Stainless steel cable tray: 304 or 316?
When the environment is too harsh for galvanized steel, stainless is the answer — but the grade matters. Here is how to choose between 304 and 316.
When a cable route runs through a very harsh environment, stainless steel is usually the right material. But not every stainless steel performs the same.
Stainless 304
Excellent corrosion resistance in most industrial environments. It is the usual choice for food and beverage factories and pharmaceutical plants, where surfaces must stay clean and are washed often.
Stainless 316
Contains about 2% molybdenum, which gives it much higher resistance to chlorides. Choose it for coastal areas, desalination plants, marine facilities and chemical plants.
Is the extra cost worth it?
Stainless costs more at the start. In these environments, though, it lasts for many years without maintenance or replacement, so the total cost over the life of the project is often lower than galvanized steel.
Quick guide
| Environment | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Dry indoor areas | Pre-galvanized steel |
| Outdoor and industrial | Hot-dip galvanized steel |
| Food, beverage, pharma | Stainless 304 |
| Coastal, desalination, marine, chemical | Stainless 316 |
Need help choosing? Send us your project details and our technical team will recommend the material and size.