You are here: If you decide to conduct open wiring in the house, then the best way to hide the cable line is to buy special plastic boxes. So that you can choose the right products by color and design, then we will provide you with all types and sizes of cable channels for wiring.
Design
So, the first thing I would like to draw your attention to is the difference in the design of cable channels. To date, the best manufacturers of electrical products (for example, Legrand, IEK or DKS) have the following types of plastic boxes for electrical wiring in their assortment:
These are all the most popular types of cable channels that can be used in homes, administrative and industrial premises. As for the materials of manufacture, the boxes can be made of non-flammable PVC plastic, aluminum, glass and stainless steel. The latter, metal, have a rough appearance, so they are practically not used in residential premises. You can see in more detail what the trays are and how to assemble them, in the video below.
Dimensions
With the size of the cable channels, everything is much simpler. You can see the range of sections in the table below:
Color solutions
Well, the last thing I wanted to talk about is what colors the cable channels are. Today you can order any color of boxes suitable for the interior of the rooms. Wood-like cable channels are considered very popular, which are recommended for use when installing electrical wiring in a wooden house or bathhouse. There are over a dozen of these “wood-like” color schemes, ranging from standard ones (oak, pine, beech) to red cherry, walnut or northern oak. In offices and administrative premises, classic white PVC channels are most often used. For the home, you can also choose colored trays - for example, blue.
That's all I wanted to tell you about the types and sizes of cable channels. We hope the information was useful, accessible and helped you choose the right cable box!
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How to choose a cable channel for wiring
In any civilized house, office, or industrial premises, there is standard wiring. Traditionally, wires are laid in a groove in a wall or ceiling at the construction stage, which is then sealed. But there is another way to hide the wires, doing everything without noise and dust.
Let's say you started a renovation or decided to lay a communication or electrical wire from one room to another over a wall or ceiling, so that no one stumbles about it, and generally so that the wire does not catch your eye. This is where modern cable channels will help you.
Cable channels will allow you to aesthetically hide, and at the same time reliably protect your wires from dirt and moisture. If necessary, the wires can be easily removed, supplemented with another wire, or completely replaced with wiring. By the way, the installation of cable channels is quite simple. However, first things first.
As a rule, any modern building is replete with wires and cables. If the cables remained lying on the floor or even along the wall, they would still interfere with the movement of people, at least they would definitely spoil the interior, and they would pose a danger of electric shock (especially if the mains wire is electric).
Cable channels easily solve these problems. Do not confuse them with metal boxes, which are not flexible enough and not quite aesthetically pleasing.
Plastic cable channels are both aesthetic and flexible, they will give security and will not spoil the interior of the room. PVC white or wood effect, for interior decoration on the floor in the form of a plinth or in the form of just a narrow box - the choice is yours.
They can be installed in an office, in an apartment or in a house, in a public building or in a workshop, you just need to choose the degree of protection of the shell, and pay attention to the presence or absence of perforation, as well as the quality of the cover.
For all their advantages, PVC channels are not very expensive, not least for this reason they are very popular when laying cables indoors.
The cable channel itself is most often a collapsible rectangular tube made of PVC. The base and cover are the main parts of the cable channel. The cover simply snaps onto the box in which the wires fit.
The wires laid in the channel can be electrical power wires, telephone cables, information communication cables, etc. - any wires that are traditionally used indoors.
What are the cable channels
To date, the best manufacturers of electrical products (for example, Legrand, IEK or DKS) have the following types of plastic boxes for electrical wiring in their assortment:
Minichannels, mini cable channels. Mainly used for laying television, telephone and computer wires. Due to their compact size, they practically do not disturb the interior of the room;
Floor (have an oval box). Very comfortable, because due to their oval shape, they will not interfere with movement;
Trunk;
Plinth. Most often used in houses and apartments, because. completely hide the cable in a special channel of the electrical plinth;
Halogen-free - the box material does not contain halogens: bromine, fluorine, iodine, chlorine, astatine. This product is environmentally friendly. Especially relevant is their use in closed spaces;
Parapet. The most popular type of boxes, which are most often used in homes, offices and administrative premises;
Perforated. Due to their design, such boxes have less weight, and, accordingly, cost. The advantage of the products can also be considered a simpler fixing of the cable channel;
Flexible. Thanks to their perforated shape, they can be used for fixing cables on uneven surfaces. The shape can be round or rectangular;
Transparent. Perfectly proven when creating backlight LED strip. Due to the absolute transparency and compact size, with the help of such cable channels, you can easily fix the LED strip on the ceiling, walls or even the bottom of the car.
Wire. The cheapest type of cable trays and at the same time the most convenient in terms of cleaning. Dust practically does not settle on steel wire boxes, which makes them very practical if you need to conduct wiring in a warehouse or technical room. Another plus of wire trays is that they are well ventilated, so that the cable line warms up less.
Stair. Used for laying heavy cables, because. have a reinforced structure.
Special boxes for air conditioners.
These are all the most popular types of cable channels that can be used in homes, administrative and industrial premises.
They sell PVC products in standard cuts, each two meters long. But the cross-sectional dimensions can be different: from 12 by 12 to 100 by 60 and all kinds of intermediate dimensions (80 by 40, 50 by 16, 70 by 20, 40 by 40 and others). The shape is also determined by the type of product, for example, corner channels have a triangular section. The size is selected depending on the thickness of the wires.
With the size of the cable channels, everything is much simpler. You can see the range of sections in the table below:
It should be noted that some manufacturers may also have other sizes of cable channels, for example, 80 * 45 mm. The most popular are 12 * 12 (for laying communication cables), 40 * 40 and 100 * 60 mm. For corner trays, the most practical section is 40 * 40 mm.
To choose the right plastic product, you need to decide what size the box should be. It is necessary that all the wires fit freely in its container and there is a small margin that can come in handy later.
