The main purpose of cable channels - wiring protection from mechanical damage, protection against fire in the event of faults in the electric system. At first glance, the definition of the required type of cable support systems should not cause difficulties.
But, choosing a cable channel for the wiring can be confused by the widest range.
The content of the article:
- How to choose a cable channel for the wiring
- Materials for cable support systems
- Plastic electrical boxes
- Products made of aluminum and galvanized steel
- Types of cable channels: classification
- Trunk electrical channels
- Baseboard and floor trunking
- Accessories and options
- Perforated plastic box
- Flexible cable support systems
- Conduit seals
- Metal hose for cable protection
- Suspended trays for cable systems
- Useful videos on the topic
How to choose a cable channel for the wiring
Even small, seemingly characteristic of wiring ducts may be a key factor in selecting the appropriate option.
So, what properties can be considered when buying a product:
- Material. Pay attention to safety, durability and protection when a potential fire.
- type of construction. Cable channels for mounting the wiring can be produced in the form of a smooth or corrugated pipe, shoe, trays and the like. D.
- The specifics of the application. Characteristics of systems used in industrial premises, private homes or equipment may differ materially. For example, fire safety cable boxes used for installation in wooden houses, imposed more stringent requirements, and for wiring used in the moving mechanisms are not suitable static design.
In addition, pay attention to the color. This factor is relevant in the case of open wiring arrangement in which the cable channel elements are visible and must meet the aesthetic requirements.
Materials for cable support systems
All materials used in the manufacture of electrical boxes, meet the basic requirements for safety, durability and aesthetics. But differences do exist, and they have a different impact on the quality and performance of the cable channels, the cost.
Plastic electrical boxes
Plastic products are intended for the construction of an open electrical lines as a low-voltage and power. Can be used for the installation of electrical wiring in residential, office, industrial buildings, administrative offices.
They are made of PVC-based compositions with special additives that provide products plasticity to various negative factors resistance - to corrosive chemicals and UV. PVC products can be used at temperatures ranging from -32 ° C to +90 ° C and mounted at a temperature from -15 ° C to +60 ° C.
Electrical boxes of plastic non-corrosive, easy to install and have a simple fastening system. They are in the lower price category, thereby deserve the greatest popularity. The shape may be rectangular (occurs most often), triangular, flat, with circular cross section.
The material of which the cable channel is made, is self-extinguishing. If a short circuit with the help of electrical boxes is possible to minimize the risk of fire.
Products made of aluminum and galvanized steel
Aluminum cable support systems are protected against electromagnetic interference. Used for open wiring in the premises of different purposes - in hospitals, factories, offices.
Produce their anodized aluminum. The material helps to ensure the stable operation of telecommunications systems - it prevents the occurrence of interference, protecting it from electromagnetic interference. In addition, it is resistant to the action of ultraviolet radiation, high temperatures. Accessories to ducts made of aluminum colored ABS resin or polycarbonate.
Aluminum products have a strength up to 20 J and a long service life. This is especially important quality for outdoor and industrial electrical boxes.
Types of cable channels: classification
Different types intended for laying electrical cable channels is to classify based on constructional features. They, in turn, depend on the location and operating conditions.
Trunk electrical channels
To protect the electrical mains cable channels are used in the construction and renovation of various buildings. They are characterized by a large range of sizes and can be used as wiring lines. In the latter case, complemented by a wide range of wiring accessories from different manufacturers. Typical sizes allow to carry out projects of any complexity.
The package system includes a duct 2 meters long and various accessories which serve to compounds channels to direct planes on the external and internal corners for the T-shaped connections. Cable-canals that are planning to be used as wiring, supplemented junction boxes, calipers frame to accommodate sockets, switches, and so on. N.
Baseboard and floor trunking
Floor cable channels are used in areas with a large area, as well as where the wiring runs under the floor. They help to organize a functional workplace. Floor structure have streamlined shape, have a high compressive strength. To connect wiring accessories used column-turret modules that can expand, mounted one on the other.
For floor designs are special requirements for strength. Increased resistance to mechanical stress due to manufacturer achieves a more durable material, such as aluminum. The design of plastic products is strengthened by partitions that doubles as a coercive separators for different types of wiring.
Baseboard channels are used as a plinth and mounted around the perimeter of the room. To spend an offshoot of the floor or the wall of the duct baseboard, using special adapters, which can simultaneously serve as a junction box.
Accessories and options
For ease of installation and improve the appearance of manufacturers are constantly working to improve cable channels. Sockets and switches can be mounted on the box or in the box itself. Multimodularity box and frame-calipers allow to install several wiring accessories nearby. Built-in conduits and splitters accessories prevent kink cable bends allow to create two independent channels - for power and telecommunication wiring.
Some models of electrical boxes have a double lock, via which more closely connected with the duct cover. This allows installation on the ceiling, and the more tightly laid in the cable channel, to place near him corrugated. In the box with a tight lid is used to 100% of the useful area, whereas the system with a single lock may be filled no more than 70%.
