The cable tray is shown as a dashed line

A dashed line for a cable tray typically indicates that the tray is hidden, not physically visible in the current view, or represents a non-primary or optional path in the diagram.

Interpretation in Electrical and Mechanical Drawings

In electrical schematics or wiring diagrams, a dashed line often represents a hidden, optional, or signal/control connection rather than a main power line. This can include wires or components that are not physically visible in the current view, such as internal connections within a panel or a circuit board . Similarly, in mechanical or MEP drawings, a dashed line for a cable tray usually indicates that the tray is behind other elements, above or below the cut plane, or otherwise not directly visible in the section or plan view .

CAD and Revit Considerations

In CAD software like Design Master Electrical, dashed lines can be applied to conduits and cable trays to indicate hidden or secondary paths. This involves setting the layer linetype to dashed and ensuring the main conduit layers are set not to plot, while hidden layers display the dashed style . In Revit, cable trays may appear as dashed lines in section or plan views when the rise/drop symbol graphics hide the edges of the tray. Adjusting visibility settings or turning off rise/drop symbols can make the tray edges visible for dimensioning or detailed representation .

Practical Implications

• Reading diagrams: Dashed lines help differentiate hidden or secondary cable paths from primary visible trays.
• Designing layouts: Designers can use dashed lines to indicate optional routes or trays that are above ceilings or behind walls.
• Dimensioning: In Revit, dimensions may only reference the centerline of a dashed cable tray unless rise/drop symbols are turned off . Understanding that a dashed line represents a non-visible or hidden element ensures accurate interpretation of drawings and proper planning for installation or maintenance.