It is worth considering that the main channel, which stretches along the ceiling at the top, is better to choose a larger one, and a box for vertical outlets to switches and sockets - a smaller one.
Next, you need to calculate how many channels you need for installation. It is better to consider the length with a margin of 15–20 percent. Since during operation some part of the box can be spoiled, and the channel may not come out to buy the same cable. The cable channel can be chosen in different colors, but you need to remember that white products are sold in a wider range.
The choice of fittings for cable channels
Most manufacturers of plastic boxes produce a variety of fittings for them, such as:
plugs;
tees;
corner transitions;
external and internal corners.
Even having saved on the price of the box itself, it is better not to trifle with additional elements and you should not buy a cable channel without fittings. With it, installation will become much easier, and the finished product will look much prettier.
Color solutions
The most popular channel body material is PVC, and it is no coincidence that this material was chosen for it. Firstly, it is not expensive, secondly, it is durable, thirdly, it is a dielectric, and finally, it does not care about rodents. During installation, the channel is conveniently cut with a cutter to the required length and bends well if necessary. The standard size is chosen for any amount of wires, and the color - for the interior.
Today you can order any color of boxes suitable for the interior of the rooms. For offices, white color is suitable, for an apartment or for a wooden country house - it can also look like a tree. There are more than a dozen of these “wood-like” color schemes, ranging from standard ones (oak, pine, beech) to, such as red cherry, walnut or northern oak.
Calculate the volume with a margin so that the wires are “relatively spacious”, choose a color, estimate the length of standard pieces. The usual size of a piece of profile is 2 meters. Provide a margin in volume, it may be necessary to add wires in the future - let there be more space.
Fittings such as butt adapters, tees and end caps should be in your plan before purchasing materials. The very last step when buying is to check how comfortable and firmly the channel snaps into place.
Installation of cable channels
Installing the channel will not cause much trouble. If your floor, walls and ceilings are even, then there is nothing easier than gluing the channel over the cladding, after cutting off a piece of the desired length with a knife or grinder. Can be glued on "liquid nails" or other good glue.
As an option for fastening for wood - on screws. Dowels are also possible for concrete. When the base of the channel is mounted (if glue was used, then when the glue is completely dry), it remains to lay the wires and close the channel with a cover. Make sure that the seams are not very visible.
Read more about cable duct installation here: PVC cable duct installation technology (how to optimize work)
Andrey Povny
electrik.info
Selecting a cable channel for wiring according to the cable section and other parameters
When installing electrical wiring, the question arises about the method of laying cables. There are two options - external and internal. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages. This article will discuss how to choose a cable channel for electrical wiring, it is used to hide an openly laid cable. By the way, in addition to electric cables, there are also information cables: for LAN and the Internet, television, telephone, etc. They can also be hidden by a cable channel.
Types of cable channels
First you need to decide on the type of cable channel. We talked about the types of cable channels in detail in a separate article, now we will briefly repeat once again. They are distinguished according to 4 criteria:
- According to the method of installation and location in space.
- According to the material from which it is made.
- By design.
- By appearance.
To choose a cable channel for electrical wiring, you need to take into account all the differences, let's look at what they are.
According to the method of installation, they distinguish:
According to the material from which it is made, they are divided into many types:
- Metal (galvanized steel or aluminum). Suitable for outdoor use, in areas with increased fire hazard and difficult environmental conditions.
- Halogen-free (do not contain bromine, fluorine, iodine, chlorine, astatine), recommended for use in closed unventilated areas.
By design, the following cable channels are distinguished:
- Smooth. Solid smooth body.
- Perforated. Lighter and cheaper than usual.
- Flexible. They can be corrugated or consist of links, like a chain. They are chosen for installing and laying a cable line in geometrically complex areas, for example, along a semicircular ledge on a wall or column.
- Transparent. Rather not a constructive, but a design solution. Suitable for lighting the ceiling with LED strip. They can be wall-mounted, ceiling-mounted or plinth-shaped.
In appearance, cable ducts differ in color, can be made with a wood texture, etc. In fact, among all this variety for home and office, simple, smooth white PVC cable ducts for outdoor wiring are most often chosen.
There are many manufacturers on the market, their products differ both in quality and in appearance and design, but the essence remains the same. Manufacturers Legrand and IEK are popular.
How to choose the size of the cable channel
Some "specialists" advise choosing the size according to the principle "just to fit." That is, the size of the channel should be such that when filling it with a group of cables, the main requirement is fulfilled - that its cover closes. This is fundamentally wrong.
Cables under the influence of electric current are heated. Regardless of the current and cable cross-section, heat is always released, this is described by the Joule-Lenz law, about which, by the way, there is an entire article on the site. This means that the cables must cool down, and before that they must give off heat to the environment. If the cables completely fill the space of the cable channel, they will give off heat to each other, thereby heating up even more.
The PUE says that when laying cables in a pipe, it is not recommended to fill it by more than 40%. We believe that the same rule is reasonable to apply when choosing a cable channel for wiring. But you can make the fill factor a little larger - up to 50-60% percent, otherwise you simply won’t be able to make a turn when installing the cable, or the box won’t close on it.
That is, the cable channel must be selected according to the cross section of the wire and their number. Therefore, if you are going to lay two cables in one box (for example, 3x2.5 for a socket and 3x1.5 for lighting), based on the size of the cables, the dimensions of the cable channel should be from 25x16. According to this logic, count for a larger number of cables of different sections.
Cable channel filling table, which will help you choose the appropriate size for the cable section (click on the picture to enlarge):
Summing up, I would like to note. To choose the right cable channel for electrical wiring, first of all, you need to decide on its type according to the method of installation and location in space, then - with the required size, and only then with the appearance and color. Do not forget about the required dimensions of the cable box, otherwise the wires will heat up, and in the event of a wiring repair, it will be difficult for you to find the right cable if there are too many of them in a small channel volume.
