Plastic box for cables and wiring: how to choose the size and type of box for wiring installation

Types of boxes and characteristics

The construction goods market offers cable ducts of various designs.
Leading manufacturers produce the following products:

• floor;
• perforated;
• flexible;
• main lines;
• transparent;
• staircases;
• mini cables;
• parapet;
• baseboards;
• corner;
• wire;

Products are made of aluminum, steel, and plastic:

1. Today, plastic cable channels are the most popular, as they have excellent characteristics. These models are often installed outdoors.
2. Aluminum models are characterized by excellent fire performance. Therefore, they are used in enterprises and factories:
   flexibility;
3. moisture resistance;
4. strength;
5. softness;
6. Steel products can boast a variety of colors. High-quality galvanized steel has a special coating that prevents corrosion. Steel products have a long service life. The perforated base makes installation easy.

The most popular plastic channels are:

1. Floor-standing. The special design allows you to install channels in hard-to-reach places. The oval shape reliably protects cables from mechanical damage. The models also have a beautiful appearance.
2. Skirting. These models are used in apartments and private houses. A significant advantage is the special shape of the channels, which fits perfectly into any interior.
3. Parapet. As a rule, such channels are installed in offices and enterprises. Most often they are used to protect wires from air conditioners and other devices. The design of the channels has strict shapes and correct geometry.

Depending on the color of the plastic channels, there are:

• light;
• white;
• colored;
• under dark and light wood;

Today, wooden trays are the most popular. In offices, as a rule, PVC ducts are used. Modern areas of application of specialized channels are very diverse. This is due to the wide range of accessories for its installation:

• plugs;
• connecting corners;
• T-shaped corners;
• L-shaped corners;
• external and internal;

Today, a large number of companies are engaged in the manufacture and sale of specialized boxes. The most famous of them are:

• DKC;
• OMiS;
• ASKO;
• Teko;
• IEC;
• Moll;
• Legrand;
• Replast;
• ELEKOR;

The main advantages of modern cable channels are the double lock, which combines flexibility and elasticity, as well as the strength of the connection. The material itself is plastic, which is self-extinguishing. It allows installation of cables up to 1 thousand volts.

Also, there are mini cables on the market that differ in their shape. These devices have rounded corners and a special lid fastening mechanism, which creates the illusion of a monolithic structure and covers all seams, which is especially valuable for office aesthetes. In addition, the device is flexible and durable.

Modern models do not require post-installation cleaning. Since after installation the cable cover completely covers the base itself.

High-quality cables have the following advantages:

1. Rostest certificate.
2. Increased level of dust and moisture protection.
3. Can be installed both indoors and outdoors.

The main parameter when choosing specialized boxes is the cross-section of the conductor. If you have an Internet cable, the most suitable one is a mini-model measuring 10 by 15 millimeters, which fits perfectly into the ergonomics of the apartment.

This model has the following advantages:

1. Rounded shape.
2. Aesthetic appearance.
3. Made from environmentally friendly materials.

Where to buy cable channels for electrical wiring: types, manufacturers and prices

You need to understand the manufacturers of such products if you want to buy cable channels for your home. Many companies offer high quality boxes. In such a situation, it is important to distinguish a fake. You need to ask the consultant for the necessary documents for the products.

Let's take a look at some branded manufacturers:

• Hager. The German manufacturer specializes in office products, but due to the high quality of the boxes, they are also used in residential areas. The products are made in a modern design and are suitable for many interiors. The tehalit.BRP series is used for laying main lines. Universal models are boxes of the tehalit.LFF series, which are characterized by simple installation;
• Legrand. The company offers profiles in different sizes and widths up to 220 mm. There can be up to three sections inside the case. The cable channel is equipped with two types of partitions. Some are mounted in a special groove, while others are flexible and glued to the wall.
• DKS. This domestic manufacturer produces 4 types of channels. Wall-mounted ones have a flat lid and are compact in size. Floor boxes are equipped with turns. They are easily connected to each other. The mini channels come in dark brown and white;
• Schneider Electric. The manufacturer offers the Ultra series with two types of channels. Switches and sockets are mounted in modular frames. Mini channels have a U-shaped cover. For quick installation, you can choose products with self-adhesive tape.

We suggest looking at some types, sizes and prices of cable channels in our table.

Table 1. Average cost of cable channels.

