Cable Trunking

Cable trunking is an essential system for organising and safeguarding electrical cables or wires within buildings or industrial environments. This system not only enhances the aesthetic of the installation but also boosts safety by neatly routing and concealing cables. Cable trunking typically features a rectangular or square enclosure, constructed from materials like plastic, metal, or rubber. These enclosures are equipped with removable or hinged covers for easy cable access and are designed with various compartments to accommodate multiple cables of different types and sizes.

Why Use Cable Trunking?

Cable trunking offers several key benefits:

• Cable Protection: Trunking guards cables against physical damage such as impacts, crushing, or accidental contact with sharp objects, reducing risks of short circuits, electric shocks, or fires.
• Cable Organisation: Keeps cables neatly organised to prevent tangling and snarls, facilitating easier management and identification during maintenance or repairs.
• Safety and Aesthetics: Conceals cables to minimise trip hazards and improve space aesthetics while preventing dust accumulation, a potential fire hazard.
• Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) Protection: Some trunking options include metal shielding or grounding features to mitigate electromagnetic interference from the cables.

Types of Cable Trunking

Explore the various cable trunking options available:

• PVC Cable Trunking: PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) trunking is the most common type and widely used in various applications. It is affordable, lightweight, and easy to install. PVC trunking is available in different sizes, shapes, and colours, allowing for flexibility in cable management.
• Metal Cable Trunking: Metal trunking, usually made of steel or aluminium, offers robustness and durability. It provides excellent protection against physical damage, such as impact or crushing. Metal trunking is often used in industrial environments or areas where there may be a higher risk of mechanical stress or where fire resistance is required.
• Adhesive Cable Trunking: Adhesive trunking, also known as self-adhesive trunking, comes with a pre-applied adhesive strip on the back. It simplifies installation by allowing the trunking to be directly stuck to walls, ceilings, or other surfaces without the need for additional fixings. Adhesive trunking is commonly used in situations where drilling holes for mounting is not desirable.
• Flexible Cable Trunking: Made from pliable materials like plastic or rubber, flexible trunking accommodates cables needing to bend or navigate corners. It is invaluable in confined or complex installation areas, often available as coiled or spiral wraps that adjust in length as required.
• Electrical Trunking: Electrical trunking is specifically designed to integrate seamlessly with electrical installations, providing a streamlined approach to managing and protecting wiring across extensive networks.

Material Options for Trunking

Selecting the right material for cable trunking is crucial for ensuring durability and functionality. Here’s a closer look at the most common materials used:

• PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): PVC trunking is lightweight, cost-effective, and highly resistant to corrosion and chemicals. It’s easy to install and ideal for both residential and commercial environments, providing a flexible yet durable cable management solution.
• Steel: Known for its strength and durability, steel trunking offers excellent protection against fire and mechanical impacts. This metal is particularly suitable for industrial applications where robustness is paramount, ensuring long-term reliability.
• Aluminium: Aluminium trunking is lighter than steel but still offers a high level of protection. It’s naturally resistant to corrosion, making it ideal for use in humid or corrosive environments like marine settings or chemical plants.
• Rubber: Rubber trunking provides exceptional flexibility, which makes it perfect for protecting cables that need to bend around corners or move with equipment. It is also shock-absorbent, which helps to safeguard connections against vibrations and impacts.

Types of Fire Behaviour in Trunking

Understanding fire behaviour in trunking materials is essential for ensuring safety in environments where fire risks are a concern. Here are the key types:

• Fire Retardant Cable Trunking: This type of trunking is treated with fire-retardant chemicals that reduce the spread of flames. It is designed to slow down the combustion process, making it ideal for environments where fire resistance is crucial.
• Halogen Free Cable Trunking: Halogen-free trunking does not release toxic halogenated gases when exposed to high heat or fire, enhancing safety during a fire incident. It's particularly suitable for enclosed spaces where air quality and escape routes need protection.
• Low Smoke Density Cable Trunking: This trunking emits very little smoke when exposed to fire, improving visibility and reducing inhalation hazards during evacuation. It’s beneficial in densely populated buildings like schools and hospitals.
• Self-Extinguishing Cable Trunking: Made from materials that extinguish themselves once the source of ignition is removed, self-extinguishing trunking helps prevent the spread of fire. This feature is vital in minimising damage and maintaining structural integrity after a fire event.

Delivery Information for Singapore

RS offers fast delivery of PVC, electrical, metal, and industrial-grade cable trunking within Singapore. Next-working-day delivery is available for online orders placed Monday to Friday before 3:30 pm, if items are in stock. To explore our full range of delivery services, including offline orders and consolidated shipments, please refer to our delivery information page for detailed guidance.