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What are the cable channels: their classification and dimensions. Simple Electrician Tips
Good day, dear readers!
“The farther into the forest, the more firewood!” - this old proverb, which in our time sounds: "The farther into the world of innovation, the more wires!". And a lot of wires hanging here and there spoil the whole aesthetics of the home. In addition, open wires fail much faster than their closed counterparts, as they are exposed to the destructive effects of environmental factors.
What to do? Use simple but useful devices called cable channels, the types and sizes of which are very diverse. In view of what they are able to satisfy the needs of the most demanding customers. Shall we discuss your profile?
Cable box: product features
concept
A box, that is, a cable channel, is a modern device made in the form of a closed type profile, characterized by a rectangular, triangular or other similar section with a flat base. Purpose - the conclusion of any postings in their "embrace". Its installation is carried out on walls, floors, ceilings, in general, on a flat surface.
Device
The product consists of a small box and a lid for it. It is fixed using any fastening systems, for example, a special adhesive, self-tapping screws, screws, rivets, etc. After fixing to the surface, the wire is neatly laid in it. Then the device is latched with a lid. The specific design of the mounting device contributes to reliable adhesion of parts. The product does not need additional fixing elements.
Usually, a variety of fittings come with the boxes. It is necessary for the installation of various elements in the cable channel. So, for example, the kit includes plugs, corners, T-shaped and L-shaped connectors, adapters, etc. If suddenly the part was damaged during the installation process, you can buy it at a low price separately at any hardware store.
Scope of application
The profile is used to conclude such wires:
- television;
- computer;
- telephone;
- power electrical;
- low current (fire and video surveillance).
The mounting box (most often plastic) is installed: 
- in private dwellings;
- in apartments;
- in baths;
- in offices;
- at production facilities;
- in administrative complexes;
- in medical institutions;
- in educational facilities;
- in entertainment centers.
In general, a box is an electrical device that is appropriate anywhere and everywhere.
Benefits of using a cable channel
Of course, such a useful little thing has a number of undeniable advantages:
- wear resistance and durability;
- safety and ergonomics;
- aesthetics and mobility;
- versatility and practicality;
- simplicity and low cost of installation;
- quick access to wires (if necessary);
- reliable protection of cables and wires from the harmful effects of climatic, mechanical, thermal and chemical factors.
There is also a drawback - the painstaking installation process. No, installation is easy, but requires patience. And, of course, the product does not dissolve in the air, which is why it catches the eye. But it’s better to let an attractive box flaunt on the surface than wires dangling like vines in the jungle. Believe me, I have seen this...
Types and classification
What are the boxes? Yes, there are many types! Therefore, the channel will perfectly fit into the interior, decorated in any style direction - from baroque to minimalism. Let's see their classification:
1.Material:
- steel box - durable and beautiful (the so-called tray);
- aluminum cable channel - wear-resistant and attractive;
- PVC fixture (plastic) - cheap, durable, safe.
2.Configuration:
- floor product - laying is carried out on the floor;
- wall fixture - installation is carried out on the walls;
- plinth box - installation is done under the plinth;
- corner channel - laying is carried out in the corners;
- ceiling device - installation is carried out on the ceiling.
- product "under the tree" (ideal for wooden houses, decorated in country style, Provence, in Russian, English directions);
- metal-like box (perfect for techno-style dwellings, minimalism and hi-tech);
- cable channel "marbled" (wonderful for rooms decorated in the style of baroque, rococo, classicism, neoclassicism);
- plain fixture (perfect for interior in any style);
- color box (good for homes decorated in the style of avant-garde, art deco, eclecticism, kitsch, pop art, fusion).
4.Structure:
- rigid devices - boxes with a removable lid, intended for flat surfaces;
- flexible device - sectional, chain-like and tubular cable channels designed for uneven surfaces.
5. The standard size of the produced cable channels is 2 meters, and they have the following cross-section: 
- 12×12 mm;
- 15×10 mm;
- 16×16 mm;
- 20×10 mm;
- 25×16 mm;
- 25×25 mm;
- 30×10 mm;
- 40×16 mm;
- 40×25 mm;
- 40×40 mm;
- 60×40 mm;
- 60×60 mm;
- 80×40 mm;
- 80×60 mm;
- 100×40 mm;
- 100×60 mm.
The choice is yours, it all depends on the number and type of wires! In our work on the installation of electrical wiring in private houses, we most often use 25 × 16 mm. This is the most popular size in which you can easily lay several power wires. But sometimes you have to work with more massive sizes.
Popular manufacturer
The products of the following companies enjoy tremendous success:
- E. NEXT;
- Elekor from IEK;
- "Legrand";
- "DKS";
- "Ukraine TD";
- EKF.
High quality boxes are produced by many companies. The main thing is not to buy a fake. To prevent this from happening, read reviews about the product and ask the consultant for product documents. It happens that cheap products behave just terribly: too soft case (inconvenient to mount), bad locks on covers (badly fixed and open over time), white PVC plastic turns yellow over time, etc.
Personally, my choice is Legrand and DKS. It is easy and pleasant to work with the products of these companies. I think electricians-practitioners will understand me and fully support me. Although the price of "Legrand" is decent, but the quality is worth it.
Installation
Installation of the box does not require special skill, but care should be taken, accuracy and care. So, the process consists of the following steps:
- schemes and routes for the location of the channel are thought out;
- the working surface of the wall, ceiling, etc. is cleaned and prepared;
- measurements are taken;
- profile blanks are cut with side cutters, scissors or a grinder;
- the channel is screwed to the surface with screws (a screwdriver will help you);
- a cable or wire is laid;
- the box is covered with a lid.
The product is attached with:
- ordinary self-tapping screws intended for working with metal or wood (it is better to use press washers);
- liquid nails - a special high-strength construction adhesive;
- double sided tape.
