There are many materials and components on the construction market for proper installation of communications. Let's consider what cable channels for electrical wiring are: types, types and sizes. Read to the end and you will find out how you can use certain products, what may be required for the installation and arrangement of a branched system in accordance with the requirements of current regulatory documents.
Variety of cable boxes and components Source s13.buyreklama.ru
Why do you need a cable channel?
The main purpose of hollow products is the free placement of conductive communications. If the wiring in the room is installed in an open way, then the boxes additionally serve a decorative role. There are types of cable channels that are intended only to support multi-channel lines (for example, in warehouses, shopping centers). Thanks to the boxes, hidden wires in certain structures can be removed and replaced without destroying the base.
In addition to the above, products with covers protect the network from environmental influences (moisture, mechanical stress). Since electricity can cause a fire, cable channels are installed to prevent the fire of adjacent structures, decorative finishes and surrounding objects. If the channels are installed correctly, the internal space becomes isolated from oxygen, which contributes to the rapid attenuation of damaged wiring.
Sample with a hermetically sealed lid Source sakh.com
Based on the PUE (clause 2.1.61), in boxes with a removable lid the fill limit of the internal space is 40%, in sealed trays the figure is 35%. If the thresholds are exceeded, the likelihood of overheating of the current-carrying conductors and melting of the protective sheath increases. There are several solutions in this case. You can take a larger cable channel in size and characteristics, or an additional tray, or take products with perforations. But it’s better to stick with the first options.
The degree of security of the internal space of the closed tray is considered separately. Typically, there are three options. IP 20 is typical for channels with a perforated base, IP 40 for a solid base. If you need to place the wiring in a damp room, you will need boxes with an IP rating of 44.
What are extras
The cable boxes are supplied with so-called accessories:
- Couplings, or connecting connectors, are installed at the junction of two boxes if the wiring length exceeds the standard 2 meters for a box. If, for example, the length of the wiring in a visible place is 3 or 5 meters, the craftsmen trim the cable channels so that the couplings are located symmetrically. In the first case, they make not 2 and 1 meter, but 1.5 and 1.5;
- A T-shaped coupling (corner) connects 3 boxes having a T-shaped joint;
- Triangles (external and internal) are used to connect two boxes in the corner. These elements are able to change the angle from 70 to 130, providing close contact with walls that have non-standard architecture. External triangles are used to connect boxes on wall ledges, internal triangles are used to connect the channel cable from the wall to the ceiling or when turning along the internal perimeter of the room;
- Plugs are used to close the box at the end of the pencil case;
- The installation box is intended for installing switches and sockets.
The extensions are matched to the tone of the main boxes, which can be cut together with the covers:
- Plastic - with a carpenter's hacksaw with fine teeth;
- Aluminum and steel profiles - with a grinder or a hacksaw.
To maintain the correct angle during the cutting process, you can use a carpentry tool - a miter box.
Briefly about open installation of power supply
External installation of electrical networks today is performed less often than hidden installations. This is explained by the use of modern durable materials and aesthetic considerations.
Combining retro wiring and cable ducts with open installation Source izhevsk.ru
However, open installation also has its advantages:
- work is completed faster;
- walls, floors and ceilings remain intact;
- no tool required to form grooves;
- it is possible to carry out repairs or make any changes without destroying the finish;
- monitoring the condition of the electrical network and timely detection of faults is easier than with hidden wiring.
In addition to the unattractiveness of the open arrangement of wires that attract attention, the disadvantages include the need to comply with fire safety and technical standards. Here, the optimal solution is cable channels in one design or another. You can resort to a retro style, but then the estimate will be increased due to the need to use special network insulating products.
Ceramic bushing for twisted wiring Source svetotehnica.ru
Place of installation - floor, partition, ceiling
Separately, it should be noted the options when hidden electrical wiring is installed in floors, ceilings or partitions. For example, if we are talking about a suspended ceiling made of plasterboard with a metal frame, then it will be much easier to hide the wiring; you don’t even need to ditch the walls - the conductors are simply hidden under the ceiling, and go down at the right points.