Elekor 2m IEK whiteCable channel 25-25 mm Mutlusan packaging 100 mCable channel 20×10 mm T.PlastLegrand DLP with flexible cover 105×50Perforated DKC 25×40

When choosing a cable box, you need to take into account the size, appearance, manufacturer and cost of the product. Properly selected cable channels will disguise unsightly wires and become a great addition to a modern interior. We hope that our article is useful to you. If you want to add something, write in the comments.

Advantages of using cable channels

The use of plastic electrical trays has its advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages:

• minimum weight;
• the lowest price compared to metal or wooden products;
• do not corrode and are resistant to fungi, bacteria and rodents;
• can be used in rooms with high humidity and sudden temperature changes;
• easy installation and dismantling;
• ease of care;
• fireproof;
• are an additional electrical insulator for wiring;
• are available in various colors.

Flaws:

• more fragile compared to metal or wooden products;
• have a less presentable appearance;
• have a shorter service life.

Application of plastic boxes

Most often, plastic channels are used in everyday life. They have the following positive qualities:

• Low cost. It is associated with the low price of the manufacturing material itself - plastic, and the simplicity of the production process.
• Mass production of plastic products due to the development of modern technologies.
• Resistance to the negative effects of moisture, fire, acids, fungi, mold.
• Resistant to mechanical stress.
• Non-conductivity of electric current.
• Possibility of use in conditions of high humidity.
• Easy to connect and pull wires.
• No special tool required.
• A wide range of colors, thanks to which the box can organically fit into the color design of the room.

Despite the large selection of colors, you should understand that the plastic box will still be noticeable on the wall. For this reason, you also need to think in advance about how to lay plastic boxes for electrical wiring so that they do not spoil the appearance of the room.

Cable channel design

Any plastic wiring box has the following structural components: a base and a cover.

The base is usually U-shaped and is designed to fix the profile to the building structure. All the wires that need to be placed in the product are located in the base. Some models are sold with mounting holes already prepared. If there are no holes, or their number is not enough, then they are made independently using a drill. The holes are located along the entire length of the tray in increments of 30-50 cm.

The base also contains partitions to separate cables from each other and latches to secure the cover. The lid can be flat or rounded.

To connect the trays to each other, special adapters or couplings are used.

PVC channels are manufactured in flexible and rigid types. When producing the hard version, additional mineral additives are added to the plastic.

To accommodate several wires going to different consumers, multi-section trays are used. They contain partitions that divide the internal space into separate sections. In addition, multi-section trays, compared to single-section options, have greater rigidity due to partitions.

The boxes have certain geometric dimensions, depending on the type, number of sections, design features of the model, etc.

What color solutions are there for cable channels?

The choice of cable channels depends on the overall interior design. There is a large assortment of white products, but colored wire boxes are also often used. Fittings must be used in suitable colors. Different types of tees, adapters and plugs must match the color palette of the cable channels. Products painted to resemble wood are especially popular. Such designs are used in the arrangement of wooden houses and baths.

The color palette includes more than 10 items. Colors such as beech, pine and oak are often found.

Depending on the interior of the room and the color scheme used, the color of the wiring boxes is selected. The use of a colored cable channel allows you to select the material taking into account the basic design of the room. The most popular products are white or wood-look, as they are used to decorate office premises. An unusual version of the cable channel in black.

The beige color palette is in demand, especially the wood texture.

Dimensions

Modern technologies make it possible to produce specialized boxes of various sizes and designs:

• polygonal;
• triangular;
• and others;

The length of the product in the package is:

• 15 m;
• 16 m;
• 20 m;
• 42 m.
• 70 m.
• 100 m.

Section:

• 12×12;
• 16×16;
• 20×10;
• 40×16;
• 60×40;
• 80×40;
• 100×60 and others;

Of course, the construction market offers standard devices that have average characteristics.

The most popular are square-shaped plastic covers, which are used to protect various cables.

These devices have different sizes and characteristics. Installation of products is carried out in 2 ways. Thanks to special latches, installation of the box is carried out in the shortest possible time. In order to choose a model, you need to take into account the number of wires. Since the size of the device will depend on this.

The most common sizes of specialized boxes:

• 80×60;
• 60×40;
• 40×16;
• 25×16;
• 12×12;
• 100×60;
• 80×40;
• 40×25;
• 25×25;
• 16×16;

The most common cables are 100*60 and 12*12. Various couplings are used to connect boxes. As a rule, models are sold in the form of planks (2 meters). All plastic models are attached in a standard way.