Most often, fasteners are carried out on self-tapping screws. If the surface is wooden, the channel is screwed immediately. If the base is concrete or brick, first a 6 mm hole is drilled with a puncher, a plastic dowel is inserted, and a self-tapping screw with a box is already wrapped in it (dowel-nails can be used). The optimal distance between the fasteners is 40–50 cm, but the more irregularities on the surface, the more often you need to take a step.
You need to do the work slowly and carefully, otherwise you can ruin both the profile and the surface. Try to close the lids tightly and securely. It would be better if they have a double lock (sales consultants know about this). Marking and installation is easiest to carry out using a laser level. It will immediately expose you to horizontal and vertical planes, which is very convenient.
The cable channel is a device that will not only hide the wires, but also add a “zest” to the house or bath, thanks to its interesting design. For electrical wiring, using a box is the perfect solution!
An anecdote in the subject: The end of the working day ... A breathless trainee electrician runs into the change house to the foreman and shouts: - Stepanych! What to do? The girls have already plastered the walls, but I forgot the wiring! - Oh, student, how much to teach you that you can never forget about vodka at a construction site!
That's all. Peace to your home and see you soon! Bye!
Quote of wisdom: In a dispute, boldness and eloquence often win, not truth (Menander).
Absolutely all home craftsmen performing repairs in a private house or apartment, if they have not encountered it, will definitely face the problem of electrical installation. Today we will not talk specifically about such work, but we will discuss a product that helps to carry out outdoor wiring. Moreover, it can give not only an aesthetic appearance, but also protect in some cases. But first things first. Our today's topic is cable channels: types and sizes, material of manufacture and areas of their application. And most importantly - why is it needed anyway? Let's try to understand this issue as thoroughly as possible.
Cable channels for electrical wiring and their types
Few people know that there are, in fact, a lot of varieties of cable channels. They are divided according to:
- appointment;
- the material from which they are made;
- location;
- color.
The box for electrical wiring can be either plastic or metal. They are produced in accordance with ČSN EN 50 085-1 (ČSN 37 0100). According to the Russian standard, this corresponds to GOST R 50827-95, GOST 8594-80 r.2.3, GOST 12.1.044-8, as well as other regulatory documents, the numbering of which is rarely used. The material for the manufacture of plastic cable channels according to GOST is PVC, which is resistant to high temperatures. It also has the property of self-extinguishing when the wiring ignites, which protects the insulation from further spread of the flame. The operating temperature of PVC varies from -5 to +600C.
Metal cable boxes are made of galvanized steel and can be either closed or open. Aluminum is also used for this purpose. Let's try to understand in more detail what each of these materials is.
Materials for the manufacture of cable channels, their advantages and disadvantages
Some believe that such products have a purely decorative purpose, but this is completely untrue. The cable channel for electrical wiring is designed to protect the consumer in the event of an emergency situation (short circuit, power overload of the wiring). The various materials used in its production have different characteristics from each other, which cannot be ignored. Why, then, in private houses, plastic boxes for wires are mainly used, and metal ones are more in “honor” in production? As it turned out, there are several reasons for this division.
This is what metal cable channels look like
Dimensions of cable channels for electrical wiring
If we talk about the length of plastic cable channels, then two indicators are taken as the standard - these are 2 and 3 m. Width and height also have their own standards, but there are a lot of them. We propose to summarize all the sizes of plastic cable channels that are found on the shelves of Russian electrical engineering stores in one table.
Of course, these are not all sizes that PVC cable channels have, but these are the most common when installing household electrical networks.
Important information! Do not purchase too large cable channels. Despite the convenience of laying wires in them, in this case the degree of protection is reduced. The reason for this is large volumes of free space and, as a result, an increased amount of oxygen that contributes to combustion. For example, you should not purchase a 150x100 cable channel for laying two or three wires with a cross section of 2.5 mm2.
The dimensions of the electrical wiring boxes should be chosen after all calculations and drawing up a diagram of the home electrical network. By calculating the number and diameters of cables that will run in one place or another, you can understand what cable channels will be required for them. The ideal would be the size at which, after laying the wires, there is room for 1-2 of these. This is done in order to be able to upgrade the home network. A larger supply of free space inside the box is already detrimental to the safety that the cable channel can provide in the event of an overload or short circuit.
Various color solutions for cable channels
Colored cable channels carry more design than practical meaning. Although some experienced electricians claim that from the point of view of wiring in an apartment, there are benefits from different shades of the product. However, if you think about it, it is unlikely that a “rainbow” of cable channels will look good in the interior. 
Coloring helps to separate cables into groups
There are quite a lot of color boxes today. The most common are light gray, white cable channels and boxes designed to look like wood of different species. But with open-type wiring, every home master can choose a shade that will be combined with his interior. Now you can even purchase a black cable channel, provided that you need to create contrast on light walls.
Colored boxes for safety wires are in no way inferior to the usual gray or white ones - the same material is used for their manufacture. If we talk about their practical application, then we can consider the option in which 12 groups come out of the electrical panel located on the basement floor of a private house. It is quite possible to run each of the lines through the cable channel of its own color. In this case, it will be more convenient to deal with an accident on one of the lines. But it is quite easy to get by with the usual markings. So many will consider color excess.
Varieties of cable channels for laying open wiring
It has already been mentioned that such electrical products have many types. And each of them can be used in certain conditions. Let's analyze the main ones:
- Corner cable channel - used to place wiring under the ceiling;
- Flattened floor cable channel - such boxes are rarely made of plastic. More often it is aluminum or galvanized steel;
- Conventional wall-mounted wire boxes are the most common type for mounting home highways;
- Outdoor cable channels - PVC is not used for such. Plastic does not tolerate ultraviolet radiation and low temperatures;
- Flexible cable channel for wires - can be made of any material. Usually in the form of a corrugated tube.
Perforated PVC cable channels are quite convenient for installation behind suspended or stretch ceilings, as well as in plasterboard walls. Their indisputable advantage is the possibility of natural ventilation of the wires. At the same time, additional protection against mechanical damage is provided. Such electrical products can be either rectangular or square, or round.
