The strain can bend or break the tray, leading to a cascade of issues, including equipment damage. Faulty tray installations or sagging systems can disrupt the cable network and result in expensive repairs or dangerous shutdowns. Cable trays play a critical role in electrical installations, offering an organized, efficient way to manage and route wiring systems. However, while cable trays can simplify and optimize cabling, overloading them can lead to dangerous consequences that no electrician should overlook. Knowing the. According to the 2005 National Electrical Code® (NEC), a cable tray system is “ unit or assembly of units or sections and associated fittings forming a structural system used to securely fasten or support cables and raceways. In this. The the following sections of this page tables and formulas are provided to help determine how many cables can be safely carried by each size wire mesh / cable tray.