Cable trunking is a great way to run several cables through a single path. This can be very useful when you have multiple devices in the same area, such as under your desk. In many cases, instead of having one long cord running from behind your computer to the wall outlet, there are two shorter cords running from either side of the back of your computer or underneath it. These cords are connected by means of a special connector called a “Dupont Trunk Coupler”.
If you’ve ever had an annoying tangle under your desk, then you know just how important these types of connectors can be. You may have also seen pieces of plastic tubing covering some or all of the cords that go into them. That tubing is called “cable trunking”, and it serves a few purposes. It provides protection to the cords, it can help keep them separate from one another which may provide better airflow around them to reduce heat build-up, it also just looks nice in most cases.
Cable Trunking is typically made out of either rubber or PVC tubing that comes in several sizes depending on what you need to fit into it. Cable trunking is commonly used by many networking installers because they require cables to be organized so that they are less likely to get tangled during the installation process.
Cable Trunking
The easiest way to use cable trunking is simply to place it over the back of your computer near where all of the electrical cables come out of the back. Then simply push each of your cables into a hole in the tubing and make sure they are all pushed in as far as they may go. You can then use some zip ties around the outside of the tubing to hold it together and keep it from sliding around on your desk. Cable trunking is also useful for organizing cables that run along walls, even when you don’t have restrictive spaces like under a desk or behind a computer.
This allows us to hide cords and cables without having something permanently mounted to the wall. This is ideal if we want to easily add/remove items from this area in the future. We can also use cable trunking to manage cords that need to run through our walls, such as those for ceiling-mounted projectors. We can either drill a hole in the wall and push the tubing inside, or we could make an opening in the drywall and slide it behind as seen in the picture.
Cable trunking is available at most electronic supply stores, usually sold in fairly long pieces for between $1 and $10 depending on the size of tubing desired. If you’re looking for something more heavy-duty than what they offer you can always take your cord into a local plastics dealer and ask them if they have anything like this that they sell – chances are that they’ll have something you’ll be able too use.
Mini Trunking Electrical Cables
Mini trunking electrical cables are used to organize the wiring in a home, especially when there is not a lot of space. For example, if someone has a lack of space behind their computer, they could use a pre-made trunking wire on the back of their desktop to help keep all wires organized and easy to access on a daily basis.
Mini trunking is made out of heavy-duty plastic and comes with pre-cut slots for outlets. These trunks can be used as an extension from your wall outlet as many as need be. They also come with boxes that can be used for hiding cords, or as additional outlets.
This type of plastic trunking is able to protect cables and avoid possible tripping hazards, among other many benefits plastic trunking could potentially offer. Most hardware stores may be able to sell this type of cabling for a customer. Creating a safe environment at home could be your top priority, along with easy access to the cables.
What Can Cable Trunking Be Used for?
There are many different uses for cable trunking depending on what types of cords or cables you may be organizing. Here are just a few examples:
- To organize computer equipment under desks, tables, etc.
- Cables coming down from the ceiling
- Cables running along walls
Non-Slip Cable Ties
One excellent use of cable trunking has nothing to do with cables at all, but instead to help keep non-slip floor mats from sliding around. Simply pull the cable trunking over the edge of a non-slip mat and place some heavy items on top of it to hold it down securely. Once this is done, just cut some holes in each side of the tubing as needed for your cables, then push them into the holes as far as they may go.
Types of Cable Trunking for the Wiring System
The first type of cable trunking is the one that is most commonly used. It has regular sized holes for regular equipment such as extension cords, cables and power cords. The trunks also come in different sizes so you can use them on wires with small or big hole diameters.
Cable trunking using these types of trunks are often used by utility companies and distributors who need to keep long lengths of power cords organized. They are great material for storing extra lengths of electric cords without worrying about tangled wires or trips over exposed electrical lines.
The second type of cable trunking is made out of heavy-duty plastic that has pre-cut slots for outlets. Like the other type, this type of trunking can be used to protect cables and avoid possible tripping hazards.
Galvanised Steel Trunking
This type of trunking is a heavy-duty material that can be used to organize flat or round power cords under carpets. This type of cable trunk is great for hiding electrical lines running through your home. Compared to other types, galvanised steel trunking doesn’t have slots so they don’t provide extra outlets for plugging equipment.
The size of this type of trunking can be adjusted using cable ties, making them great for bundling equipment.
Fibreglass Cable Ducting
This is a heavy-duty type of insulation material that can be used to cover round or flat power cords under carpets. This is the best option for organizing long lengths of electrical cords so they don’t get tangled or damaged.
Using this type of cable trunking is perfect for keeping cables on boats, RVs and other vehicles where you need to organize long lengths of electrical cords so they don’t interfere with driving.
Cable trunks are very helpful in any household that has a lot of loose wiring around. It may keep them organized and may also save you from trips or getting electrocuted, among other health and safety reasons.
When Could You Use Trunking or Conduit?
Trunking and conduit can be used interchangeably depending on the type of material you choose to use. While there are several types of trunking available, choosing the right one for your home or business depends on the electrical system in place as well as what you need it for.
Different Applications for Conduit
Conduit is best for temporary installations. If your cable tends to move around a lot, then it would be best if you use a lighter material such as plastic trunking. Cable trunks are more stable but they tend to slide under carpets since they’re made out of heavy-duty materials. Conduit is great because it’s lighter so it can be used for temporary installations.
Conduit is also more flexible so it’s better if you have obstacles to work around, especially if your cable is really long. Conduits are lighter and thinner compared to trunks so they can easily run through tight spaces. While conduits could also provide support, trunks are more suitable because they’re made out of heavy-duty materials to support heavy equipment.
Many Benefits of Using Cable Trunking
Cable Trunking is often required by building codes when running wires or piping that crosses over a public hallway or shared area of the building where people could trip over exposed wiring. This requirement does not necessarily apply if the cable trunking tubing may be located behind finished walls or ceilings (for example heating ducts). The capacity of plastic trunking for electrical wiring shall “not” exceed three 10 AWG conductors or one 12 AWG conductor.
Trunking for general purpose use is typically made from a non-conductive, durable plastic material that resists crushing and abrasion. Trunks are best if you have long lengths of cable to organize, this type of cable trunking is great for organizing long lengths of power cords so they don’t get tangled together or damaged. It’s often used by industrial buildings where large equipment needs to be plugged in and traced back to a power source.
Cable trunks can also be installed as a support structure for that heavy industrial equipment that requires more stability during operation, such as generators and turbines. Trunks are also commonly found on industrial construction sites as temporary wiring solutions before the final electrical plan is set. Industrial equipment can weigh hundreds or thousands of kilograms, having a strong support structure is essential for safety reasons.
Cable Ducting vs Cable Trunking
Another difference between cable ducting and trunking is that trunks are great for organizing power cords, while trunking is more suitable for organizing fibre optic cables.
Cable trunks are often used in construction sites or industrial areas where network wires need to be organized and protected from damage. They can also help identify which cable belongs where so it’s easy to trace the network even when there’s a lot of cables in one area.
On the other hand, trunking can be used for power cords and power cabling only and it isn’t generally installed outdoors because it could get damaged by rain and snow. Cable trunks could generally not be installed outdoors or in moist areas. They could be installed in a dry and well-ventilated area. This is important to prevent moisture from damaging the wire structure over time