Modern plastic baseboards are also equipped with boxes hidden in them. This allows you to install electrical wiring or lay a television and telephone cable without using additional, external cable channels. This arrangement allows you to hide all communications as much as possible. This is the only option for installing a plastic cable channel on the floor.
Corner boxes can be used not only for electrical wiring, but also for mounting LED lighting. In this case, products with a translucent frosted plug are purchased, and an LED strip is placed inside them. This method allows you to arrange a neat illumination of ceilings, various niches or a working area in the kitchen.
Finally
There is no doubt that the cable channel is a rather convenient, functional and useful electrical product. In addition, the installation of electrical wiring in an apartment or a private house becomes quite simple. We must not forget that you can choose boxes for any interior and different colors.
Safety when using cable channels increases significantly, which means that their use sometimes becomes not only convenient, but even necessary. Well, the cost of such boxes is low. This means that the installation of cable channels will not require large expenses.
The use of open-type electrical wiring is not uncommon, it is especially common in wooden buildings. Its main advantage is easy access to cables. At the same time, wires located in plain sight not only disrupt the harmony of the interior, but also create a risk of electric shock or fire. You can avoid such a danger by placing the wiring inside special devices - the so-called cable channels. In this article, we will analyze what cable channels for electrical wiring are, what materials are used to make them, and how the process of installing these structures takes place.
Purpose and types of cable channels
The main function of these devices should be called the protection of the wires located inside them from mechanical damage. Conventionally, cable channels are divided into two types:
- Rigid. These boxes can be open, equipped with an easily removable cover or made in the form of skirting boards.
- Flexible. Such structures can be made in the form of sections, tubes or chains.
The material used for the manufacture of cable channels must meet two basic requirements: to be high-strength and non-flammable.
There is an additional criterion - the ability to electrical insulation, but it is not mandatory, since often these protective structures are aluminum or made of galvanized iron.
The most popular cable channels are made of PVC, in order to increase the strength of products mixed with hardeners.
Selection rules and video editing example:
Now we will consider in more detail the features of various types and deal with the features of their device and application.
Rigid cable channels
For the manufacture of rigid structures, metal or plastic (polyvinyl chloride) is used. The box may not be equipped with a lid, in which case there are mounting holes in its walls and bottom. Another option is blind structures with lids that do not have holes. In addition, there are combined cable channels that do not have holes and are not equipped with covers.
The advantage of perforated boxes is their improved ventilation, and hence the higher electrical conductivity of the conductor placed in them.
When choosing one or another type, you should consider the installation location of the fixtures. For example, wiring that is laid in a frame house can be placed in a metal cable channel used for open lines.
Such devices can be easily installed in ceilings and partitions, as well as in raised floors due to the ease of attachment. The box is fixed to the supporting structure with the help of self-tapping screws, electrical wires are placed inside it and fixed to the box with plastic clamps.
Closed cable channels for electrical wiring are most often mounted to walls or installed on the ceiling. They are fixed with self-tapping screws screwed into the mounting holes.
The cable channels offered on the modern market have a variety of colors, so you can choose products whose tone is best suited for a particular interior. The price of the boxes does not depend on their color. But fixtures decorated with a pattern applied by photoprinting are considered designer products and have a higher cost.
The cable channel can have different sizes, these products are standard or wide. The latter are used for work related to multi-wire installation. To isolate each of the loops from neighboring wide cable channels are separated by partitions.
Features of hard channels
The most elegant are aluminum cable channels. Particularly in high demand are fixtures made in Italy and Germany. They are equipped with a lid that imitates wood or other material from the outside.
The dimensions of the sides of the products are different - from 70x100 mm to 600x1000 mm. The scope of the former is the wiring of alarms in residential or work premises, while the latter are designed to protect thick cables. The width of the walls can also vary between 0.7-2.4 mm.
The delivery set of cable channels includes additional elements (turns, corners, crosses, etc.), which allow, during installation, to give the structure a monolithic look.
Flexible protective channels
The appearance of flexible protective channels was dictated by the need to conduct wiring along the walls of structures with architectural irregularities. If rigid channels are used under these conditions, they will exactly repeat the differences in planes, which will spoil the appearance. If in brick or concrete buildings the walls can be more or less leveled, then in wooden buildings traditional alignment is not applicable. In this case, flexible cable channels will be an excellent solution.
There are the following types of flexible protective channels:
- Tubular. As a rule, they are used when moving to the door plane.
- Rubber.
- Flexible chains (so-called tracks).
- Made from soft molded plastic.
Since the production of flexible cable ducts is quite complex and time-consuming, they have a higher price compared to rigid ones.
Trucks are widely used in private housing construction for connecting small household machines, as well as in factories and factories in order to connect working equipment. The width of these devices can be from 20 to 234 mm.
Rubber cable channels, as well as those made of soft plastic, due to the large wall thickness, provide reliable protection of electrical conductors from various damages. They are well suited for rooms with high humidity (the exception is a steam room in a bath or sauna).
Tubular channels are a strip of metal twisted in a spiral. Its main advantage is the ability to bend in different directions without harm to the structure. A flexible wire is laid inside the device. As a rule, electric door locks are connected using these channels.
Materials used in the production of cable channels
For the manufacture of these products are used:
- Aluminum.
- Steel with zinc coating.
- Plastic.
Plastic fixtures are usually mounted on walls as well as under ceilings. Metal cable ducts can be installed on the floor as they are resistant to high loads.
Varieties of cable channels on video:
Cink Steel
For the manufacture of protective devices from this material, a one-piece rolled profile coated with zinc and painted with polymers is used.
These channels are immune to the effects of fire. They are used to install fire systems, as well as warning and video surveillance mechanisms.
