Cable trunking is one of the most practical ways to route, organise and protect electrical cables without concealing them inside walls, floors or ceilings. It is widely used in homes, offices, shops, commercial buildings, control panels and other electrical installations where cables need to remain protected but accessible.
However, not all cable trunking is the same. There are mini trunking systems, PVC trunking, self-adhesive cable trunking, floor trunking, slotted trunking, metal trunking and other specialist solutions designed for different environments and applications.
Choosing the right system therefore involves more than simply finding a trunking large enough to hold the cables. The number and diameter of the cables, the installation environment, fixing method, available space, required protection and possible future extensions all need to be considered.
In this guide we explain what cable trunking is, the main types available, common cable trunking sizes, how to select the right capacity and how to install trunking correctly.
The term cable trunking is particularly common in the UK and Europe. In North America, similar surface cable-management systems are often described as cable raceways or wire raceways, although terminology and technical classifications can vary between markets.
What is cable trunking?
Cable trunking is a cable-management system used to contain, route and protect insulated electrical conductors, communication cables and other wiring.
A typical trunking system consists of a base and a removable cover. The base is fixed to a surface such as a wall, ceiling, floor, piece of furniture or electrical cabinet. The cables are then routed inside before the lid is fitted.
This creates a defined pathway for the wiring while keeping it accessible for inspection, maintenance or future modifications.
Terms such as electrical trunking, cable duct, wire trunking, trunking for cables and electrical cable trunking are sometimes used interchangeably in everyday language. Technically, however, different containment systems may have different constructions, standards and intended applications.
One of the main advantages of trunking is that it makes it possible to create or extend a surface-mounted electrical installation without cutting channels into the building structure.
This makes it particularly useful in:
- renovations and refurbishment projects;
- existing homes;
- offices;
- shops and retail premises;
- commercial installations;
- workstations;
- electrical cabinets;
- automation systems;
- installations that may need to be modified in the future.
Solera's range of trunking and mini trunking includes different sizes, fixing systems and specialist solutions for cable management in domestic and tertiary installations.
What is electrical trunking used for?
The most obvious reason to install electrical trunking is to hide exposed cables, but a good trunking system performs several functions at the same time.
Organising cables
When multiple cables follow the same route, leaving them loose can make an installation difficult to understand and maintain. Trunking keeps the wiring grouped together and creates a clear route through the installation.
Protecting wiring
A trunking system provides a physical barrier around the cables and can reduce their exposure to accidental contact, abrasion, pulling and mechanical damage.
The actual level of protection will depend on the construction and technical characteristics of the product used.
Improving the appearance of visible installations
Where cables cannot be concealed within a wall, a carefully installed wall cable trunking system can provide a considerably neater finish than exposed wiring.
This is particularly important in homes, hotels, offices, restaurants, shops and other areas where the electrical installation remains visible.
Making maintenance easier
Because the cover can normally be removed, the cables remain accessible. If a circuit needs to be inspected, replaced or extended, the installer can access the wiring without opening the wall.
Making future extensions easier
A well-sized trunking system can leave room for additional conductors. This can significantly simplify future alterations to an electrical or data installation.
Avoiding unnecessary building work
Adding a socket, data point, control cable or new circuit does not always justify cutting into walls or carrying out major refurbishment work.
Surface-mounted cable trunking can provide a practical alternative.
Cable trunking vs conduit: what is the difference?
Cable trunking and electrical conduit are not the same thing, even though both are used to route and protect electrical wiring.
A conduit is generally a tubular system through which cables or conductors are pulled. Cable trunking usually consists of a channel with a removable cover, giving direct access to the wiring along much of its length.
| Feature | Cable trunking | Electrical conduit |
|---|---|---|
| Typical shape | Rectangular or similar channel with removable lid | Round or tubular |
| Access to wiring | Cover can normally be removed along the run | Cables are normally accessed from the ends or inspection points |
| Adding cables later | Often relatively straightforward | May require pulling cables through the conduit |
| Common applications | Surface wiring, offices, homes, shops, panels | Concealed and exposed wiring, industrial and specialist installations |
| Changes of direction | Bends and trunking accessories | Bends, elbows or flexible conduit |
The correct option depends on the installation. In many projects, conduit and trunking are not competing solutions at all: both systems can be used in different parts of the same installation.
