Cable ducts (also known as installation ducts, cable strips or cable trays) are electrical installation elements designed to create cable routes and various types of installations on walls or at the ceilings of residential buildings and industrial facilities. Cables are placed in a cable duct and run above the ground, in the ground, in the floor or above its level. There are many types and sizes of cable ducts, which allows each investor to choose the optimal solution for their installation.
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What applications can cable ducts be used for?
Cable ducts play a very important role today when constructing both extensive and small electrical or telecommunications installations inside buildings. Placing electrical cables in a duct makes them resistant to mechanical damage and allows for discreet integration of installation elements into the decor. A cable duct is used to bring a fiber optic network to a house, apartment or company. It cannot be missing in industrial facilities, where in difficult conditions it protects numerous power cables from damage and dust, makes it easier to organize them and prevents serious accidents at work due to tripping over a tangle of cables on the floor. Depending on the application, an installation duct of the right type and with the required parameters should be selected.
In some places, especially in industrial spaces, cable ducts with an increased degree of protection against moisture, solid substances, impacts and cable heating are necessary. Fire resistance of the cable duct is often required. Installation ducts with a high fire resistance class are an integral element of fire protection of electrical installations. They are often installed in public buildings in corridors, which usually act as evacuation routes. In the event of a fire, the fireproof casing protects cables and electrical wires from spreading fire, which helps to ensure the continuity of operation of key systems and devices and prevents the rise of toxic gases and smoke that obscures visibility.
What types of cable channels are there?
Cable ducts are divided into three main groups: open, closed and ventilated. In addition, the models available on the market differ in many parameters, including material, size, shape, useful cross-section, number of units, operating temperature range, IP protection class, impact resistance, mounting method, presence of a cover and even color.
In addition to the standard "U" and "Sh" shapes, triangular and rounded cable ducts can be found on the market. A special type of cable duct is comb ducts (organizers), designed for control and distribution cabinets. They provide easy laying and protection of cables against dust and mechanical damage. Their characteristic, flexible "ribs" make it easier to pull the cables. Special holes are used to mount the duct in the cabinet.
Such a wide selection of cable channels allows you to arrange cables in various places and for various purposes. This equipment is constantly being improved - also in terms of aesthetics. Thanks to this, cable channels fit better and better into the room.
What to remember when installing a cable duct?
A typical cable tray consists of a body and a lockable cover. The special design ensures easy assembly by screwing or gluing to a (previously cleaned) surface, e.g. on a wall or floor. Dedicated expansion bolts are used to screw the trays. If you prefer a glued version, choose strips with double-sided adhesive tape. This is an effective, quick, simple and, importantly for many investors, non-invasive assembly method. However, we advise against nailing the trays.
Cable ducts are sold in standard 2 m long sections, so there is usually a need to connect them or, on the contrary, cut them into smaller pieces. The connection is usually made by cutting an appropriate hole in the second duct. There are also versions with a connectorless system to choose from. The ducts are then connected by sliding one into the other and screwing. Special connectors are recommended for heavy loads and when connecting strips from the same manufacturer, so that all the elements fit together perfectly. Only specialist, dedicated tools should be used to cut cable ducts, e.g. miter cutters for cutting profiles. It is not only about the user's safety. Such a cutter will allow you to avoid damaging the element, curvatures, crushing or jagging the edges.
It is worth knowing that wall mounting is not the only available option. Installation channels are successfully mounted in furniture: reception desks, computer stations, etc.
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What should the cable duct be made of?
The cable duct should be made of high-quality material, resistant to mechanical damage, impact and corrosion, providing very good electrical insulation and performing well in various conditions. The desired durability, safety of use and versatility of applications in electrical installations are provided by plastic ducts made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride). Their advantage is also their low price.
Metal cable ducts, made of e.g. galvanized steel or aluminum, are used to run cable routes in demanding installation projects.
What dimensions should a cable duct have?
As mentioned earlier, installation channels are usually sold in 2-meter lengths. The widths, depths, and heights vary greatly. They are usually between 60 and 160 mm (width), 50 and 65 mm (depth), and 55 and 110 mm (height). Smaller cable trays are mainly used in home installations. Medium-sized cable trays allow for the laying of cable routes, so they are used in offices and commercial buildings. Large cable trays, on the other hand, are commonly used in industrial spaces: factories, warehouses, workshops, production plants, etc.
What accessories should you remember when selecting cable ducts?
The most frequently chosen accessories for cable ducts include: connectors, various types of angles (corners), end caps and separation partitions. Tools for cutting them are often purchased together with cable ducts. The selection of accessories and tools depends on the assembly requirements of the selected ducts.
Cable ducts in the Onninen wholesaler
At the Onninen electrical wholesaler you will find electrical installation cable trunking and ducts in many different versions and sizes, ideal for home and commercial applications. The installation ducts offered are characterized by a wide operating temperature range, increased IP protection and high impact resistance. You can order both popular types and sizes of cable ducts from us, as well as non-standard models for special applications.
Our range includes popular PVC cable ducts (including models glued with double-sided adhesive tape), metal and plastic underfloor ducts, above-floor, halogen-free, flexible and screening ducts, comb ducts for switchboards, as well as accessories and tools useful in the process of creating cable routes. We cooperate only with renowned manufacturers and suppliers of electrical equipment, such as: Emiter , Kopos , Legrand .