Using a screwdriver, the device is screwed to the surface. All additional components and accessories must be purchased separately.

Taking into account the cable width

The box must be free enough to lay the wire. The small cross-section will not allow the lid to close tightly. A tightly laid wire will overheat.

Dimensions of electrical installation cable channels in cross section

Mini-channels are produced by industry with the following typical cross-sectional dimensions:

• 10x10mm;
• 10x12mm;
• 12x12mm;
• 12x16mm;
• 16x16mm;
• 16x20mm;
• 20x20mm;
• 20x25mm;
• 25x25mm;
• 25x40mm;
• 40x40mm;
• 40x60mm;
• 60x80mm.

Trays of this type are designed to accommodate one or two wires.

Floor boxes are produced with the following cross-section:

• 160x65mm;
• 50x12mm;
• 92x20mm;
• 75x17mm.

Trunk plastic boxes for electrical wiring have the following typical cross-sectional dimensions:

• 20x10mm;
• 30x10mm;
• 40x25mm;
• 25x25mm;
• 40x40mm;
• 40x16mm;
• 80x60mm;
• 100x60mm.

For the plinth type, the size is determined by the width of the cover (diagonal wall) and is usually made 50 or 70 mm. You can also find the sizes of skirting boards with cable channels, which are given according to the height and width of the base. In this case, the most popular are 50x50 mm skirting boards. They allow you to place several wires in one product. Trays measuring 100x100 are designed to accommodate three-wire wires.

Dimensions for corner structures depend on the dimensions of the internal part of the product. The most popular size is 40x40 mm.

Depending on the purpose, flexible corrugated models are available in the following diameters: 16mm; 20mm; 25mm and 50mm.

• 16mm pipes are used for laying lighting and telephone cables;
• to create outlets for sockets or switches, use 20mm corrugated channels;
• Corrugated cable ducts with a pipe diameter of 25 mm are used between electrical panels or distribution boxes.

The industry also produces cable channels designed to accommodate LED strips; they are produced in widths from 5 to 20 mm. In addition, LED channels can be located in plinth boxes.

Skirting electrical installation tray with LED channel

Wall thickness of plastic cable channels

Depending on the size of the trays, products with different wall thicknesses are produced. The strength and flexibility of the box depends on its value.

Small mini-channels are made with a wall thickness of 0.7 mm. Medium-sized boxes (from 20 to 40 mm wide) have a thickness of about 1.3 mm. Wide main profiles (from 60 to 100mm) are manufactured with a thickness of 2.4mm.

In addition to boxes of standard sizes, many companies produce custom-made products made to customer sizes.

Plastic cable channels, their types and sizes

Most often, plastic types of cable channels are used for laying information cables in offices and, if necessary, to make open or temporary wiring - in this case, power cables and wires for lighting lines are also laid in them.

Shape, materials and dimensions

Initially, these were white or gray profiles, rectangular in cross-section in the shape of the letter “P” (single-section) or “W” (two or more sections). Then they began to produce cable channels of various shapes and colors, intended for laying cables for various purposes.

Triangular cable channels or in the shape of a hemisphere appeared - it became more convenient to use them for wires for various purposes, depending on the purpose of the room, the materials used in its decoration and the need for free access to the cables hidden inside.

• U-shaped cable channel.
• Triangular cable channel.
• Sh-shaped cable channel.
• Cable channel in the form of a hemisphere.

For the production of cable channels, non-flammable PVC or polyethylene is used. The length of one section is usually 2 meters, but manufacturers may use other standards, so longer cable channels can be found if necessary. The cross-sectional width and height range from 10 to 60 mm, but there may be exceptions here.

The most popular are U-shaped cable channels. U-shaped cable channels can be made with solid or perforated walls. Their advantages include lower weight and lower price.

Dimensions of U-shaped cable channels and their useful cross-section:

*The useful cross-section of cable channels from some manufacturers may differ from that shown in the table.

Surface attachment method

Depending on the material of the surface on which the cable channel needs to be secured, collapsible and non-removable fasteners are used. The first include dowel-nails (6Ch40), metal staples or self-tapping screws - for them, holes are cut in some cable channels from the factory. Permanent fasteners are used on plasters and similar materials - cable channels are simply glued to them (although here the weight of the box with wires must be taken into account).