It is therefore important not to treat searches such as cable conduit and cable trunking as meaning exactly the same product.
Types of cable trunking
Different types of trunking for cables have been developed to solve different installation problems. Choosing between them depends on the location, cable volume, fixing requirements and level of accessibility required.
PVC and plastic cable trunking
PVC trunking is one of the most common options for surface-mounted cable installations.
Plastic trunking is lightweight, electrically insulating and easy to cut and install. It can also be produced in many different cross-sections, allowing the same general system to be used for anything from a single small cable to considerably larger groups of conductors.
It is widely used for:
- domestic electrical installations;
- offices;
- shops;
- telecommunications wiring;
- data cabling;
- control wiring;
- refurbishment projects.
The fixing method will depend on the product. Common options include self-adhesive fixing and mechanical screw fixing.
Mini trunking
Mini trunking is a compact form of electrical trunking intended for smaller cable runs where a large containment system would be unnecessary or visually intrusive.
Typical applications include:
- adding a new socket or electrical point;
- routing data cables;
- smart-home installations;
- alarm or sensor wiring;
- small office installations;
- routing cables around doors or furniture;
- surface wiring along walls or skirting boards.
Solera offers screw-fixed mini trunking in sizes from 7 × 12 mm up to 25 × 40 mm.
For installations where adhesive fixing is suitable, the range also includes self-adhesive mini trunking in a variety of dimensions.
Self-adhesive cable trunking
Self-adhesive cable trunking incorporates an adhesive fixing system on the base, allowing it to be mounted directly onto a suitable surface.
It can be particularly useful where a discreet installation is required and drilling is undesirable.
However, successful adhesive fixing depends heavily on the surface.
Before installation, the mounting area should normally be:
- clean;
- dry;
- stable;
- smooth enough for the adhesive system;
- free from dust and grease.
A deteriorated painted surface, dust, moisture or an irregular substrate can significantly reduce adhesion.
For example, Solera's 10 × 20 mm self-adhesive mini trunking provides a compact option for indoor surface installations.
Where more useful internal area is needed, a larger option such as the 25 × 40 mm self-adhesive trunking may be more appropriate.
Screw-fixed cable trunking
Mechanical fixing is generally preferable where a secure connection to the building surface is required or where the substrate is not suitable for adhesive fixing.
The base is fixed to the wall or other support using appropriate screws and fixings before the cables and cover are installed.
Solera's mini trunking with screw fixing provides multiple cross-sections for indoor domestic and tertiary applications.
Larger trunking sections are also available where more cable capacity is required.
Metal cable trunking
Metal trunking is widely used in commercial and industrial electrical installations where mechanical strength, installation conditions or project specifications make a metallic containment system appropriate.
Common searches include metal cable trunking, steel cable trunking and galvanised cable trunking.
Metal trunking should not be selected purely because it appears more robust. Because metal is electrically conductive, bonding, earthing, continuity and other electrical requirements must be considered as part of the complete installation design.
The correct product will therefore depend on the installation environment and applicable electrical requirements.
Floor cable trunking
Floor cable trunking is designed to carry wiring across or along floor areas where routing via walls, ceilings or furniture is impractical.
Its profile is generally wider and shallower than standard wall trunking to reduce the height of the obstruction.
Typical applications include:
- offices;
- meeting rooms;
- reception areas;
- shops;
- workstations positioned away from walls;
- temporary or reconfigurable installations.
Solera's floor trunking is available in sizes including 8 × 50 mm, 9 × 60 mm and 15 × 90 mm.
Because floor installations are exposed to foot traffic and different mechanical conditions from wall installations, a product specifically designed for floor mounting should be used rather than simply placing conventional wall trunking on the floor.
