The perforated cable tray price per metre is decided mainly by the weight of steel in the tray (set by sheet thickness, width and side height), then by the finish (pre-galvanised, hot dip galvanised, powder coated or stainless steel), and finally by accessories, custom work and order quantity. Two trays that look identical on a drawing can differ widely in cost if one is in a heavier gauge or carries a heavier finish. Before comparing quotations, make sure every supplier is pricing the same thickness, size and finish.
We are a Pune based manufacturer, supplier and exporter of cable trays, incorporated in 2001 and making perforated, ladder type, basket and raceway trays from our manufacturing, quality control and packing units at Burhani Industrial Area, Pune. This guide explains each cost driver in plain terms so that contractors, EPC firms and procurement teams can read a quotation properly. We do not publish a fixed rate here, because a meaningful price depends on the exact specification and the steel market at the time of order.
What decides perforated cable tray price per metre?
Think of a perforated tray the way a tailor thinks of cloth: the price follows the amount of material cut, plus the work done on it. For a cable tray, the main cost drivers are:
- Sheet thickness (gauge): heavier sheet means more steel per metre.
- Width and side height: together these decide the developed width of the blank sheet.
- Finish: the coating type and whether it is applied before or after fabrication.
- Accessories and covers: bends, tees, reducers and lids are priced separately.
- Custom work: non-standard sizes, slotting or lengths.
- Order quantity, packing and delivery location.
Sheet thickness: the biggest single driver
Steel is the largest part of the cost of any perforated cable tray, so thickness moves the price more than anything else. A tray in a thicker sheet uses proportionally more steel for the same width and height, and the price rises roughly in step with weight.
The right thickness is an engineering choice, not just a budget choice. It depends on the cable load, the support spacing on site and the environment. Specifying a heavier gauge than the load requires adds cost without adding value, while under-specifying leads to sagging trays and rework. Hutaib Electricals have designed cable trays by taking care of cable loads and practical site problems, so we usually ask for the cable schedule and support spacing before recommending a gauge. Our published thickness range for each width is listed on our perforated cable tray page.
Width and height: why developed width matters
Buyers often compare prices by tray width alone, but the steel actually used is the developed width: the base width plus both side heights plus any return flanges. A 300 mm wide tray with tall sides can use more steel than a wider tray with short sides. When comparing perforated cable tray sizes and thickness across suppliers, always check that the side height and flange details match, not just the nominal width.
Wider trays also need stiffer bases to resist deflection between supports, which sometimes pushes the thickness up as well. This is why width and gauge are best selected together.
Finish: pre-galvanised vs hot dip galvanised cable tray
After steel weight, the finish is the next big factor in the perforated cable tray price. The choice should follow the site environment: indoor, outdoor, coastal or chemically aggressive.
Pre-Galvanised as per IS-277
IS-277 is the Indian Standard for galvanised steel sheets and strips. Pre-galvanised trays are formed and perforated from sheet that is already zinc coated, which keeps fabrication simple and the cost lower. Because the sheet is coated before cutting and punching, the cut edges and perforations are not freshly coated. For dry indoor areas such as commercial buildings, panel rooms and most factory interiors, pre-galvanised trays are usually the economical and adequate choice.
Hot Dip Galvanised as per IS-2629
IS-2629 is the Indian Standard recommended practice for hot dip galvanising of iron and steel. Here the finished tray is dipped in molten zinc after fabrication, so every surface, edge and perforation is coated. The zinc layer is generally heavier than on pre-galvanised sheet, and the process adds handling and a galvanising charge, so the price per metre is higher. For outdoor runs, solar plants, chemical plants and humid or coastal sites, the longer service life usually justifies the extra cost. Our article on hot-dip galvanized vs aluminum cable trays covers outdoor selection in more detail.
Powder coated, painted and stainless steel
Powder coating or painting adds a process step and is chosen where colour coding or appearance matters. Stainless steel in SS 202, SS 304 or SS 316 is the most expensive option per metre. Grade 316 contains molybdenum, which improves resistance to chlorides, which is why it is preferred for marine and harsh chemical environments, while 304 is common in food and pharma areas. Choose stainless steel where the environment demands it, not by default.
Accessories, covers and custom sizes
A tray run is never only straight lengths. Bends, elbows, tees, crosses, reducers, couplers and brackets are priced per piece, and covers add steel and finish cost to every metre they protect. On a layout with many changes of direction, accessories can be a significant share of the total. We make fittings in single-piece construction wherever possible, and our range of cable tray accessories is matched to the same widths and finishes as the trays.
Our slotting patterns allow easy cutting and joining at any point without drilling at site. This does not lower the tray price itself, but it reduces site labour and waste, which matters when you compare the installed cost rather than the ex-works rate.
Custom made cable trays and accessories, developed through our in-house R&D, are priced on the specific drawing. Non-standard widths, special perforation or unusual lengths may need setup work, so a small custom quantity usually costs more per metre than the same quantity in a standard size.
Order quantity, packing and delivery
Quantity affects price because setup, finishing batches and packing are shared across more metres. Larger orders also allow better planning of steel purchase and galvanising runs. We explain this in more detail in how bulk cable tray orders reduce project costs.
Delivery location and packing also count. Supply within Pune and Mumbai is simpler than long-distance or export consignments, which need sturdier packing and documentation. Buyers looking for perforated cable tray suppliers in Pune can find our local supply details under reliable cable tray supplier in Pune and India. We also supply across India and export worldwide.
How to get an accurate quotation from a perforated cable tray manufacturer
The fastest way to a firm, comparable price is to send a complete specification. A good perforated cable tray manufacturer will ask for:
- Tray width and side height for each run.
- Sheet thickness, or the cable load and support spacing so that thickness can be recommended.
- Finish: Pre-Galvanised as per IS-277, Hot Dip Galvanised as per IS-2629, powder coated, painted, or SS 202/304/316.
- Total running metres per size.
- Accessory schedule: bends, tees, reducers, covers, couplers and brackets.
- Any custom requirements, with drawings where possible.
- Delivery location and required dates.
When comparing quotations, check that thickness, developed width and finish standard are identical across suppliers. A lower rate that quietly uses thinner sheet or a lighter finish is not a saving once the tray is installed. Share your BOQ or drawings through our contact page and our team will quote as per customers' demands, with prompt delivery from Pune.
Frequently asked questions
What is the price of a perforated cable tray per metre?
There is no single rate, because the price depends on sheet thickness, width, side height, finish and quantity. Steel weight sets most of the cost, and the finish adds the next largest share. Send us your sizes, thickness, finish and running metres for a firm quotation.
Is hot dip galvanised perforated cable tray more expensive than pre-galvanised?
Yes. Hot dip galvanising as per IS-2629 is done after fabrication, coating every edge and perforation, and it adds a separate process and handling cost. Pre-galvanised trays as per IS-277 are formed from already coated sheet and cost less, which makes them suitable for dry indoor areas.
Does a thicker cable tray always mean better value?
No. Thickness should match the cable load and support spacing on site. A heavier gauge than needed raises the price without real benefit, while too thin a sheet can sag, so we recommend thickness based on the cable schedule.
Do you make custom size perforated cable trays?
Yes, we manufacture custom made cable trays and accessories through our in-house R&D for non-standard project layouts. Custom sizes are priced on the drawing, and small custom quantities usually cost more per metre than standard sizes because of setup work.
Do you supply perforated cable trays outside Pune?
Yes. We supply Pune, Mumbai and projects across India, and we export cable trays worldwide. Delivery location and packing requirements are included in the quotation.