You can also place junction boxes under the drywall, but for them you will have to worry about installing hatches opposite. Hatches are used to gain access to hidden wiring if necessary. Clamps or UW are used to secure lighting cables to the ceiling covering.
The best option: hidden electrical wiring is first hidden in pipes, and they are already mounted in the ceiling. This solution makes it possible to increase the fire safety of a plasterboard structure; installation is carried out using clips.
Installation of hidden electrical wiring under the floor covering is carried out in a similar way. The easiest way to install cables in the floor is if it is made of wood or gypsum fiber. In the case of wood, holes are made in the logs into which pipes are inserted and the cable is laid accordingly. As an alternative, hidden wiring can be arranged along the floor surface. First, level the surface with expanded clay or a similar mixture, and apply a finishing coating on top.
Some install hidden electrical wiring in the apartment, hiding the wires in pipes and then filling them with cement. This should not be done, especially if it is planned that the layer of solution above the pipe will be small.
An important point: if you decide to hide the wiring under the floor or ceiling, connections may only be made in specially designed boxes. This is the only way, if it fails, it will be possible to get to it relatively quickly.
Often, hidden wiring is installed behind drywall and into partitions.
In an attempt to get by with minimal effort, holes are made in the metal profile itself. You should also not pull wires through the drywall before sewing it on. In both cases there is a high risk of damage to the insulation. Pulling out the conductor for repair becomes very problematic. This problem can be solved simply. Before pulling the conductors through the holes, you should first put them in pipes.
Working with lighting is much easier. The key role here is played by voids in the slabs. They remain from the floor installation stage. This solution is also attractive because it does not require any gating. However, this does not affect the protection of the cables. It is enough to punch two holes: at the wall and at the location of the lamp. To pull wire through pipes, special probes made of rigid wire are most often used.
It remains to note the case when hidden wiring is installed through insulation in the walls. It is preferable to lay through mineral wool due to the individual characteristics of the material: it is lightweight, has excellent compressibility and does not require any additional work. Many people prefer polystyrene foam, but additional channels for pipes will have to be cut into it.
Assortment within the group of building materials
To choose the right cable channel, you need to find out what sizes and design are available. The location of a particular box or sleeve, the permissible number and cross-section of conductors depend on this. The material has different strengths and resistance to different operating conditions. Let us consider in more detail each criterion and the corresponding types of building materials.
What is the channel made of?
The leading position here is held by metal and plastic. The first one is more often considered for installation on large objects where communications are visually hidden. The latter are relevant for the private sector, social, administrative and public institutions.
Ceramic products fit well into retro-inspired designs, but are expensive and heavy. Compared to their analogues, they are less practical due to their fragility.
Plastic
This is the most popular option due to its wide range, light weight and low cost. The materials used for production are polyvinyl chloride, plastic and other polymer products with special functional additives.
Plastic channel with a triangular cross-section Source lampadia.ru
Finished products must meet the following requirements:
- low coefficient of thermal expansion;
- resistance to mechanical load;
- inertness to biological activity and chemical reagents (household detergents or aggressive indoor environment);
- fire resistance (but in rooms with explosive and flammable substances it is not recommended for use due to the release of toxic melting products);
- preservation of color and shape under the influence of ultraviolet radiation.
Various types of products are easily formed from polymer raw materials, which makes it possible to produce cable channels for electrical wiring in a wide range. This applies to shape, color, design (perforation, cast longitudinal partitions and stiffeners).
Sample with perforated walls Source cdnmedia.220-volt.ru
The products can be used as wall, ceiling and floor cable ducts, decorative and architectural elements, separators for conductive lines for various purposes and power (power, low-current).
In addition to weight and price tag, the advantages of such solutions include:
- wide range of operating temperatures (from -32 to +90 degrees Celsius);
- inertness to various types of corrosion processes;
- simple installation (it is permissible to use self-tapping screws, metal or plastic brackets, glue or double-sided tape);
- cutting is carried out using improvised tools (construction knife, hacksaw, hot metal blade);
- minimal care (moistened and dry wipe, coloring possible if desired).