Slotted cable trunking
Slotted cable trunking, also referred to as slotted wiring duct in some applications, is especially useful inside electrical cabinets, distribution equipment and automation systems.
Unlike normal closed trunking, it has openings along its sides that allow individual conductors to leave the trunking at multiple points.
This makes it particularly useful for wiring:
- terminal blocks;
- contactors;
- relays;
- PLCs;
- power supplies;
- control components;
- switchgear;
- automation equipment.
Solera's open-slot trunking is available in sizes including 40 × 25 mm, 40 × 40 mm and 60 × 40 mm.
Flexible cable trunking
Flexible cable trunking and other flexible cable-management systems can be useful where a route includes irregular geometry or movement between components.
They should not automatically be treated as equivalent to conventional rigid trunking. Depending on the application, flexible conduit or another purpose-designed containment system may be more appropriate.
The amount of movement, bend radius, mechanical protection and installation environment all need to be considered.
Decorative cable trunking
When trunking is installed in a home, hotel, restaurant, reception area or other visible space, appearance becomes an important part of the installation.
Decorative cable trunking is not simply about hiding cables. A well-designed installation can become visually unobtrusive by combining:
- the right trunking size;
- a carefully planned route;
- clean corners and joints;
- appropriate accessories;
- a colour that works with the surrounding surfaces.
White trunking is a common choice for light-coloured walls, but other finishes can work better in contemporary interiors.
For example, Solera's 10 × 20 mm graphite trunking provides an alternative to traditional white trunking where a darker finish is better suited to the interior.
Matching trunking accessories can help maintain a consistent appearance through corners, junctions and terminations.
Skirting board cable trunking
Skirting board cable trunking is another popular search in residential and commercial cable management.
There are specialist systems designed to integrate cable containment into or alongside skirting-board level, but conventional mini trunking can also be positioned discreetly close to skirting boards where its technical characteristics and installation method are suitable.
The important distinction is that standard mini trunking should not automatically be described as a dedicated skirting-board system unless it has been designed for that purpose.
Cable trunking sizes: what dimensions are available?
Cable trunking sizes vary considerably because a trunking system carrying one or two small cables has very different capacity requirements from a route containing multiple electrical or communication circuits.
Dimensions are typically expressed as height × width in millimetres.
Some examples from different cable-management systems include:
| Trunking type | Example sizes | Typical application |
|---|---|---|
| Mini trunking | 7 × 12, 10 × 16, 10 × 20, 12 × 12, 16 × 16, 16 × 25, 25 × 25, 25 × 40 mm | Small cable runs and surface installations |
| Larger trunking | 40 × 40, 40 × 70, 60 × 60, 60 × 100 mm | Greater cable volumes |
| Floor trunking | 8 × 50, 9 × 60, 15 × 90 mm | Routing cables across floor areas |
| Slotted trunking | 40 × 25, 40 × 40, 60 × 40 mm | Electrical cabinets and control panels |
These dimensions are useful for comparing products, but the external size alone does not tell you exactly how many cables will fit.
What really matters is the usable internal area and the dimensions of the cables being installed.
How to choose the right cable trunking size
One of the most common questions when planning an installation is: what size cable trunking do I need?
There is no universal rule stating that a particular trunking size holds a fixed number of cables. Two cables with the same number of conductors can have very different external diameters.
A proper selection should therefore consider several factors.
1. Identify every cable that needs to be installed
Before selecting the trunking, make a list of the cables that will follow the route.
Consider:
- number of cables;
- external cable diameter;
- cable type;
- circuit function;
- required separation between services;
- future cable additions.
2. Check the usable internal area
Two trunking systems with similar external dimensions do not necessarily have identical internal capacities.
For that reason, technical documentation may provide the usable area in mm².
For example, Solera's 10 × 20 mm self-adhesive trunking has a useful area of 136 mm², while the larger 25 × 40 mm version provides 793 mm². The correct choice depends on the actual cable bundle rather than the external dimensions alone.
3. Do not choose trunking that is completely full
The fact that a group of cables can physically be pushed inside a piece of trunking does not necessarily mean the system has been correctly sized.
