Does a mesh cable tray need to be grounded

Yes, a metallic wire mesh cable tray must be grounded and bonded to ensure electrical safety and NEC compliance.NEC and Safety RequirementsAll metallic cable trays, including wire mesh types, must be grounded according to NEC Article 250.96, even if the tray is not used as an equipment grounding conductor (EGC) for the cables it supports . Grounding provides a low-resistance path for fault currents, protecting personnel and equipment from electric shock, arc faults, and potential fire hazards . Without proper grounding, a metallic tray can become energized under fault conditions, creating serious safety risks .Bonding and Electrical ContinuityWire mesh trays must maintain electrical continuity across all sections and fittings. This is achieved by bonding at splice points and using bonding jumpers where mechanical connections alone do not ensure continuity . Proper bonding ensures that all metallic components, including tray sections, fittings, and supports, remain electrically connected, forming a complete protective system .Using the Tray as an EGCIn some installations, the tray itself can serve as the equipment grounding conductor if it meets the cross-sectional area and conductivity requirements outlined in NEC Table 392.60(A), . However, if the tray supports cables with built-in EGCs or sensitive signal/control cables, it is recommended to provide a low-impedance path to a non-system ground to reduce noise and stray currents . A separate grounding conductor is not always required for wire mesh trays in these cases, but it may be used for added safety and compliance.Material ConsiderationsWhen using aluminum trays, avoid placing bare copper grounding conductors directly in the tray to prevent electrolytic corrosion. Instead, use insulated conductors and remove insulation only at bonding points with tin- or zinc-plated connectors . For steel or stainless steel trays, grounding connections should be mechanically secure and corrosion-resistant .SummaryGrounding is mandatory for all metallic wire mesh trays to ensure safety and NEC compliance.Bonding at splice points and maintaining electrical continuity is essential.The tray can sometimes serve as the EGC if it meets NEC requirements, but a separate grounding conductor may be used for additional safety.Material-specific precautions should be taken to prevent corrosion and maintain reliable grounding connections. Proper grounding and bonding of wire mesh cable trays are critical for personnel safety, equipment protection, and code compliance .