Each tray type has specific advantages, limitations, and ideal applications: Ladder trays – best for heavy power cables and long runs where airflow is essential. Before selecting a cable tray, consider the following key factors: Cable Type and Volume: Determine the number and type of cables to be supported. Environmental Conditions: Assess indoor or outdoor usage, exposure to moisture, chemicals, or extreme temperatures. Load Capacity: Choose a tray that. Cable trays are typically classified by structural design, which directly affects ventilation, load capacity, and cable support. From an engineering standpoint, most installations fall into one of the following categories: Each type is not “better” or “worse” in isolation—it is optimized for a. There are several types of cable trays, including ladder, perforated, solid bottom, basket, and channel trays. Wire Mesh Cable Tray. eferred to support and protect numerous small instrumentation and control cables. When equipped with a solid cover, this type of cable tray can be used t -piece. For a few types of installations, the National Electrical Code (NEC) specifies the cable tray type to be used: Single conductor cables and Type MV cables must be installed in ladder or ventilated trough cable trays.