Overcrowded trunking can make it more difficult to:
- fit the cover correctly;
- route cables around bends;
- install accessories;
- identify individual circuits;
- remove a cable;
- add a cable in the future;
- carry out maintenance.
The wiring should be capable of being installed without unnecessary force or damage.
4. Allow for future extensions
If an office, shop or home is likely to require additional power or data circuits later, filling the trunking to its practical limit from day one can create unnecessary work in the future.
Providing a reasonable amount of spare capacity can make later modifications much easier.
5. Consider power and data separation
Where electrical power, communications, control or data wiring share the same general route, the installation may require segregation or separation depending on the circuits and applicable standards.
This requirement should be considered before selecting the trunking rather than after all of the cables have been installed.
6. Check the space available for installation
The largest trunking is not always the best option.
Door frames, skirting boards, ceiling details, furniture and architectural features can restrict the available space. The system must provide enough internal capacity while remaining practical to install along the intended route.
Which type of cable trunking should you use?
| Application | Possible solution | Main consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Small residential cable run | Mini trunking | Low visual impact |
| Fast indoor surface installation | Self-adhesive mini trunking | Surface must be suitable for adhesive fixing |
| Permanent wall installation | Screw-fixed trunking | Secure mechanical fixing |
| Large cable bundle | Larger PVC trunking | Internal capacity |
| Visible interior installation | Decorative or discreetly positioned trunking | Size, colour and accessories |
| Workstation away from wall | Floor trunking | Use a system intended for floor installation |
| Electrical control cabinet | Slotted trunking | Multiple cable entry and exit points |
| Industrial environment | Metal or specialist trunking depending on requirements | Mechanical and electrical conditions |
| Outdoor installation | Trunking specifically rated for the environment | Weather, UV, moisture and mechanical protection |
How to install cable trunking step by step
The exact installation method will depend on the product, the type of fixing and the electrical installation. The manufacturer's instructions should always be followed.
As a general guide, installing surface cable trunking usually involves the following steps.
1. Plan the cable route
Do not start by cutting the trunking.
First decide exactly where the cable needs to travel and where the run will begin and end.
A clear route normally provides a more professional result and makes the installation easier to understand later.
Consider:
- walls and corners;
- doors;
- skirting boards;
- furniture;
- sockets and switches;
- junction points;
- changes in direction;
- future accessibility.
2. Select the correct trunking size
Calculate the cables that need to be installed and make sure the chosen trunking provides adequate usable space.
Do this before fixing any section to the wall.
3. Measure each section
Measure the route carefully, including bends, junctions and terminations.
Where accessories are going to be used, allow for their dimensions as well.
4. Cut the trunking
Cut the base and cover cleanly using an appropriate tool.
Where a straight joint is required, a clean square cut will usually make alignment easier and improve the finished appearance.
5. Fix the base
The appropriate method depends on the trunking system.
Self-adhesive trunking: prepare the surface properly before applying the adhesive.
Screw-fixed trunking: use suitable fixings for the wall or other substrate and follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
6. Route the cables
Place the cables inside the trunking without forcing them into position.
Avoid unnecessary twisting, sharp bends and disorganised crossings.
Where different services require separation, this should already have been considered in the design of the containment system.
7. Install bends, joints and branches
Using dedicated trunking accessories can significantly improve the installation around corners and junctions.
Accessories can also reduce the amount of complicated cutting required on site.
8. Fit the cover
Check that no cable is trapped between the cover and the base.
The lid should close correctly along the entire length of the trunking.
9. Inspect the completed run
Before considering the installation complete, check:
- alignment;
- fixing points;
- cover closure;
- corners and junctions;
- cable condition;
- accessibility;
- general finish.
How do you join cable trunking?
Long runs of trunking usually require several sections, while real installations rarely consist of a single straight line.
Changes of direction, corners and branches can be completed using purpose-designed trunking accessories.
Straight couplers
A coupler or union helps connect two straight sections while maintaining alignment and a neat finish.