No. 4. Types of cable channels according to installation features

Wiring, telephone and internet lines can run along walls, ceilings, floors and corners. Each case has its own type of cable channel:

• wall products have a square or rectangular cross-section, sizes vary in a wide range, which allows you to equip systems of any complexity;

• mini cable channels - a variation of wall boxes. The main feature is its minimal dimensions, which allows the product to fit very neatly into the interior. The channel remains almost invisible, especially if you match it to the color of the wall. This product is designed for laying single wires or several thin cables, often used when installing television, telephone and Internet lines. To create various configurations, corners, plugs and tees are used, but these elements are not cheap, and they are rarely found on sale, so craftsmen simply file the channels at the desired angle to create a right angle, which works out well. Attach mini cable channels to self-tapping screws, dowels or adhesive tape. The latter option is especially convenient when laying wires along furniture (for example, under a table);
• floor cable channel differs in cross-section in the shape of a hemisphere. Thanks to this solution, the risk of tripping over the box and getting injured is eliminated. In apartments, this type of channel is not used very often. The products are much more popular in large office spaces such as open space, when it is necessary to provide appropriate conditions for many workplaces in one area. In this case, electricity, Internet, and a telephone line are supplied to the tables in floor ducts. The requirements in terms of strength for such products are increased. It's better to take an aluminum box. Plastic will also work, but not ordinary, but reinforced, with additional partitions that can also be used as a separator between wires for different purposes;

• corner have a cross-section in the form of a right triangle, designed for installation under the ceiling, at the junction of the surface of the wall and the ceiling. In appearance, such a box can easily be confused with the simplest ceiling plinth, so the product cannot harm the aesthetics of the room. Like other cable channels, it consists of a tray and a cover, and the latter can be transparent or opaque. Products with a transparent cover are used for installing LED strips;

• plinth with cable channel – this is the best example of combining business with pleasure. In appearance, the product is no different from a regular floor plinth; it can be of almost any color and shape. The internal cavity is intended for the location of wiring cables, the Internet, cable television, and thanks to the external and internal corners, turns and splitters, a very complex configuration can be created. There are even sockets and socket groups that can be successfully fitted into the floor plinth. If you need to stretch a whole bundle of wires, then this option is unlikely to work, since there must be enough space inside. The main disadvantage of such channels is their high cost, but they allow you to avoid the dirty and complex process of wall slitting;

• parapet cable channels They resemble baseboards, but are installed at a small height from the floor (80-100 cm), they have a symmetrical cross-section and sufficient width. The products have gained wide popularity when laying wiring in offices and various institutions; such channels are not suitable for home interiors, as they will be very noticeable, with the exception of loft-style interiors.

Metal boxes - types and sizes

Since metal trays and boxes are designed for heavy loads, the need to use them in domestic conditions arises quite rarely. The types and sizes of metal cable ducts are mainly suitable for external and internal laying of cables in industrial premises where there are highways consisting of a large number of wires. To prevent the material of the boxes from rusting, galvanized steel is used in their production. Like plastic ones, the cross-section of metal cable channels is U-shaped - with or without a cover.

Depending on the conditions of use, perforated, smooth and ladder trays are manufactured. The former are easier to install and secure cables inside, while the latter are heavier and are installed on special supports.

Cable tray sizes:

Due to their heavy weight, gluing metal boxes is not practiced - they are attached to the surface with anchors, dowels, or “mounted” on a bolted connection. To install smooth trays, shelves or brackets pre-fixed to the surface are used.

Most often, metal boxes are used to form electrical lines in raised floors or suspended ceilings. For their installation, additional blocks are used - rotating, lifting (for transferring wires between planes), branching, etc.

Advantages of metal cable channels:

1. Withstands the weight of a large number of power cables.
2. They allow you to easily trace the route of any cable, provide ease of installation and easy access for inspection or replacement.
3. An additional plus for fire safety.

Disadvantages of metal cable channels:

1. Greater weight requires more serious installation work.
2. It is more difficult to process during installation (if cutting is required).
3. These types of cable channels for electrical wiring necessarily require additional components for the installation of turns and transitions.

Corrugated plastic pipes

If cable channels, plastic or metal, are more suitable for flat surfaces, then in the case of frequent transitions between planes or turns, their installation will be extremely difficult due to the need to use a large number of additional components. In such conditions, a more suitable material would be flexible pipes that bend at any angle and are attached along the entire length to standard clips.

