Trunking
In industrial and commercial installations, trunking pipes are often installed in place of larger sizes of conduit systems. Trunking systems are far more flexible in comparison and come in various types such as basket trunking, steel trunking, metallic trunking, etc.
Trunking for cables can be installed quite easily in surface fitting – surface metallic trunking tends to come in various shapes, sizes, and types of material. You can get heavy industrial listed surface metallic trunking that can deal with physical damage and is specially approved for industrial locations.
The main purpose of trunking pipe systems is to make sure that cables are completely segregated from all other wiring systems; this is where double, 3, or four-compartment trunking comes in. Cables that are in danger of starting lighting and fire alarms have to be kept separate from the wiring of all other circuits.
At Meteor Electrical, we carry a wide selection of trunking types such as maxi trunking, mini self-adhesive trunking, as well as trunking accessories. Browse our large variety of maxi trunking, mini YT4 trunking sizes, and more.
We carry an extensive selection of PVC & Steel conduits, and many other cable accessories here. Visit our blog to read more about the importance of cable trunking and its applications.
Trunking Sizes and Structure
Most reputable manufacturers can supply electrical trunking ranging from 1.5 x 1.5 inch to 4x9 inch or larger, with two or more compartments. This provides enough options to accommodate all types of electrical cable system situations.
In relation to this, an advantage of trunking is how it can easily be painted to match the decor and aesthetic of the surroundings in which it is placed in.
Metallic electrical trunking pin racks consist of steel pins that are sheathed by an insulating material and fitted at intervals. In areas where vertical metallic trunking passes through floors, it is necessary to provide internal fire barriers. These barriers consist of nonflammable material.
In situations where large cables are installed in a trunking system, extra caution should be taken to make sure all cables are of sufficient radius to avoid damage.
For smaller applications such as data connections and communications, there are mini trunking types available. Commonly used communications trunking comes in smaller sizes. YT2 trunking size is typically 16mm x 25mm, YT3 trunking size is 38mm x 16mm, and YT4 trunking size is usually 40mm x 25mm.
Mini trunking applications can be delicate, and thus, complicated. However, all you need is the right set of instructions to do it all by yourself. Here's a quick DIY guide!
What is Steel Trunking?
Steel trunking is a steel enclosure that provides protection for cables. It usually has a square or rectangular cross-section and a removable lid. Steel trunking can be considered the backbone or framework of an installation. In comparison, electrical conduits run from the metallic trunking to accessory outlet boxes.
Metallic trunking makes alterations or required extensions easy to do – a hole can be drilled in the side of the metallic trunking and a conduit can be run to the new accessory point. New wiring can then be placed through the new conduit trunking system and the existing metallic trunking to the supply point.
Steel trunking sizes and types vary, and there are many options that can be found. The standard metal trunking size include:
- 50mm x 50mm 150mm x 75mm
- 75mm x 50mm 150mm x 100mm
- 75mm x 75mm 150mm x 150mm
- 100mm x 50mm 200mm x 100mm
- 100mm x 75mm 225mm x 150mm
- 100mm x 50mm 250mm x 150mm
- 100mm x 100mm 300mm x 250mm
Metal trunking sizes of various kinds can be found in different metallic trunking types such as lighting trunking, cable steel trunking, multi-compartment metallic trunking, and bus-bar trunking.
There are also numerous types of surface finishes that can be found in metallic trunking and steel trunking sizes which include hot dipped galvanized coating, gray enamel on zinc coating, silver enamel on zinc coating, and stainless steel.
What is Plastic Trunking?
Cable trunking also comes in other types such as plastic or PVC trunking. Plastic trunking is typically constructed of hard plastics that lend them durability against wear and tear.
3 Compartment Dado trunking, which is ideal for office environments, is most commonly made of plastic. This type of trunking is installed at dado height or at the skirting rail to conceal and protect cables.
PVC trunking is also used for industrial applications where it is necessary to allow cable ventilation. They are usually lightweight, corrosion-proof and fireproof, and extremely durable.
Plastic trunking also creates a better appearance for indoor applications, making it a popular choice for offices, schools, homes, etc.
Lighting Trunking Sizes
Various steel trunking sizes are available to accommodate the installation of luminaires when it comes to lighting trunking. This type of metallic trunking has quick-fit drive-in couplings which allow fast and easy installation of long runs. A wide range of fittings is usually available to accommodate changes in direction, tees, and various intersections. These are bolted in position using at least two bolts depending on the steel trunking sizes.
Basket Trunking Sizes
Basket trunking, or basket cable tray, is divided in two styles – trough tray and ladder. Basket trunking involves a bracket that holds and releases cables; they can be erected independently and can also be attached to various construction structures.
A fact is that basket trunking comes with many benefits such as a wide application, high level of strength, lightweight, low cost, simple construction, flexible wiring system, and a sleek look.
Basket trunking is basically your go-to solution for routing and supporting many cable runs. It has a wire-frame composition that allows air to circulate for proper cable ventilation and can be installed in places such as under desks, raised flooring systems, or hanging basket trunking tray set-ups.
Cable basket trunking is similar in its design to lighting trunking – its lid is held in place with turnbuckles and a quarter-turn of a large flat screwdriver will either fasten or loosen it. Similar to lighting metallic trunking, basket trunking has a range of fittings to accommodate changes in direction, tees, and intersections and to couple lengths together. They are bolted into position according to their steel trunking sizes.
Cable Capacity and Space Factor
Metallic trunking is primarily for the installation of PVC insulated cables. The maximum number of cables that can be installed in basket trunking or metallic trunking system is based on only 45% of the available space being occupied.
It is important to consider that the metallic trunking system should not appear to be less than half full of cable. The unoccupied space in between the cables is included in the overall calculation. The main reason for limiting the number of cables in this way is to eliminate any problems that come with an excessive buildup of heat inside the metallic trunking.
Understanding trunking can be tricky, and it's important to have all the information before making a decision for your space. To help your understanding, here's a complete guide to different types of trunking materials, finishes, and their uses.
Meteor Trunking Accessories
At Meteor, you will find a quality range of compartmented trunking options to choose from and all the necessary associated accessories that you might need. Shop today for next day delivery!