Internal corners
Internal bends are used where trunking follows the inside corner between two surfaces.
External corners
External bends allow trunking to continue neatly around a projecting corner.
Flat bends
Flat bends change the direction of the trunking while remaining on the same surface plane.
T-junctions
A T-junction allows a new branch to leave the main trunking run.
End caps
End caps provide a clean termination where the trunking stops.
Using compatible accessories generally provides a cleaner and more predictable result than trying to manufacture every junction manually from straight sections.
Cable trunking for walls: how to achieve a clean installation
Cable trunking for walls is one of the most common applications of surface cable management.
A technically correct installation can still look poor if the route is not planned carefully, so visual integration deserves consideration too.
Use the smallest suitable size
Oversized trunking carrying a single small cable can be unnecessarily conspicuous.
However, selecting trunking that is too small simply to make the installation more discreet can create capacity and maintenance problems.
Follow the geometry of the room
Door frames, skirting-board lines, corners and furniture can help make a trunking run less noticeable.
Keep long runs straight
Even small deviations are visible over several metres.
Marking the route before fixing the base can significantly improve the final result.
Use proper corner accessories
Corners are often where a visible installation looks least professional.
Using compatible bends and joints can create a much more consistent finish.
Consider colour and surroundings
Traditional white trunking can blend well into light walls, while graphite or darker finishes may suit contemporary interiors, dark furniture or exposed electrical designs more effectively.
When should floor cable trunking be used?
Floor cable trunking becomes particularly useful when cables need to reach a point that is some distance from the nearest wall.
A typical example is a meeting table in the middle of an office.
The table may require connections for:
- power sockets;
- screens;
- video-conferencing equipment;
- network connections;
- USB charging;
- other workplace technology.
Routing these services entirely around the walls may be impractical.
A purpose-designed floor trunking system can provide a more direct route while keeping the cables contained.
It may also be useful in:
- retail displays;
- classrooms;
- reception areas;
- temporary layouts;
- exhibition spaces;
- reconfigurable offices.
Because the system is installed in a traffic area, standard wall trunking should not automatically be substituted for trunking specifically intended for floor mounting.
What is slotted cable trunking used for?
Slotted cable trunking is primarily designed to organise conductors inside electrical and control equipment.
The regular side slots allow individual wires to leave the main channel exactly where they need to connect to a device.
This can be particularly useful inside:
- electrical control panels;
- automation cabinets;
- machine-control systems;
- distribution equipment;
- industrial control assemblies.
Compared with loose panel wiring, a well-designed slotted trunking layout can make circuits much easier to trace, inspect and modify.
Solera's open-slot trunking range provides several dimensions for this type of cable organisation.
Indoor vs outdoor cable trunking
Outdoor cable trunking is a significant search category, but this is also an area where product selection needs particular care.
A trunking system that is suitable for an indoor office or home is not automatically suitable for outdoor installation.
External cable trunking may be exposed to:
- rain;
- humidity;
- solar radiation;
- ultraviolet exposure;
- temperature variations;
- dust;
- mechanical impact;
- different mounting surfaces.
For that reason, an external or outdoor cable trunking system should be selected according to its documented technical characteristics and the environment in which it will be installed.
Terms such as waterproof outdoor cable trunking should also be used carefully. A product should not be considered waterproof simply because it is made from plastic or because it has a closed appearance.
The relevant IP classification, material behaviour, UV resistance and manufacturer's declared installation environment need to be checked.
This is especially important for cable trunking installed on external walls or façades.
Solera's standard self-adhesive and screw-fixed mini-trunking references discussed in this guide are specified for indoor domestic and tertiary environments, so they should not be presented as external trunking unless a particular product's documentation explicitly permits that use.
Cable trunking standards and electrical regulations
Cable trunking used as part of an electrical installation must be selected and installed in accordance with the regulations and standards applicable to the project and country concerned.
For UK installations, BS 7671 — Requirements for Electrical Installations, commonly known as the IET Wiring Regulations — is a key reference for the design, selection, erection, inspection and testing of electrical installations.
