Modern electrical installations have become quite secure, and doing maintenance or scaling has also become quite easy. One of the greatest contributors to this is the use of cable trunking. Cable trunking provides a way to enclose electrical cables and provide a dedicated pathway for all cables in a building. Using it brings lots of benefits, which include cable protection, cable organization, safety, and aesthetics.

However, there are several types of cable trunking available. These are made for different purposes, and if you are planning to install cables, you’ll need to understand them. We’ll have a look at the main types below.

PVC Cable Trunking

PVC cable trunking is the most popular type of trunking as it has lots of applications. The type of trunking is made from polyvinyl chloride, which is a type of plastic that is both strong and durable. The material is tough but, at the same time, lightweight.

PVC trunking is both flexible and strong, and you can use it both outdoors and indoors. It is commonly used in residential spaces as it is cost-friendly and flexible, and it is also used in commercial spaces as it is quite strong. Due to the applicability of PVC trunking, it is available in different sizes, shapes, and colours.

Metal Cable Trunking

Metal trunking is the type of trunking to use when you need extra strength to protect your cables. This is because it is materials that are durable, such as stainless steel, aluminium, or galvanized steel. And thanks to these materials, most metal trunks are also resistant to fire, so they can help prevent fire from spreading.

Due to its various properties, metal trunking is usually used in environments that are harsh. It can be used in industrial facilities such as factories, commercial spaces as they run many cables, and outdoor installations due to the issues of weather conditions and physical damage. Note that the type of metal that particular trunking is made of also determines the  use, but you can get any of them from a high-quality metal trunking supplier such as RS.

Adhesive Cable Trunking

Adhesive cable trunking is different from the two above in that it is designed to offer convenience through an adhesive backing. The type of cabling can be made from PVC or other plastics, and it typically has a rectangular or square shape, which makes it look like a channel or duct. It then has a removable or hinged cover/lid, which can be moved to lay the cables. The cover will then enclose them, and you can easily remove it during maintenance or when adding cables.

Adhesive cable trunking is easy to install, and it is used in places where you may not want to drill holes as you would do with regular trunking. The adhesive on the back of the trunk is enough to keep it on the wall. Due to this, it can be used to organize cables in rentals or leased spaces where you are not allowed to make modifications. It is also suitable for home use when you don’t want the complexities of traditional trunking and in temporary workstations.

Flexible Cable Trunking

Flexible cable trunking is another type of trunking, and it is meant to be able to bend and fit in various configurations. In most cases, it is made of rubber or light PVC, which gives it the ability to bend and flex without breaking. Flexible cable trunking usually looks like a hollow tube, but it often comes with coiled or spiral wraps, which allows it to expand and contract as needed.

Based on its design, flexible cable trunking is meant to be used when dealing with cables that run in confined or complex spaces. It is often used in industrial settings, as there are always cables that need to be routed around machinery. But just like the others listed above, it can also be used in various DIY projects around the home.