The advantages of metal cable channels include:
- High degree of protection of the electric cable from mechanical external factors and electromagnetic waves.
- Ease of installation.
- Fire safety.
- Easy-to-remove snap-on lid.
- Execution in various colors.
A metal protective box is often used in office premises for laying cables of small cross section, since it successfully replaces plastic fixtures.
Anodized aluminum
Aluminum cable channels are most often used in warehouses, as well as in industrial enterprises when installing open lines. In more rare cases, they find a place in a high-tech home interior.
The main advantages of this material include:
- Resistance to electromagnetic impulses.
- Immunity to solar ultraviolet.
- High impact resistance.
- Fire safety.
The weak point of this design is the complexity of the installation. Dowels are used to fasten the channel and cover, so you cannot do without a special tool during installation.
Refractory plastic
Designs from this material are the most widespread. Cables are laid inside a closed protective channel, which can have a different cross-section - round, rectangular or triangular, as well as flat.
Devices are made in various colors and can be of any size.
The advantages of plastic structures include:
- Immune to corrosion.
- Simple fastening mechanism.
- The ability to quickly cut a piece of the box of the desired length.
- Resistant to temperature extremes.
- Little weight.
The fixtures, made of plastic, are equipped with a cover that is easy to install and remove without the use of tools.
Features of installing cable channels
Now let's deal with some of the nuances of installing protective boxes for electrical wiring - you need to know them in order to avoid mistakes during installation:
- Rigid structures should only be mounted on flat surfaces.
- Installation must start from an electrical element or lighting fixture. Leading a channel from the soldering box is a mistake.
- When joining sections to each other, it is necessary to leave a gap between them in order to compensate for possible thermal expansion if necessary. The value of this distance should be 1.5-2 mm.
- Installation of boxes on uneven walls should be carried out without tension so that the structure sags slightly.
- Fastening the channel to plasterboard partitions should be done with small self-tapping screws with a flat head and a length of 1.5 cm.
- The interval between mounting holes should be between 30 and 50 cm.
- A hacksaw can be used to cut aluminum and steel channels. Plastic and rubber boxes are cut with a sharp knife.
Visually about the installation on the video:
Installation of protective cable channels is not a complicated procedure. Do it yourself or seek help from a professional electrician - everyone decides for himself.
Conclusion
In this material, we figured out what protective boxes for electrical wiring are for, and also examined different types of existing cable channels and the materials from which they are made. We hope that the knowledge gained will help you choose protective devices for the electrical wiring of your home, and, if necessary, install them without outside help.
One of the ways of open laying of wires in apartments and houses is cable channels. They are used in cases where hidden laying is impossible or undesirable for some reason.
Definition, structure, purpose
Cable channels are plastic or metal boxes for hidden or open laying of wires and cables. Can be used both outdoors and indoors. They are also called cable trays and boxes, sometimes they add the word "electrotechnical"
Consists of body and cover. The cross section is mainly rectangular and square, but there are others, more specific (they will also be discussed later). The body can be solid, maybe perforated. Perforated cases are rarely needed, for better ventilation and faster cooling.
The cover and the body of the cable channel are connected with a lock - they snap into place. This cable trays are convenient - you can open, check, lay a new one or remove an unnecessary wire at any time. When buying, pay attention to the structure and quality of the locks - the ease of use depends on them. The best, at this stage, is considered a double lock. It provides sufficient fixation and allows you to repeatedly open / close the lid.
The internal space of the cable channel can be divided by partitions. This is done in order to be able to separate power (wiring) and low-current (television, Internet, telephone, etc.) cables. It is desirable to lay them separately so that they do not interfere with each other. Some companies have developed a design so that partitions can be installed independently. They are sold separately and are put on the protrusions on the inner wall of the case (an example of such protrusions in the photo on the right).
Material - metal or plastic. If you choose plastic cable channels, please note that it must be non-flammable or non-combustible (read in the description). Ideally, if it also gives out little smoke - just in case.
Types and sizes
Types of cable channels differ from each other mainly in shape, only some use special materials - for example, transparent plastic or aluminum and its alloys.
Plinth cable channels
If you want to covertly lay cables and not gouge the walls at the same time, take a closer look at the plinth cable channels. These are a kind of plastic skirting boards, in the internal cavities of which wires are laid. They are available in a variety of colors to fit a variety of styles.
Manufacturers of entire systems of skirting cable channels, in addition to long trays, produce a number of additional devices that allow the assembly of any shape. These are external and internal corners, bends of various shapes, plugs, mounting and multi-module boxes on which switches and sockets can be installed.
There is also an option to install sockets directly at the level of the plinth. For older people, this option is not the best, and for young people, low slopes are not a problem. But it doesn't attract as much attention.
This type of channel cable is available in different color variations - from white, gray and black to coloring imitating wood and metal surfaces. The disadvantage is the rather high price, although it cannot be compared with the payment for wall chasing.
Available sizes of SL Hager products are 20*50 mm, 20*70 mm, 15*100 mm, 25*100 mm. Firm Legrand (Legrand) has two series: mini with dimensions - 20 * 12.5 mm, 32 * 12.5 mm, 40 * 12.5 mm, 32 * 16 mm, 40 * 16 mm, 60 * 60 mm, 60 *20mm, 75*20mm. The second series - DPL has the following dimensions: 35*80 mm, 35*105 mm, 50*80 mm, 50*105 mm, 50*150 mm, 65*150 mm.
Another video about another system of plinth cable channels.
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floor standing
This type of cable ducts also differs in shape and installation method. It is installed on the floor, because on the one hand it has a rounded shape, so it does not interfere with movement. Available in impact resistant plastic or aluminium. The form is the same though.
Floor cable trays are used as part of the system - when you need to bring wiring to a table or lighting fixture that is far from the walls. It successfully replaces carriers and extension cords.