The cover for the plastic cable channel is made with longitudinal edges that are shaped like a groove. They are put on the reciprocal “spikes” of the tray. It is permissible to remove the strip and close the box multiple times.
A simple double lock for closing the box Source planeta-electro.com
See also: Catalog of companies that specialize in electrical work of any complexity
Metal
This material has three main advantages: mechanically high strength, resistance to aggressive operating conditions, fire resistance (plus there are no emissions harmful to health when heated). These characteristics of the cable channel expand the scope of application including outdoor installation. For the production of engineering trays, various types of galvanized steel and anodized aluminum are used. Here the product requirements include the following:
- resistance to phenomena that provoke corrosion processes;
- endurance to designed loads (mechanical, temperature, humidity, chemical);
- non-conductivity of electromagnetic rays (relevant for communication devices for warning and video surveillance systems).
For the most part, metal trays are made with a cross-section in the shape of a square or rectangle. Solid channels are used for installation on a combustible base. In other cases, experts give preference to products with perforations for fasteners or natural air circulation.
Metal cable tray with perforation Source yandex.net
The lid, similar to the box, is made with curved longitudinal edges. Closing is carried out by snapping the strip onto the walls of the tray. The procedure can be performed many times, which allows you to operate cable channels for electrical wiring longer than plastic counterparts. This is justified by the ability of polymer products to wear out, crack and deform.
The table presents a comparative description of polymer and metal samples according to basic criteria.
| Criterion | Aluminum | Steel | Polymer |
| Variety of sizes | + | + | + |
| Accessories | + | + | + |
| Laying different conductors | + | + | + |
| Pulling highways | + | + | + |
| Box | + | + | + |
| Corrugation | — | + | + |
| For production | + | + | — |
| For social facilities | + | — | + |
Since the weight of the metal is relatively large, to fix them you need to use hardware, anchors, dowels or special brackets. This fact conventionally refers to the disadvantages of metal structures. But the complexity here is limited to the use of a drilling tool.
Product design
Electrical wiring lines are placed based on building codes and regulations, taking into account the convenient location of sockets with switches. Points can be mounted on walls, ceilings, floors in any part of the plane. Each of the options involves ensuring the protection of communications, free access to conductors, and the safe movement of people and pets. In pursuit of these and other tasks, manufacturers offer for consideration a variety of types of cable channels for electrical wiring according to the type of design solution. The advantages and disadvantages of the main options are discussed in the table.
| Form | Advantages | Flaws |
| Box | Strict geometry with right angles, it is possible to install longitudinal partitions, and can be easily installed almost anywhere. They are available in cross section: square, rectangular, triangular. | Due to the rigidity of the tray, it is difficult to ensure a tight fit of the channel on a curved base (plane or angle). The decorative component is limited by the size of metal or plastic cable channels, color or pattern. |
| Corrugation | The flexible circular channel allows lines to be laid inside and on top of structures in any conditions regarding levelness and access. Conductor replacement is carried out using a metal rod in a short time without dismantling walls, floors or wire ducts. Fastening is carried out using plumbing clips, clamps or ties without compromising the integrity of the sleeve. | There is no cover, which eliminates the possibility of inspecting or replacing the wiring in a separate area without cutting the corrugation. |
| Parapet | Here, manufacturers combined two types of cable channels: ducts and plinths. They are installed at a height of 80-100 cm from the floor, the space allows you to place several conductors. The trays fit well into the interior of medical, public and office institutions. | Narrow boxes have a large width, which is difficult to combine with home design (with the exception of the Loft style). |
| Pipe | Technically, the products are similar to conventional plumbing pipes for sewerage installations. They are easy to disguise against the background of other pipe communications, mounted at a distance from the base, they weigh little and are easy to install. | The disadvantages boil down to the need to disassemble the channels to perform local wiring repairs. It is difficult to completely replace lines with a large number of turns. The system is assembled using component connectors. |