To hide the gap between the casing and the wall and prevent dust accumulation in the channel uses a soft seal that secures the manufacturer on the basis of the box and accessories.
Perforated plastic box
Purpose of the perforated box - installation in electrical distribution cabinets. He is well ventilated, it has a low weight, allows you to perform accurate and aesthetic wiring harness. Inexpensive design is often used where the appearance of the product does not matter.
Channels have teeth that can be removed in the right place, if necessary, for example, when wires institution in the branch, outlet or switch. Step perforation is designed to match with the pitch of terminals modular equipment.
Flexible cable support systems
Flexible cable channels can be produced in a chain - multiple-structures that are bent in the same plane throughout its length. Individual elements truck interconnected hinge coupling. Made of aluminum, plastic, nylon, steel and may vary in height and length of step.
Tracks serve to prevent mechanical damage to the power, signal cables, their introduction into the moving parts of mechanisms. They also protect from dust and dirt, are used for laying wires and cables to the required distance.
Cable tracks can be open or closed. Closed cable-channels for wiring is used when necessary to provide good protection against ingress of dust into the channel of foreign objects. Open energotsepi set in those cases when it is necessary to give preference to the ease and simplicity of installation.
One of the flexible systems is also a cable channel with the function of the three-dimensional circular rotation. These channels are used to create robots and robotic mechanisms. Their structure consists of individual elements, each of which, if need arises, can be added or removed.
Conduit seals
For laying electric wires are used as ordinary PVC pipe, and products designed specifically for the power grids. When choosing a flexible or rigid pipe into account, which will lay the cable, the conditions of its operation, the need to protect it from UV rays, aesthetic preferences.
Smooth PVC pipe
PVC pipes are used for open wiring in the premises or on the street. They protect the wiring from damage from moisture, are used to improve fire safety. With the help of pipes used as cable channels for wiring, to solve the most difficult tasks for installation.
The corrugated and reinforced pipes
Like the other cable support systems, electrical corrugated pipes intended for protection against fire, moisture, and dust, mechanical damage to wiring. Due to its flexibility, easy to install and does not require the use of additional accessories. Used for laying concealed wiring type for power and low-voltage lines.
Pipes, reinforced PVC, used for laying power lines and data cables hidden and open. It can be used in the construction of communications inside buildings and outdoors. Compared with conventional corrugated pipes reinforced with a stronger, offers better protection against dust and moisture.
It is made of a reinforcing spiral made of high-impact PVC, and the connecting covering the helix, PVC plastic. Since reinforced pipe capable of withstanding dynamic loads, it is often used in engineering.
For quick and easy connection of smooth pipes and rigid reinforced flexible PVC pipe produced various couplings. They can be used for straight-line connection, connections in different planes and at different angles. Through the couplings can easily connect a pipe to another, to the box interconnect pipes of various diameters.
Terms of use of different types of accessories may vary: some are used indoors, protected from moisture, the other can mounted on outdoors, in damp and dusty environments, protected from moisture temporary immersion in water, the strong influence of the jet water.
Metal hose for cable protection
Metal leaky sleeve made from galvanized steel tape. Used to protect the wiring from kinking and damage to the mechanical nature, it protects against fire. screen serves as EMI.
Metal hose is recommended for wiring on flammable surfaces, including wood. The maximum operating temperature at which may be used cable channel - +100 ° C.
Suspended trays for cable systems
Metal cable trays can be used to open laying tracks on the elements of the building - ceiling, walls, floor. Their installation is easy access to the power grid during its maintenance and modernization. Used in retail, office, industrial buildings, residential buildings and under the open sky. There are also systems in the form of trays, made from plastic.
Rolled metal trays
For mounting and wiring protection release perforated and non-perforated trays. Systems with holes contribute to better ventilation, prevent overheating of wires.
If desired, the trays are equipped with covers, which are fixed by a simple pressing and do not require additional clips. The lock on the lid is held securely on the tray even in case of vertical mounting. Compound trays held together via connectors provided "mother-father" or connection plate.
Wire trays for the production of electric lines
Material production, installation and use of the principle of wire trays slightly different from the metal Tray systems. The main difference between them - a wire structure are formed with a minimum of accessories and promote greater ventilation cable routing.
For mounting tray using a special connection set. It allows more securely fasten cable support system elements together. The complete set of wire harnesses can include a cover that securely holds the wiring inside the cable channel, even if the track vertical arrangement.
The wires are placed in a box and secured with clamps. Construction wire trays can be quite roomy. This feature is particularly relevant when installing the power supply in industrial buildings, warehouses.
Useful videos on the topic
What types of cable channels:
Installation of baseboard-channel cable for wiring:
Using a corrugated tube for protecting wiring:
In the case of an open wiring, in which a potential ignition source is not localized, the main criterion for choosing among the many types of cable channels for wiring should be safety. That is why you need to carefully examine the specifications and conditions of use of its products. Better yet, consult with a qualified electrician.