Fire rating defines how long a cable tray system can maintain its structural integrity during a fire. Common fire resistance periods include 60, 90, and 120 minutes, depending on project requirements. This buying guide breaks down the three factors that matter most to overseas buyers: load capacity, fire rating, and cost, and explains how to balance them without over- or under-specifying your system. Understanding Load Capacity: More Than Just Cable Weight Load capacity is often the first. EI60, EI90, and EI120 are widely used fire resistance targets in cable tray specifications, yet they are often applied without a clear link to project risk, tested configurations, and lifecycle implications. The result is either over-specification (cost and complexity) or under-specification. Where cables pass through shafts, walls, slabs, or enter electrical panels or cabinets, openings shall be tightly sealed with firestopping materials in accordance with design requirements. This is a test for electric cable systems that are required to maintain circuit integrity, so is therefore written around and is dependent on the cables themselves, but containmen of 90 minutes (the maximum time covered by DIN 4102-12). This tray effectively prevents the spread of flames for a specified duration.