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CSA C22.2 No. 197-M83 (2018): Metal Cable Tray Systems — Technical Requirements and Compliance
A comprehensive guide to the Canadian standard for the design, construction, and certification of metal cable trays under the Canadian Electrical Code
Scope
The standard CSA C22.2 No. 197-M83 (2018) — Metal Cable Tray Systems — specifies the requirements for the construction, testing, and marking of metal cable trays and associated fittings intended for use in electrical installations in accordance with the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I (CE Code). This standard applies to ladder-type and trough-type cable trays, and their fittings, fabricated from sheet steel, stainless steel, or aluminum alloys. It covers products used for the support of cables in commercial, industrial, and institutional occupancies.
Originally published in 1983 as M83, the standard was reaffirmed in 2018 to ensure continued alignment with industry practices and the evolving provisions of the CE Code. The standard does not cover non-metallic cable trays, wire mesh cable trays, or cable tray systems intended for hazardous locations, which are addressed by other CSA standards.
Technical Requirements
Material and Construction
All metal cable trays must be fabricated from corrosion-resistant materials or provided with a corrosion protection system that meets the performance criteria of the standard. The permissible base materials are:
- Sheet steel (galvanized or with equivalent coating)
- Stainless steel (types 304 or 316, or better)
- Aluminum alloy (suitable for the intended environment)
Construction must ensure that the tray sections are rigid and capable of supporting the rated loads without permanent deformation. Joint sections, connectors, covers, and accessories must be designed to maintain electrical continuity and mechanical strength. All edges and protrusions must be free of burrs and sharp edges to prevent cable damage.
Load Ratings and Span
Each cable tray is assigned a load rating based on the standard’s classification tests. The rating is expressed as a uniformly distributed load (UDL) in kilonewtons per metre (kN/m) or pounds per foot (lb/ft) for a given maximum support span. The standard defines three load classes:
| Load Class | Max. UDL (kN/m) | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|
| Light Duty | 0.73 | Low-voltage control cables, communication cables |
| Medium Duty | 1.46 | Power and control cables in commercial buildings |
| Heavy Duty | 2.92 | High-voltage power cables in industrial plants |
Load ratings are validated through deflection tests where a sample tray section is supported at its rated span and loaded to 1.5 times the rated load without exceeding a deflection of L/200 (where L is the span). The standard also requires side load tests to verify the strength of side rails.
Tip: When selecting a cable tray for a project, always verify that the load class and maximum support span are compatible with the actual cable loading and installation conditions. Refer to the manufacturer’s published load tables derived from testing per CSA C22.2 No. 197-M83.
Corrosion Protection
Metal cable trays must resist corrosion in the intended environment. The standard mandates that all ferrous components be hot-dip galvanized after fabrication or be provided with a zinc coating that meets minimum thickness requirements. For more aggressive environments, stainless steel or aluminum trays with appropriate surface treatments are required. The coating must adhere without flaking or peeling when subjected to the standard adhesion and bend tests.
Corrosion Success: Trays hot-dip galvanized in compliance with CSA G164 are awarded a high level of corrosion protection. For environments exposed to chemicals or saltwater, stainless steel trays (type 316L) are recommended and are fully covered by the standard.
Bonding and Grounding
The standard includes requirements for bonding of cable tray sections to provide a continuous low‑impedance path for fault current. Connectors and bonding jumpers must be capable of carrying the prospective fault current without overheating. The resistance across a joint must not exceed 0.01 ohm for a minimum of 600 mm length. All metallic cable trays must be bonded to the equipment grounding conductor of the electrical system in accordance with the CE Code (Section 10).
Warning: Failure to ensure proper bonding across cable tray joints can create a hazardous condition during a ground fault. Use only listed connectors and bonding hardware specifically tested to the requirements of CSA C22.2 No. 197-M83.
Implementation Highlights
Installation of metal cable trays must follow the manufacturer’s instructions and comply with the CE Code rules, including those for cable fill, support spacing, and clearance from other systems. The standard does not prescribe installation details but requires that all components carry the certification mark of a recognized certification body (e.g., CSA, UL).
Marking and Documentation
Each cable tray section and fitting must be permanently marked with:
- Manufacturer’s name or trademark
- Standard designation (CSA C22.2 No. 197-M83)
- Load class (e.g., “MEDIUM DUTY”)
- Maximum support span
- Material type and coating
These markings verify that the product has been tested and certified to the standard.
Danger of Misuse: Never install a cable tray without confirming that its load rating is appropriate for the actual cable weight. Overloading can cause tray collapse and serious electrical hazards. Always include a safety factor per the engineering design.
Compliance and Certification
To be accepted under the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I, metal cable tray systems must be certified to CSA C22.2 No. 197-M83 (2018). Certification is performed by an accredited certification organization (e.g., CSA Group, UL, QPS) through inspection and testing of representative samples. Key compliance steps include:
- Type testing of all unique configurations for load rating, deflection, and continuity
- Ongoing factory inspections and quality control audits
- Verification of marking and literature
The 2018 reaffirmation did not introduce new technical requirements but clarified existing test procedures and alignment with current CE Code editions. Manufacturers holding certification to the earlier edition were given a transition period to update their products; however, all certification must now reference the 2018 edition for new installations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does CSA C22.2 No. 197-M83 cover non-metallic cable trays?
A: No. The standard is limited to metal cable trays made from steel, stainless steel, or aluminum. Non-metallic cable trays are covered under separate standards such as CSA C22.2 No. 256-12.
A: No. The standard is limited to metal cable trays made from steel, stainless steel, or aluminum. Non-metallic cable trays are covered under separate standards such as CSA C22.2 No. 256-12.
Q: What is the significance of the “-M83” in the standard number?
A: “M83” indicates the original publication year of 1983. The standard is reaffirmed periodically; the “(2018)” denotes the most recent reaffirmation, meaning the technical content remains current.
A: “M83” indicates the original publication year of 1983. The standard is reaffirmed periodically; the “(2018)” denotes the most recent reaffirmation, meaning the technical content remains current.
Q: Are cable trays listed to this standard acceptable for use in Canada only?
A: While designed primarily for the Canadian market, many manufacturers also meet equivalent U.S. standards. However, authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) in Canada require certification to CSA C22.2 No. 197-M83 for compliance with the CE Code.
A: While designed primarily for the Canadian market, many manufacturers also meet equivalent U.S. standards. However, authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) in Canada require certification to CSA C22.2 No. 197-M83 for compliance with the CE Code.
Q: How often should cable tray bonding connections be inspected?
A: The standard does not specify inspection intervals, but the CE Code and good engineering practice recommend verifying bonding continuity after installation and during periodic maintenance checks. The resistance across each joint should remain below 0.01 ohm.
A: The standard does not specify inspection intervals, but the CE Code and good engineering practice recommend verifying bonding continuity after installation and during periodic maintenance checks. The resistance across each joint should remain below 0.01 ohm.
This article is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the full text of CSA C22.2 No. 197-M83 (2018). For complete technical requirements, refer to the official standard published by CSA Group. All references to the Canadian Electrical Code are based on the 2024 edition. Updated as of 2026.