1. Material and structure

Properties Glass bridge cable tray (metallic/non-metallic)

Main material Fibre glass reinforced plastic (FRP) Metal (steel, aluminium alloy) or non-metal (PVC, composite materials) 

Structure Lightweight, strong integrity, no welded seams Metal bridges are usually stamped and bent from steel plates and can be spliced together 

Colour A wide range of colours (UV resistant) are available Metal bridges are mostly silver grey/galvanised, non-metallic colours can be adjusted. 

2. Physical and mechanical properties

Characteristics of glass bridge cable trays

Light weight (density 1.5-2.0 g/cm³) Heavier metals (steel 7.8 g/cm³, aluminium 2.7 g/cm³) 

Strength Higher (tensile strength similar to steel) Steel bridges have the highest strength, aluminium alloys are moderate 

Corrosion resistance Extremely strong (resistant to acid and alkali, salt spray, humidity) Metal bridges need to be galvanised/sprayed to prevent rust, non-metallic corrosion resistant 

Temperature resistance -40°C ~ 120°C (long term use) Metal is resistant to high temperatures (steel up to 300°C or more) 

Insulation Excellent (non-conductive) Metal bridges need to be earthed, non-metal (e.g. PVC) insulated 

Flame retardant Flame retardant (Oxygen index ≥ 28) Metal non-flammable, non-metal (PVC) flame retardant 

3. Installation and Maintenance

Characteristic glass bridge cable trays

Installation Modular assembly, no welding required Bolt/clip connection, metal bridge needs to be earthed 

Cutting/processing requires special tools (e.g. diamond saw blades) Metal bridges can be cut and bent on site. 

Low maintenance cost (no rust prevention treatment) Metal bridges need regular rust prevention, non-metal is more durable. 

4. Application Scenarios

Scene glass bridge applicable fields Cable bridge applicable fields

Strong corrosive environment Chemical, marine, sewage treatment plant Galvanised steel bridge can be used in general corrosive environment 

Power engineering Applicable to places with high insulation requirements Metal bridges need to be matched with insulation measures 

Lightweight requirements High-rise buildings, bridges and other weight reduction scenarios Aluminium alloy bridges are lighter, steel bridges are heavier 

Electromagnetic shielding Not applicable (non-conductive) Electromagnetic shielding is available for metal bridges. 

5. Comparison of advantages and disadvantages

Glass Bridges

✅ Advantages:

High corrosion resistance, suitable for harsh environments (chemical, coastal).

Light weight, easy to install, suitable for large span laying.

Good insulation, no need for extra grounding.

Maintenance free, long life (more than 20 years).

❌ Disadvantages:

Higher cost (30%-50% more expensive than ordinary steel bridge).

Slightly lower mechanical strength than steel bridges, not suitable for extra heavy cables.

Non-conductive, can't be used in occasions where electromagnetic shielding is required.

Cable Bridges (metallic/non-metallic)

✅ Advantages:

Metal bridges (e.g. galvanised steel) are strong and have high load carrying capacity.

Lower cost and widely used in the market.

Metal bridges can provide electromagnetic shielding (e.g. data centres).

❌ Disadvantages:

Metal bridges are prone to corrosion (need galvanised/sprayed protection).

Heavier and complicated to install (requires earthing).

Non-metallic bridges (e.g. PVC) are less temperature resistant.

6. Summary and Suggestions for Selection

Choose glass bridge:

Strong corrosive environment (chemical industry, ocean).

High insulation requirements (substation, laboratory).

Lightweight requirements (airports, stadiums).

Choose metal cable tray:

Conventional construction, power engineering (cost priority).

Electromagnetic shielding required (data centre, communication room).

High temperature environment (steel mill, boiler room).

Choose non-metallic bridge (such as PVC):

Weak power system (network, monitoring wiring).

Humid but not strongly corrosive environment (underground garage).

Choose the right type of bridge according to specific needs (corrosivity, weight, cost, insulation).