A cable tray resembles an open ladder where air is able to pass through the wires, whereas cable trunking resembles a long and protective box where wires are not visible, and they are not at risk of getting dust. Understanding these distinctions is vital for selecting the appropriate solution for a given project. 1 Can a lid turn a tray into trunking? 7. 3 Is the earthing or grounding the same? The primary. Two popular systems used for cable management are cable trays and trunking. Each system offers unique benefits depending on the environment, cable load, and future accessibility. Proper management of Electrical cables.