Quality tray cables have a life of 30 to 40 years without covers when exposed to the elements. If covers are used they should be the ventilated. The cable tray lifespan of steel trays can vary significantly depending on whether they are galvanized or made from stainless steel. Lifespan (1-2 years to 10 years): Regular galvanized steel trays have a thinner protective coating and are often exposed to corrosion in humid or corrosive. Here, we look at what impacts a cable tray's lifespan, how we can figure out how long it might last, and give you some typical numbers based on the material used. What Affects Cable Tray Service Life? Lots of things can change how long a cable tray lasts. The material of the tray plays a significant role; metal trays, while strong, are prone to rust, whereas non-metal trays resist rust but may. maintain spacing or to keep cables in place when the tray is ect the minimum bend ra-dius for cables as they exit the bottom of the cable tray. A rung spacing of 6 to 9 inches (150 to 230 mm) is preferable when the cable tray cont d for instrumentation and control applications that require. Several factors influence the lifespan of cable trays, including environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, exposure to chemicals, and UV rays. Cable trays offer continuous support of cables, are lightweight, quick and straight forward to install just about anywhere, and generally mean that changing cabling.