Product standards are also relevant.
The BS EN 50085 series covers cable trunking systems and cable ducting systems for electrical installations, with different parts addressing specific types and applications.
For example:
- BS EN 50085-1 covers general requirements for cable trunking and cable ducting systems;
- BS EN 50085-2-1 covers systems intended for mounting on walls and ceilings;
- BS EN 50085-2-2 addresses underfloor, flush-floor and on-floor systems;
- BS EN 50085-2-3 addresses slotted cable trunking intended for installation in cabinets.
Standards continue to evolve, so specifiers and installers should always verify the latest applicable requirements for the project rather than relying solely on an old product description or previous installation practice.
Important factors can include:
- mechanical resistance;
- electrical properties;
- fire behaviour;
- environmental conditions;
- mounting method;
- cable segregation;
- accessibility;
- manufacturer instructions.
Several products in Solera's trunking range are documented according to UNE-EN 50085-1 and carry UK marking in their current technical information.
For any specific project, always consult the latest product technical sheet and the standards applicable in the country where the installation will be carried out.
Common cable trunking mistakes
Choosing trunking purely by price
Two products with similar dimensions may have different fixing methods, materials, internal capacities or intended uses.
Price alone does not determine whether the trunking is appropriate for the installation.
Choosing trunking that is too small
If cables need to be forced into the trunking or the lid is difficult to close, the containment system may not be correctly sized.
Ignoring future cable requirements
A system that has no spare capacity can become a problem as soon as a new circuit or data cable is required.
Using indoor trunking outside
A plastic product is not automatically suitable for outdoor use.
The declared environmental conditions must be checked.
Installing adhesive trunking on an unsuitable surface
Dust, grease, humidity, damaged paint and highly irregular surfaces can all affect adhesion.
Ignoring corners and accessories during planning
The straight sections are normally the easiest part of a trunking installation.
Corners, changes of direction and branches should be planned before installation begins.
Using wall trunking as floor trunking
Floor-mounted containment is exposed to different mechanical conditions and should be designed for that application.
Confusing conduit with trunking
Both are cable-management systems, but their design, installation and accessibility are different.
How to choose the right cable trunking
There is no single type of electrical cable trunking that is ideal for every installation.
Before selecting a system, answer the following questions.
- Where will it be installed?
Wall, ceiling, floor, cabinet, furniture, indoor or outdoor? - How many cables will it contain?
Consider current wiring and realistic future extensions. - What size are the cables?
Cable diameter is more useful than cable count alone. - How much usable internal area is required?
Check product documentation rather than relying only on external dimensions. - How should the trunking be fixed?
Self-adhesive fixing may be convenient on suitable indoor surfaces, while mechanical fixing may be preferable elsewhere. - Will the trunking remain visible?
If so, size, colour, route and accessories become particularly important. - Will the wiring need to be changed later?
Accessibility and spare capacity can be valuable. - Are different cable services involved?
Power, data and communications may introduce segregation requirements. - Are there environmental factors?
Humidity, water, UV exposure, dust, temperature and impact can all affect product selection. - What standards apply?
Check both the installation requirements and the technical documentation of the trunking itself.
For a small indoor run, mini trunking may be sufficient. For larger cable groups, a greater cross-section may be necessary. Floor trunking is intended for routes across floor areas, while slotted trunking is particularly useful for organising conductors inside control panels and electrical cabinets.
You can explore Solera's complete trunking range to compare mini trunking, floor trunking, open-slot trunking, fixing systems and compatible accessories.
Frequently asked questions about cable trunking
What is cable trunking?
Cable trunking is a cable-management system, usually consisting of a base and removable cover, used to contain, route and protect electrical, communication or data cables.
What is electrical trunking used for?
Electrical trunking is used to keep cables organised and protected while providing a defined route through an installation. It is particularly useful for surface-mounted wiring and installations where future cable access is required.
What is the difference between cable trunking and conduit?
Cable trunking usually consists of a channel with a removable cover, providing access to the cables along the run. Conduit is normally tubular and cables are pulled through it. They are different cable-containment systems and should not automatically be treated as interchangeable.