Externally, a corrugated plastic pipe looks like an elastic channel with a circular cross-section. It is used for laying any cables and wires, providing them with additional protection from moisture and mechanical damage. Mainly used when installing electrical circuits with complex wire routing paths - raised floors, suspended ceilings, electrical wiring behind plasterboard walls.

Constructions

The market offers cable ducts of various designs and sizes. The choice of a specific design depends on the installation location and the size of the cable to be laid.

Types of plastic boxes:

1. Skirting. These structures are used at the junctions of walls and floors. To install structures of different shapes, manufacturers produce additional devices - bends, plugs, external and internal corners and other elements. Skirting-type cable channels fit well into the interior of most houses and apartments.
2. Floor-standing. They are used for convenient movement when conducting electrical wiring to tables, lighting fixtures, and equipment located far from the walls. The cable channel easily replaces extension cords and carriers.
3. Parapet cable channels are similar in appearance to baseboard ones. They are mounted above the floor level, using additional elements to obtain the desired configuration.
4. Angled cable ducts are used at joints and under the ceiling. Thanks to the triangular design, these boxes fit perfectly into corners and fit into the design of the room. Due to the high possibility of damage due to impacts, these structures are mounted in the upper areas.
5. The smallest type is mini cable channels. Great for telephone wires, television and internet cables. The boxes are attached to the walls and ceiling using an adhesive backing or self-tapping screws. The small size of the cable channels allows them to be organically combined with the interior.
6. Perforated. The open access design has less weight and cost than other options. This option is used when appearance does not matter.
7. Flexible. Ideal for installing electrical wiring on uneven surfaces when it is not possible to use hard options. They are divided into two types - corrugated and chain. Problems with hard-to-reach places are solved by round-section cable channels.
8. Transparent. This look is ideal for the exterior decoration of a room. An LED strip is glued to the partition of the box and covered with a transparent lid. The result is a pleasant light.
9. Metal cable ducts for electrical wiring are often used in industrial production. They are necessary for fixing a large number of heavy cables.

Based on the installation location, select the desired type of box. Design preferences are also taken into account so that each element fits into the interior.

Dimensions and components

PVC is used for the production of corrugated plastic pipes. Most often, products with an internal diameter from 16 to 32 mm are used, but when choosing, you must additionally pay attention to the purpose of the corrugation - it can be light or heavy.

The first are standard products that are used for installing electrical circuit lines inside buildings. Heavy corrugations provide more solid protection and can be used outdoors, and in some cases, under water.

Since in long highways it is not always possible to push a wire through a pipe without auxiliary parts, additional corrugations can be equipped with probes made of metal single-core “steel”, however, installers usually have their own.

Dimensions of corrugated pipes for cable:

Advantages of plastic corrugated pipes:

1. Indispensable for laying wires on uneven surfaces or when it is necessary to make frequent turns in the highway.
2. Usually sealed along the entire length, therefore they reliably protect the wires from high humidity.
3. Additional protection of cables from mechanical damage and people from electric shock.
4. Clip-on mounting is one of the easiest to install and maintain - you can insert or remove the corrugation from them without additional tools.
5. In addition to fire safety, the plastic from which the corrugation is made contains additives that prevent combustion. When the wiring is shorted, the corrugation will not flare up, but will simply melt.

Disadvantages of plastic corrugated pipes:

1. They do not tolerate negative temperatures well - when overcooled, they lose elasticity and break, so they are more suitable for interior work.
2. If there are too many turns and bends, pulling the cable inside the corrugation will be very difficult and sometimes impossible, so you will have to first pull the wires inside and then carry out the general installation.

Advantages and disadvantages of electrical channels

Having settled on the option of open installation of cable routing, it is necessary to analyze the pros and cons of this method and try to maintain the advantages during the work, and reduce the negative phenomena or avoid them altogether.

Pros of using trays:

• Low labor intensity compared to wall gating.
• They can be installed anywhere.
• Constant free access in case of a malfunction or the need to lay an additional power line.
• Quite a high degree of protection of wires from mechanical damage.
• High speed of route installation.
• A large number of cable channel options allows you to combine the power supply line with the interior of the premises.

Minuses:

• The need for additional space, albeit minor.
• Need for additional fittings.
• Possibility of accidental damage (especially in the floor version).
• Sometimes it is not possible to choose a tray exactly to match the main interior background.

