Bridge (Cable Tray) is a metallic or non-metallic structural system used to support, protect and lay cables (power cables, communication cables, etc.) in an orderly manner, which is widely used in the fields of construction, industry and infrastructure. Its main uses include:

1. Cable management and protection

Supporting cables: carrying power, communication, optical fibre and other cables to avoid direct exposure or drag damage.

Protecting role: preventing cables from mechanical damage, moisture, corrosion or external environmental influences (e.g. high temperature, chemicals).

Fire-retardant: some bridges adopt fire-retardant materials (e.g. galvanised steel, fire-retardant plastic) to improve safety.

2. Electric power and communication engineering

Power system: used for cable laying in substations, distribution rooms, and power lines in factories.

Communication network: data centre, 5G base station, building integrated wiring (e.g. network cable, optical fiber).

Transportation facilities: cable laying for subways, airports, tunnels (shockproof and waterproof design required).

3. Industrial and architectural applications

Industrial plants: high-voltage cable or control line laying in chemical, petroleum, metallurgy and other industries (corrosion-resistant, explosion-proof type bridge).

Commercial buildings: strong and weak power systems (such as lighting, security, network) in shopping malls, hospitals, office buildings.

Residential area: centralised management of cables in underground garages and public areas.

4. Classification and applicable scenes

According to the material and structure, the bridge can be divided into:

Type Characteristics Typical use

Ladder bridge Good ventilation and heat dissipation, strong load-bearing Large-diameter cable, power trunk line 

Trough type bridge Fully enclosed, dustproof and anti-interference Data centre, precision equipment line 

Tray type bridge with holes at the bottom for heat dissipation and protection Factories, telecommunication base stations 

Anti-corrosion bridge Galvanised/stainless steel/aluminium alloy, corrosion resistant Chemical industry, coastal areas 

Fireproof bridge Coated with fireproof paint or using flame retardant materials High-rise buildings, fire protection systems 

5. Advantages and necessities

Safety norms: comply with electrical installation standards (e.g. national standard GB/T 19215, international IEC 61537) to avoid fire or short circuit caused by cable clutter.

Convenient maintenance: open design facilitates overhaul, capacity expansion or cable replacement.

Cost-effective: Save material and labour time than traditional buried pipe laying.

Summary

Bridge is the core facility of modern cable laying, guaranteeing the safety, reliability and aesthetics of power and communication systems, especially suitable for complex environments (e.g. multi-cable, high-density wiring scenarios). Selection needs to be based on the load, environment (corrosion, fire rating) and cable type to match the bridge material and structure.