Available in the following sizes:
- 50*12mm;
- 75*17mm;
- 92*20mm;
- 160*65mm;
The color scheme does not differ in variety: there are usually gray, white and black. Joints of two strips, corners and turns can be formed using shaped products of a suitable size. First, the lower part is mounted, the conductors are laid, after which the cover snaps into place.
Then accessories are installed in the right places - corners, joints. They are made in such a way that they simply snap on, providing a secure fit. At the same time, the degree of protection (usually IP40) is even maintained.
Parapet
Parapet cable channels (also called trunk channels) are similar in structure to plinth ones. They differ slightly in shape, but mainly in that they are mounted above the floor level. They also consist of various elements that allow you to assemble any configuration.
Mainly used in offices or factories. If they mount similar structures in private houses or apartments, then they try to match the color of the wall decoration. They usually close the routes connecting the outdoor and indoor units.
Dimensions can be:
- width 80 mm, 100 mm, 120 mm, 150 mm;
- height 40 mm, 55 mm, 60 mm.
For each type of section there is a set of shaped elements - external and internal corners, plugs, splitters, etc. There may be several colors, but the main ones are white and milky. The rest are pretty hard to find.
Mini
A smaller version of parapet cable channels into which a certain number of conductors can be laid - television, telephone, for the Internet.
When using this product, the corners are made not with special shaped parts, but by sawing the box at the right angle (usually 45 °, only taking into account whether it is internal or external).
Dimensions can be:
- width 10 mm, 12 mm, 16 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 40 mm, 60 mm, 80 mm, 100 mm.
- height - 10 mm, 12 mm, 16 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 40 mm, 60 mm.
Combinations of these sizes give a large number of options. There are wide and low, there are narrow and high, so there is a choice and you can pick up.
corner
Corner cable ducts due to their design can be installed at the junction of the wall and ceiling or instead of a plinth. With careful execution of the corners (they must also be cut with a hacksaw at the right angle), they look like a decorative element.
This type of cable channels are mounted in the corners - at the junction of the ceiling and wall
The disadvantage is that they do not have as much space as skirting boards, and the walls are thinner, so there is a high probability of damage when laying at the bottom. The most common sizes are 40 * 40 mm, so you can’t put a lot of cables in them.
For LED strips
This is a kind of corner version of cable trays. They differ in that the cover is made of transparent or translucent plastic.
They are mounted under the ceiling in the corners, on the bottom panel of kitchen cabinets or in the cabinets and cabinets themselves. Wiring is not laid in them, therefore the organization of the internal space is completely different - they make a platform on which it is convenient to mount a strip of LEDs. Its position is chosen based on the required direction of the light flux.
Metal cable trays
This type of product in private homes is mainly used for laying wiring in combustible walls - in construction or panel walls. Trays are placed inside the wall and ceiling, cables are pulled into them, and in the right places they are led out through the wall or ceiling sheathing.
Also, some types (wire cable channels) are used for tension lighting or. With their use, installation time is drastically reduced, because instead of installing a large number of small fasteners, you need to attach several hangers for the trays, and then lay all the cables in them.
Dimensions of metal cable trays:
- width from 50 mm, 80 mm, 100 mm, 150 mm, 200 mm and further up to 600 mm in 100 mm increments;
- height - 50 mm, 80 mm, 100 mm;
- the length of one piece is 3m.
So it will turn out to pick up for any number of conductors.
Installation rules
The order of installation depends on whether shaped products will be used - corners, branches and plugs or not. If they are, the manufacturer gives clear recommendations about how much distance must be left for proper installation. They should be followed to the nearest millimeter. Then everything looks neat. We will talk about the basic rules for installing cable channels of the usual type below in more detail.
How to choose the size
If you decide to run wires in cable channels, first you need to decide what size they are needed. They select the dimensions based on the number and size of the conductors that will need to be laid and add some margin for the future - so that, if necessary, one or two more wires can be laid.
When choosing the size, it is necessary to take into account the number of cables that will need to be laid.
The number of conductors in the cable channel is not standardized. The main thing is to be able to close the lid without problems. The limitation may be the need for separate placement of power and low-current cables. In this case, the section is selected so that there is at least a small distance between the groups of cables.
Installation procedure and features
According to the rules, the wiring is laid horizontally and vertically, inclined installation is only allowed on stairs. In other cases, they do not deviate from the rules even with open wiring. To obtain an even cut when installing plastic cable channels with thin stacks, use scissors for metal or others, but the cutting edge must be sharp. Aluminum and metal trays are cut with a hacksaw. Thick plastic can also be cut with the same tool - there will be a smooth edge and the profile will not wrinkle.
If a segment of a certain length is needed, for a tap to a socket, for example, it must be cut in this order: snap the cover, align the edge, mark the cover and body at the same time. After that, you can cut separately. In this order, the length of both products will be the same.
Please note that when passing the corner, the cover is not cut into two parts, but only the side walls are cut so that it can be bent. Do not forget that when going around the outer corner, the cover should be longer than the tray; in this case, it is better to mark the cut points on it after the cable channel housing is fixed.
On a non-wooden surface, the cable channel is attached to nails with a wide hat (you can use self-tapping screws), on plaster or plasterboard walls - on self-tapping screws. For mounting on brick or concrete walls, dowel mounting is required. The fixing step of the fastener is about 60-70 cm, at the end of the profile and at the junction, the fastener is installed at a distance of 3-5 cm from the edge.
If two pieces of cable channels are joined, the cover must be positioned in such a way that the joints of the body and cover do not match. Otherwise, the joint will be too noticeable and unevenness may form, which will further emphasize the joint.
We put the conductors in the mounted cases. So that the walls of the cable channels do not sag, we install supporting jumpers with some steps, after which we snap the covers. On this, the wiring in the cable channels can be considered finished.
Electricity is an important system in a modern home. For convenience, open wiring is often laid using cable channels. These boxes differ from each other in appearance, size, color, design and other characteristics.
