Durability of cable tray systems in highly corrosive environments

The durability of cable tray systems is critical in installations where environmental conditions pose a high risk of corrosion. Grade C8 represents one of the highest levels of environmental aggressiveness and requires specific protective treatments to ensure the integrity and safety of the system over time.

To do this, it is imperative to understand what a corrosion grade is, what its requirements are, the types of coatings available and the associated benefits, in order to determine which material is necessary for each application, especially in the case of the C8 classification.

Applicable standards and test methods

The corrosion resistance of the cable trays is based on the UNE-EN IEC 61537 standard and is verified by the continuous salt spray test (ISO 9227). Both procedures are certified and audited by AENOR, which guarantees full compliance with national and international standards.

The protection classes (0-9) are associated with the type of coating, the minimum thickness of the protective metal and the hours of exposure without red corrosion, depending on the severity of the environment and the type of protection required. An indicative classification is given below:

🔴 Basic Protection (Classes 0-2)

Coatings: Electrolytic (EN 12329), thicknesses of 5-12 μm
Resistance: Up to 96 hours.

Typical applications:

  • Dry, low aggressive indoor environments
  • Domestic installations (metal furniture, household appliances)
  • Vehicle interior bodywork
  • Electrical equipment and control panels

🟠 Medium Protection (Classes 3-5)

Coatings: Pre-galvanized (EN 10326/10327) and light galvanized (ISO 1461, ≥45 μm)
Resistance: Up to 240 hours.

Typical applications:

  • Urban or rural environments with moderate humidity
  • Metal facades of commercial buildings
  • Bridges and footbridges in non-coastal areas
  • Agricultural machinery and construction equipment

🟡 High Protection (Classes 6-7)

Coatings: Standard hot-dip galvanized (ISO 1461, 55-70 μm)
Resistance: Up to 850 hours

Typical applications:

  • Moderately aggressive industrial or coastal environments
  • Water treatment plants
  • Port platforms and cargo terminals
  • Paper, textile and food industries with high humidity

🟢 Maximum Protection (Class 8 – C8)

Coatings: Hot-dip galvanized (ISO 1461) ≥85 μm, High Resistance (H.R.), R1000+
Resistance: ≥1 500 hrs.

Typical applications:

  • Very aggressive environments with saline mist or chemicals
  • Refineries and heavy chemical plants
  • Vessels and offshore structures
  • Acid and desalination plants

🔵 Extreme Endurance (Classes 9A-9B)

Material: Stainless steel (AISI 304/316L)
Durability: Highest corrosion resistance

Typical applications:

  • Extreme conditions with continuous exposure to very aggressive agents
  • Pharmaceutical and biochemical industry
  • Storage tanks for caustic products or concentrated acids
  • Process equipment in chlorine-soda or heavy metallurgy plants

Note: This classification is indicative. The final choice of coating and thickness must be validated by a specific corrosion study, adapted to the real conditions of each project.

What is corrosion degree C8?

Grade C8 corresponds to an extreme level of corrosivity, characteristic of coastal marine environments with high salinity, industrial areas with aggressive contaminants or tropical environments with high humidity.
According to ISO 9223, this type of environment requires solutions with very high corrosion resistance, capable of withstanding prolonged chemical and mechanical attacks.

Types of coatings in corrosion degree C8

At Aiscan, we offer effective and certified solutions for C8 environments, ranging from traditional galvanizing to high-tech options:

  • Hot dip galvanized: Immersion in molten zinc with minimum thickness of 120 μm. Excellent protection against marine and chemical environments, meeting C8 requirements.
  • High Resistance Coating (H.R.): Zinc-Aluminum-Magnesium Alloy (Zn-Al-Mg) that generates a self-healing film. Its resistance to chlorides, acids and humidity exceeds that of conventional galvanizing.
  • R1000+: Advanced polymeric coating, homogeneous and resistant to abrasion and chemical impacts. It offers excellent aesthetics and durability, ideal for projects where appearance is also a priority.
  • AISI 304 Stainless Steel: Although it is part of the 9A classification (higher than C8), it is an economically viable alternative for specific areas requiring maximum strength.

Each option is designed to facilitate installation, minimize maintenance costs and adapt to the durability and aesthetic requirements of each project.

Quality assurance in C8 products – Aiscan

At Aiscan, we guarantee our class C8 products by means of:

  • Salt spray tests (ISO 9227): Verify corrosion resistance under controlled laboratory conditions.
  • CE Marking: According to the Construction Products Regulation (CPR), when applicable.
  • AENOR Certification: Conforms to UNE-EN and IEC 61537 standards.

Our systems are designed to meet the requirements of class C8, with certified solutions and guaranteed durability. Investing in the right treatment allows you to reduce maintenance, increase safety and meet technical requirements in extremely aggressive environments.