Cable Trays for Data Centres: Why Wire Mesh Dominates
Data centre cabling changes constantly, and containment has to accommodate that without restricting airflow. Wire mesh and basket trays have become the default answer in both new build and retrofit projects.
Airflow and heat
An open mesh tray leaves most of its area free, so overhead containment does not block hot aisle exhaust or under-floor supply air the way a solid tray does. That matters directly to cooling cost in a dense white space.
Moves, adds and changes
Mesh trays are cut and formed on site with simple tools, so a new drop, a bend or a tee can be created without ordering fittings. In a facility where cabling is re-routed regularly, that flexibility usually outweighs the neat appearance of a solid tray system.
Specification points to confirm
- Finish — electro-galvanised for clean indoor rooms, hot dip galvanised for plant areas, stainless steel where corrosion is a factor.
- Wire diameter and mesh pitch, matched to the cable load and support spacing.
- Support spacing and the safe working load at that span.
- Bend radius maintained at all changes of direction so structured cabling performance is not compromised.
- Continuous earthing across tray sections and splices.
Frequently asked questions
Which cable tray finish is right for a data centre?
Electro-galvanised wire mesh trays suit clean, climate-controlled rooms; stainless steel is used where corrosion resistance is required, and hot dip galvanised for plant rooms and external routes.
Do you manufacture cable trays to project sizes?
Yes. Wire mesh, stainless steel, GI and basket cable trays are manufactured to project dimensions, wire gauge and finish from our Ahmedabad works.