What are the main types of cable trunking?
Common types include PVC trunking, mini trunking, self-adhesive trunking, screw-fixed trunking, metal trunking, floor trunking, slotted trunking and specialist systems intended for specific environmental conditions.
What is mini trunking?
Mini trunking is a compact form of cable trunking used for small surface-mounted cable runs. It is commonly installed in homes, offices and other areas where only a limited number of cables need to be routed discreetly.
What size cable trunking do I need?
The required size depends on the number, external diameter and type of cables, as well as the usable internal area of the trunking. Space may also be required for cable segregation, bends, accessories and future additions.
How many cables can fit inside trunking?
There is no universal number because cable diameters vary considerably. Capacity should be assessed using the cable dimensions and usable area of the trunking rather than simply counting the cables.
Is self-adhesive cable trunking better than screw-fixed trunking?
Neither system is universally better. Self-adhesive trunking can provide a quick installation on a suitable clean surface, while screw fixing provides a mechanical connection to the substrate. The correct method depends on the installation conditions.
Can cable trunking be installed on a wall?
Yes. Wall cable trunking is one of the most common surface cable-management solutions. The trunking should be suitable for the intended mounting method, cable load and environment.
Can cable trunking be installed on the floor?
Yes, but a trunking system specifically designed for floor installation should be used. Floor trunking has different construction and geometry from conventional wall trunking.
What is slotted cable trunking?
Slotted cable trunking has regularly spaced openings along its sides, allowing individual wires to enter or leave the trunking at multiple locations. It is widely used inside electrical control cabinets and automation panels.
What is metal cable trunking used for?
Metal trunking is commonly used in commercial and industrial environments where project requirements call for a metallic cable-containment system. Electrical continuity, bonding and earthing requirements must be considered where applicable.
Can PVC trunking be used outside?
Not automatically. A product should only be used outdoors when its technical documentation states that it is suitable for the expected environmental conditions, including water, UV exposure, temperature and mechanical stresses.
Is outdoor cable trunking waterproof?
Not necessarily. The term “outdoor” does not automatically mean waterproof. The product's IP rating, construction, sealing system and declared installation conditions should be checked.
Can power and data cables share the same trunking?
This depends on the circuits, trunking design and applicable electrical and communication requirements. Some installations require separation or compartmentalisation between different services.
How do you join two pieces of cable trunking?
Compatible couplers or unions can be used to connect straight sections. Dedicated internal bends, external bends, flat bends, T-junctions and end caps are also available for changes of direction and terminations.
What cable trunking is best for hiding cables at home?
For small indoor runs, a compact mini trunking system is often suitable. The correct size depends on the cables being installed. Position, colour and accessories should also be considered where the trunking remains visible.
What standards apply to cable trunking in the UK?
Electrical installations in the UK are commonly designed and verified with reference to BS 7671. Cable trunking and ducting products may also fall within relevant parts of the BS EN 50085 series and other applicable product standards. Always check the latest requirements for the specific project and product.
Conclusion: the right cable trunking depends on the installation
Cable trunking may appear to be a simple product, but selecting the correct system involves much more than choosing a channel that looks large enough.
The number and diameter of the cables, usable capacity, installation location, fixing method, environmental conditions, required accessories and future access all influence which trunking is appropriate.
For small indoor installations, mini trunking can provide a discreet and practical cable route. Larger cable bundles require greater capacity, while floor cable trunking is better suited to routes across floor areas and slotted cable trunking simplifies conductor organisation inside electrical cabinets.
Self-adhesive cable trunking can speed up installation on compatible surfaces, while screw fixing may provide a more suitable mechanical solution in other situations.
For outdoor, industrial or other demanding environments, the product should always be selected according to its documented technical characteristics rather than its appearance or material alone.
Solera offers a complete range of trunking, mini trunking, floor trunking, open-slot trunking and accessories, with different dimensions and fixing options to adapt the cable-management system to the requirements of each installation.