When many cables are run together in a single protective covering, it is called cable trunking.
Trunk cables can be used in any wiring system such as telephone, computer network, or video signal traffic to provide protection against interference due to cross-talk. Cable trunking allows multiple cables to take the same path instead of occupying every available space with individual conduits for each wire. Trunk lines have been traditionally used by electric utilities for distributing alternating current powering large electrical equipment such as elevators, escalators, electric railways, and industrial machinery. In modern systems, high-bandwidth fibre optic communication uses the technology which replaces copper conductors with glass strands. Cable trunking is typically made from steel or plastic, although some manufacturers also offer flexible semi-rigid tubing. These materials are typically selected for higher mechanical strength compared to standard PVC or another flexible plastic conduit. Cable trunking is usually used in large buildings containing many communication lines, such as office buildings and skyscrapers, but may also be installed in residential homes for networking or distributing television signals throughout a property.
Cable trunking is used to protect and run multiple cables through your building so that they can be easily accessed when necessary. You might want to use the cable trunking if you have a lot of electrical cables running around your house, office, industry, or warehouse, and you want them all concealed.
Cable trunks are sometimes referred to as wiring ducts, but this term includes other non-flexible tubing such as metallic or rigid plastic pipes. Cable trunking tends to be less expensive than wire conduit because it requires no support from wall studs, though installation costs for both may vary by the cost of a professional, such as an electrician, and the number of cables being installed.Cable trunking can also be helpful if you need coaxial cable TV signals brought into every room without installing a cable tray or other support system.
Cable trunking is composed of either metal or plastic and cut to the lengths needed for a specific project. Flexible materials make it easy to pull cables through but may be more difficult to secure in place unless you use straps with cable trunks that are made from a flexible material.
There are many benefits accruing to trunking. Cable trunking enables the consolidation of many wires into one single container, the trunk. Having individual wires together in a single trunk will protect cables from damage caused by vermins or rodents.
Cable ducting makes the work neat, look organised, and tidy. Cable ducting protects wiring installed in external spaces or walls from accumulating dust.
Trunking increases safety, especially in walked areas. Possible tripping hazards emanating from naked or exposed wires are eliminated. Electrical cables should never come into contact with water. Trunking further reduces such chances of cables being exposed to water.The benefits of trunking at home or the workplace go beyond health and safety reasons. Holding cabling in trunks enables easy access during repair or maintenance.
Cable trunking comes in different sizes, depending on the number of cables you need to run. Cable trunking is usually made from metal or plastic and cut to different lengths such as 5m, 10m, or 20m. The flexibility of plastic allows the manufacturing of mini trunking cables as small as W38 mm x D25mm, L2m You can also find maxi cable trunking manufactured in lengths of up to 100m where necessary. These longer trunk specifications are suitable for large-scale projects like big hospitals, large warehouses, and industrial applications.
For tight spaces, surfaces, floors, or locations, flexible tubing might be the best choice for installation purposes. It is easier to secure in place. Metal, semi-rigid tubing may require screws or other fasteners to hold the tubing within the wall cavity without moving around too much. Some manufacturers include pre-punched knockouts along each side for easy entry and exit points so that you don't have to tape wires together to pass through.
Cable ducting has now evolved into various forms and different options for materials. You can find plastic trunking, PVC type, and those made of galvanised steel. There are various types of tuning depending on the work being performed. Customers can choose from flexible tubing, semi-rigid tubing, metal conduit, or wiring ducts for different applications. Flexible tubing is easy to install, but they are more expensive than other types of trunking because it requires no support from wall studs. Semi-rigid cables may need screws or other fasteners if they shift too much. Metal conduits or wiring ducts will provide the most protection against interference due to cross-talk and may be more difficult to install due to their rigidity. Wiring ducts must be installed directly within a wall cavity without coming in contact with any studs. Metal cable ducting is more durable than plastic trunking or PVC.
Trunking and conduit are very similar in that they both run a cable from one area to another. The main difference between trunking and conduit is the size of the tubes themselves. Trunking may be used for more lightweight mediums such as coaxial wires, while conduits can be used for heavier materials, such as an electrical wire.
Cable trunks come with different fittings, including ring-type fittings, RSC Type 2, etc. This refers to the two-piece construction with metal pieces attached to the frame of the enclosure and rubber grommets preventing water from leaking into wiring ducts or trunking. The second type is called an "Insertion-Type Connection". Slide the connector onto the cable and attach using a crimping tool to make this connection.
Cable trunking is sold as a kit to include all necessary equipment needed for your specific project. If you're running multiple cables through your home, consider purchasing a cable trunking kit that includes multiple pieces to complete your project with ease.
You may need a permit depending on how much work needs to be done and what type of job you are doing. Cable trunks can help you save time and effort during installation so that you do not have to run individual cables throughout the house. As long as you use the proper fittings, colour coding and marking options are available to help make installation easier.
Cable trunking can be purchased for as little as around $7 or up to about $30, depending on the brand, quality, and size needed for your project. Some cable trunking kits come with multiple pieces, while others are sold individually for smaller projects.
Cable trunking is an easy way to run multiple cables through the same path inside the wall cavity without drilling holes in studs or ceilings. This can save time and money by reducing the cost of hiring a professional if you are planning on running multiple wires throughout your house at one time.