Having dealt with all the subtleties in installing cable channels when installing electrical wiring, you can always find a suitable solution that suits you in terms of reliability, ease of use, and design. Moreover, new engineering solutions for laying wires without major interventions in the design of buildings and structures are appearing on the market.

Calculation of the size of a plastic box for electrical wiring

Before you purchase cable channels for installing electrical wiring, you must first draw a layout diagram of the structure in the room, indicating the type of cable channels and the length of each section. After this, determine the required size of each type of tray. To calculate the size of the box, you need to know the cross-section of the wires and their number.

Attention! It is recommended to take a cable channel with a small margin in length (10%) and width.

The length reserve takes into account the additional costs that arise during installation in places with corners, as well as in the event of material damage. It is also advisable to have free space inside the box, which may be needed when laying additional electrical cables.

There is no need to purchase a wide tray if you initially plan to lay only one cable, since its price also depends on the width of the product. Usually the calculation is carried out taking into account an increase in the number of wires by 2-3 pieces.

Also, taking into account the “Rules for Electrical Installations”, in the case of multi-layer filling of plastic cable channels, the sum of the cross-sections of all conductors located in them should not exceed 40% of the cross-section of the product itself in the case of using a box with a lid or 30% in the case of a blind box.

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.

Table for calculating the minimum dimensions of cable channels

Cable channels are delivered to hardware stores in packages. Depending on the size of the trays, the packaging differs in the number of products and, accordingly, in the total footage. To calculate the total length of cable channels in a package, the number of products is multiplied by the standard length of one tray (2 m).

A table of parameters for one package, depending on the size of one box, is shown in the figure.

Parameters of one package of electrical boxes, depending on their size

On a note. When purchasing boxes, it is advisable to purchase fittings for them (plugs, corners, branches, etc.).

Also, for household purposes, it is better to purchase single-lock products, as they will last longer than double-lock ones. This is due to the fact that the wall thickness of single-lock structures is greater, and, consequently, the products themselves are more durable.

Correctly sized cable channels will allow you to quickly install the system, and the additional space inside the box will make it possible to easily add wires to the system without the use of additional trays.

Material of manufacture

Three materials are used in the production of boxes - plastic, galvanized steel and aluminum. Cable channels for wires made from the latter two materials are excellent for places with possible mechanical stress (for example, on the floor). Plastic products are convenient to install on walls and ceilings.

Plastic and its features

Fireproof plastic is a common material in the production of goods in this category. Several forms are available:

• rectangular or square section;
• triangular;
• round;
• flat.

Stores sell plastic cable channels of different sizes and colors. They have a number of advantages, which is why they are popular among buyers.

Advantages:

• little weight;
• simple fastening, the cover is installed without the help of special tools;
• during installation, you can cut the box to the required length;
• is not subject to corrosion;
• no deformation occurs as a result of sudden temperature changes.

Durable galvanized steel

Products made of fire-resistant galvanized steel are often used in the installation of video surveillance, warning, and fire alarm systems. Due to their high strength, they are installed as floor boxes.

When purchasing floor structures, great attention should be paid to products made of aluminum and galvanized steel. They will last longer than plastic in these areas.

These cable channels are made from a solid rolled profile, coated with zinc using grades Ts1 or Ts2, and painted with polymer compounds. As a result, the products have their own advantages.

Advantages:

• fire safety;
• protection of wiring from mechanical damage;
• protection against electromagnetic influence;
• convenient cover, can be put on and taken off without tools;
• easy installation.

Anodized aluminum cable ducts

These products are often used in warehouses and industrial premises. Less commonly, cable channels for electrical wiring made of aluminum are installed in houses with Hi-Tech interiors. They have one important drawback - the complex installation of the entire system. That is why the products have a specific scope of application. But there are advantages:

• fire resistance;
• resistance during temperature changes;
• resistance to direct sunlight;
• protection from electromagnetic influence, which is a source of interference;
• high level of impact resistance.

Methods of using cable channels for laying open electrical wiring

A wide range of components for electrical wiring allows you to implement the most complex projects. Installation of the wall box is carried out taking into account the height of the sockets, junction boxes and switches. For open spaces, designs of wall and floor cable ducts made of metal are used. This provides protection from the effects of electromagnetic vibrations. Such options are relevant when installing information wiring.