| Skirting | The products perform two main tasks: masking current-carrying conductors and the installation joint between walls and floor coverings. As a rule, the TV cable and Internet conductor are placed here. The range is presented in various colors and patterns. | For a cable channel, products are considered expensive, but this is compensated by their functionality. The main disadvantage can be considered the small usable space. |
| Threshold | Here the lid is made in the shape of a hemisphere, which completely covers the cable channel. This allows the products to be used as thresholds, making it impossible to trip over them. | Depending on the degree of cross-country ability, it is necessary to pay attention to the mechanical strength of the product (reinforced plastic with stiffeners or aluminum). |
| Net | This is the most inexpensive option that does not require cleaning and is attached in any convenient way. Steel wire is used for production. It does not attract dust, is resistant to high mechanical loads, is not afraid of moisture and weighs little. The cellular design provides natural ventilation and open access to check the network at any time. | It is not relevant for home interiors due to the lack of decorative components and transparency. There is no protective function against temperature and humidity changes. |
| Ladder | Reinforced version of cable channels. It is made of a metal profile with different sections with a U-shape. Used for pulling power cables and a large number of lines. | It weighs more than other samples, does not have a cover, and does not protect current-carrying lines from environmental conditions. |
Several more varieties are considered separately. Box-type mini channels are compact and can accommodate one conductor of small cross-section. The smallest size of such a cable channel is 12*7 mm. Flexible, rectangular rigid plates are used to protect wires that are laid on the floor and uneven surfaces. With transparent covers, products are used to mask and protect both conductive lines and LED-illuminated strips.
Samples with translucent lid Source myshoptet.com
Recommendations from experts
Often mistakes are made during installation work. They lead to the need to make adjustments to the project or increase the estimate for consumables. To exclude this, you need to familiarize yourself with the reasons for such troubles:
- the markings are applied without taking into account the reserve for the component elements (you have to do it end-to-end, which does not always work out well);
- fasteners and materials were selected without taking into account the features of the architectural part of the room (shape, evenness, density, structure);
- useful space is filled exceeding the permissible 35 or 40%;
- the type of cable channel was not selected in accordance with the operating conditions (characteristics of conductors, climate, mechanical load, aggressiveness of the environment);
- a flexible hose or strip is mounted under tension.
To avoid mistakes and waste of materials, specialists begin work by drawing up or familiarizing themselves with project documentation.
Example of a layout of cable ladders Source baks.com.pl
To implement the planned actions, only high-quality products from trusted manufacturers are used. You can check them as follows:
- absence of defects (cracks, deformation, burrs, scratches and uneven coloring);
- strict geometry, precision of execution relative to the relief and end edges;
- ease of opening and tight closure of the lid without the appearance of defects (it is better to check at the point of sale several times).
Some craftsmen recommend paying attention to the range and quality of components (including color or pattern matching). It is believed that a good manufacturer approaches this issue with full responsibility. It is worth giving preference to such products.
Briefly about the main thing
Cable channels are used for careful installation of open-type electrical communications, protecting wires from various factors, ensuring safety for humans and pets.
The choice of products involves consideration of several criteria: degree of protection and capacity of the internal space, structural and decorative design, material.
It is important to take into account the permissible fill rates for a tray or channel with a round cross-section: 35% for sealed products, 40% for boxes with a lid.
In the residential sector, as a rule, skirting boards, thresholds, plastic boxes and corrugated sleeves are used.
For ease of installation and aesthetics, it is worthwhile to additionally use components: tees, straight and corner connectors, plugs, various blocks.
What are they for?
Cable channels for laying open electrical wiring are the simplest box-shaped or tubular devices used to solve the following problems:
- Compact placement of power and signal conductive elements.
- Protecting conductors from damage, preventing cases of electric shock to people.
- Localization of electrical fires. PVC is a certified material from which these structures are made that does not support combustion.
- Hiding electrical and signal lines, giving them an aesthetic appearance.
