The 2026 NEC introduced an important update: cable trays must have at least 12 inches of clear vertical space above them to allow for installation and maintenance access. ) above grade such as where cable trays are exposed to physical damage from vehicular traffic. Cable trays can be. 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. The purpose of this AE Note is to outline the use of fiber optic cables in “tray rated” environments. The question arises as to what listing is required for an optical fiber cable installed in a cable tray. When horizontally installed, the height from the ground should not be lower than 2.