages, applications, specifications, and how to choose the right type for your project.

What Is an FRP Cable Tray?

An FRP cable tray is a structural support system made of fiberglass reinforced with polyester, vinyl ester, or epoxy resin. This composite material provides high strength, excellent corrosion resistance, and non-conductive properties, making it ideal for electrical and industrial environments.

Common types of FRP cable trays include:

FRP Ladder Cable Tray
FRP Channel Cable Tray
FRP Trough / Perforated Cable Tray
FRP Solid Bottom Cable Tray

These systems can be produced in custom lengths, thicknesses, colors, and fire-retardant grades.

Why FRP Cable Trays Are Replacing Steel Cable Trays
1. Superior Corrosion Resistance

Steel trays—especially galvanized or painted ones—rust over time. In environments with saltwater, chemical vapors, or humidity, corrosion occurs even faster.

FRP does not rust, pit, or corrode, even when exposed to:

Chemical plants
Wastewater treatment facilities
Coastal and offshore sites
Tunnels and high-humidity environments

This results in longer service life and lower maintenance costs.

2. Lightweight but High Strength

FRP cable trays can be 60–70% lighter than steel, making transportation and installation easier and cheaper.

Benefits include:

Fewer installers needed
No heavy lifting equipment
Faster installation time
Lower labor cost

Despite being lightweight, FRP maintains high tensile strength and structural stability suitable for heavy cable loads.

3. Electrically Non-Conductive and Fire Retardant

FRP is an electrically safe material, making it ideal for power plants, substations, and high-voltage environments.

Key safety advantages:

Electrically non-conductive
Fire-retardant options (UL94-V0 / ASTM E-84)
Low smoke and low toxicity grades
No grounding required

These characteristics significantly enhance system safety.

4. Weather & UV Resistant

Unlike steel, FRP cable trays do not degrade under:

UV sunlight
Acid rain
Temperature fluctuations
Outdoor exposure

This makes FRP ideal for long-term outdoor installation.

5. Zero Maintenance

Once installed, FRP cable trays require no painting, coating, or anti-rust treatment.

This lowers operating costs and eliminates downtime.

Common Applications of FRP Cable Trays

FRP cable trays are widely used in industries where corrosion and electrical safety are critical:

Industrial & Infrastructure Applications

Petrochemical & refinery plants
Water & wastewater treatment plants
Power stations & substations
Desalination plants
Chemical processing facilities

Construction & Transportation

Tunnel & subway systems
Bridges and highway cable management
Marine & offshore platforms

Technology & Commercial

Data centers
Factories & manufacturing facilities
Pharmaceutical and food plants

In these sectors, FRP cable trays often outperform aluminum and steel.

Specifications: Sizes & Options

Standard Sizes

Width: 50–1000 mm
Height: 50–200 mm
Thickness: 3–8 mm (or custom)
Length: 3 m, 6 m, or custom

Resin Systems

Polyester
Vinyl ester (best corrosion resistance)
Epoxy (high strength)

Color Options

Gray
Yellow
Green
Custom colors available

Accessories

Bends, tees, reducers
Covers
Splice plates
Support systems