Before proceeding with installation, it is worth understanding the basic elements of the electrical circuit.

Installation of a floor skirting box

Installation of wiring in the channels is carried out after completion of finishing work. Markings for the cable mesh are marked on the walls. Laying is done from the distribution panel. First of all, main lines are installed, and then branches from them. If the channels do not have holes, you can make them yourself.

Installation of a wall channel with wires. The channel section is fixed to the wall. In this case, the line should be positioned in the center of the holes. After this, fastening with dowels is carried out. After installing the connecting parts, the box is cut to the required length.

Wall Channel Installation

• floor plinth with separate sections for low-current wires;
• ceiling material;
• designs of cable ducts on the floor with protection from mechanical impact;
• corrugated pipes and trays used in utility rooms or for external facades.

Outdoor cable channels are used for the local area. Flexible structures can be used for the street.

Installation of wall boxes is carried out using self-tapping screws. They should be installed at certain intervals. The load is determined by the number of wires inside. To fix it on a wooden surface or on drywall, it is necessary to screw it in every 40-50 cm. If the walls are uneven, then the distance may be less to hide flaws.

To work with a brick or concrete wall, installation is carried out using dowels. To work, you will need a hammer drill with a nozzle with a diameter of 6 mm. The simplest fastening option is liquid nails, which are construction adhesive.

Floor channels will allow you to disguise any wiring so as not to spoil the interior. In this case, the structure is combined with the baseboard. Before installation, markings should be made on the walls and floor. Interestingly, plastic cable channels are mounted not to the floor, but to the wall. Installation is carried out using screws, liquid nails and dowels.

Angled cable channel

Used for mounting LED strip lighting. Most often, such products are made of aluminum, and the lid is made of heat-resistant plastic. The corner cable channel is used to fill the junction of the main line in the corners.

For the home, a flexible cable channel for wires is often used. Lightweight metal models are also used. There must be enough space inside the case for a certain number of cables. It is important to check the availability of the necessary accessories for the cable products.

Flexible designs allow you to disguise a large number of wires. When choosing products, you need to count all the locks, mounting fasteners and plugs on the spot. You can organize electrical wiring according to an open circuit using the following types of electrical boxes.

No. 6. Cable channel color and design

The main task of the cable channel is to protect the wires, but no one has canceled aesthetics. It is desirable that the product dissolves against the background of the surface to which it is attached, fits into the interior as much as possible and does not attract too much attention. Fortunately, in terms of design, there are enough cable channel options:

• White channels have become the most popular , they are cheaper than others, and there are a lot of different accessories for them. Ideal for apartments with white ceilings and walls, as well as for non-residential premises;
• cable channels in gray and black shades used in production and offices. Certain types of channels (for example, floor and parapet) are available only in three basic shades: white, black and gray;

• Skirting and wall cable channels are often made to look like wood of different species. Such products look impressive - the main thing is to find suitable fittings;
• Colored boxes come in a variety of shades; some manufacturers even agree to paint them in a specific color. If you choose a box to match the walls, it will be almost invisible;
• boxes in the form of brass or bronze tubes are an ideal option for decorating a room in a retro style, however, it will be more difficult to insert all the necessary wires into such a channel;
• box traditional metal shape – a good option for rooms in a modern style.

If you are an adherent of the loft style, then you won’t need to hide the wiring particularly - this direction requires demonstration of communications.

Recommendations

1. The first thing you need to look at is the appearance. The appearance must meet your requirements.
2. After this, you need to look at the plasticity of the device. To do this, the box needs to be twisted. If the profile comes back, then the quality of the plastic is good.
3. The easiest way to check the model is to bend it and open the lid. The device must bend and not break. If the lid breaks, it means too much has been added to the other ingredients.
4. Naturally, you need to pay attention to the presence of a double lock. Once you close the lock, it should lock and not open.

What else can you do to check the quality? Considering that the specialized box will be located somewhere on the wall or ceiling, the cover must withstand the weight of the cable that will press on it. Let's indicate what characteristics of the model can be found out experimentally.

In order to see how firmly the lid is attached to the box itself, you need to make a simple device - hang a piece of the box and cut the lid into 2 parts. First you need to secure 1 part.

The double lock should slam shut. Then you need to make an ordinary piece of metal strip and rope. The bar is inserted into the box and closed with a lid. The result is a special system. In order to check the strength of the structure, you can pick up a brick or other object.