Production material
In the production of boxes, three materials are used - plastic, galvanized steel and aluminum. Cable ducts for wires from the last two materials are excellent for places with possible mechanical impact (for example, on the floor). Plastic products are conveniently mounted on walls and ceilings.
Plastic and its features
Refractory plastic is a common material in the production of goods in this category. There are several forms available:
- rectangular or square section;
- triangular;
- round;
- flat.
The stores sell plastic cable channels of different sizes and colors. They have a number of advantages, because of which they are popular with 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 desired length;
- not exposed to corrosion;
- there is no deformation as a result of a sharp temperature drop.
Durable galvanized steel
Products made of refractory galvanized steel are often used in the installation of video surveillance systems, warnings, and fire alarms. Due to their high strength, they are installed as floor boxes.
When buying floor structures, great attention should be paid to goods made of aluminum and galvanized steel. In these places, they will last longer than plastic.
These cable channels are made from a solid rolled profile, coated with zinc, using grades Ts1 or Ts2, and painted with polymer compositions. As a result, the products have their own advantages.
Advantages:
- fire safety;
- protection of wiring from mechanical damage;
- protection against electromagnetic influence;
- convenient cover, puts on and takes off without tools;
- simple installation.
These products are often used in warehouses and industrial premises. Less often, cable channels for electrical wiring made of aluminum are mounted in houses with a Hi-Tech interior. They have one important drawback - the complex installation of the entire system. That is why products have a certain scope. But there are benefits:
- fire resistance;
- resistance during temperature changes;
- resistance to direct sunlight;
- protection against electromagnetic influence, which is a source of interference;
- high level of impact resistance.
Constructions
On the market there are channels for laying cables of different designs and sizes. The choice of a specific design depends on the installation site and the size of the cable to be laid.
Types of plastic boxes:
- Plinth. These structures are used at the junctions of walls and floors. For the installation of structures of various shapes, manufacturers produce additional devices - bends, plugs, external and internal corners and other elements. Plinth-type cable channels fit well into the interior of most houses and apartments.
- Floor. They are used for convenient movement when wiring is carried out to tables, lighting fixtures, and equipment that is far from the walls. The cable channel easily replaces extension cords and carriers.
- Parapet cable ducts look like skirting boards. They are mounted above the floor level, using additional elements to obtain the desired configuration.
- Corner cable channels are used at the joints and under the ceiling. Thanks to their triangular design, these boxes fit perfectly into corners and fit into the design of the room. Due to the high possibility of damage as a result of impacts, these structures are mounted in the upper sections.
- The smallest view is mini cable channels. Great for telephone wires, television and internet cables. The boxes are mounted on the walls and ceiling on an adhesive base or self-tapping screws. The small size of the cable channels allows you to organically combine them with the interior.
- Perforated. The open access design has less weight and cost than other options. This option is used when appearance does not matter.
- Flexible. Ideal for wiring on uneven surfaces where rigid options are not available. They are divided into two types - corrugated and chain. Problems with hard-to-reach places are solved by round cable channels.
- Transparent. This view is ideal for outdoor decoration of the room. Sticks an LED strip on the partition of the box, closes it with a transparent lid. The result is a pleasant light.
- Metal cable channels for electrical wiring are often used in industrial production. They are necessary for fixing a large number of heavy cables.
Based on the installation site, choose the desired type of box. Design preferences are also taken into account so that each element fits into the interior.
How to choose the right box size
The box size is an important factor. Sometimes there is advice - "the main thing is that the wires fit." This is a completely false statement that can only hurt. Incorrectly selected cable duct for outdoor wiring can be a dangerous source of possible fire. Why?
When an electric current is applied to the cable, the wires begin to heat up. All the heat goes into the environment, allowing the wiring to cool. When no space is left in the box and the wires are tightly laid, heat is transferred from one cable to another. As a result, the wire heats up even more. With a strong voltage, such an error leads to an undesirable result.
Therefore, the dimensions of the cable duct must meet certain criteria. The PES states that in order to lay the wiring in the pipe, it is necessary to fill the space by 40%. A similar rule should be applied to boxes (you can increase the filling percentage to 50-60).
Calculations are made based on the cross section of the wire and their number. For example, if two cables with a section of 3x2.5 and 3x1.5 are laid in the box, then the channel size must be greater than 25x16. When the question arises of how to choose the size of the cable channel, for convenience, use the table: 
The length of the fittings is calculated from the length of the wiring. The calculations take into account other devices that need to be purchased and installed.
Design and colors
Appearance is an important issue before buying. The boxes go well with many designs. Manufacturers produce products in several colors. But this issue is solved only after taking into account the types and sizes of cable channels.
Color options:
- white;
- bright hues;
- colored;
- colors for light and dark wood.
A suitable decorative cable channel for outdoor wiring is selected, looking at other parameters.
Mounting Features
Before installation, take into account possible joints, irregularities and the use of additional elements. Therefore, the wiring plan is drawn up in advance. After purchasing all the components, installation begins.
Plastic products are installed in three ways:
- Adhesive base. High reliability, easy to use. Before application, the inside of the canal is cleaned.
- Double sided tape. It is easier to use than glue, but the level of reliability is lower. It is used in places where there will be a minimum load. Suitable for light triangular cable ducts.
- Self-tapping screws. The method is highly reliable. Used for mounting on a wooden surface.
Products made of galvanized steel and aluminum are installed on self-tapping screws. Suspended cable channels must be well fastened.
There is a wire rule - cable channels are installed horizontally and vertically. The only exception is stairs - inclined installation is possible.
If two parts of the box are joined, it is necessary to correctly position the cover. The joints of the body and cover should not match. Otherwise, the unevenness will be evident. For example, a vertical cable duct with a joint above the floor will be clearly visible.
Calculations, wiring diagrams, box selection and installation work require a serious approach. Properly installed electrical wiring will save the house.
Video about DLP cable channels and their accessories