Several methods can store and organize cables during installation. What cable protection systems you choose depends on a variety of factors, including the building type and wiring system. Additionally, budget constraints and other practical building-specific considerations will also influence the final choice.

Due to the significance of wiring systems, it's essential to take the time and study different options. Conduit and trunking are two popular containment systems. Although most people assume both are similar, the reality is that they are different.

Keep on reading to discover the differences of conduit and trunking system.

First Things First: What are Trunking and Conduit?

So what exactly are trunking and conduit? Read on to learn what trunking and conduit are.

What is Trunking?

Trunking refers to an enclosure that protects cables. In most cases, it is rectangular or square in shape and has a lid that can be removed. Using trunking systems together with conduit systems offers more convenience and flexibility. While trunking is the framework of each installation, conduits cover the cables outside the trunking system all the way to the outlet boxes.

The good thing with wire trunking is that it allows the installation of an extension. You only need to drill a hole on the preferred side of the trunking and attach the new wiring through the conduit to the installed trunking system.

Various Trunking Types and Sizes

Now, there are various trunking types and sizes. Learning about the different options is essential. Below are popular trunking types:

Cable trunking. In this type of trucking system, the lid is kept in place by turnbuckles.

Bus-bar trunking. In this trunking type, copper or aluminum is used to protect the components.

Lighting trunking. This trunking type is installed with the opening facing downward. It is commonly used for luminaries.

Multi-compartment trunking. This type of trunking system allows for the separation of different services and voltages.

Trunking systems are also available in a variety of surfaces. Discover the most   

• Plastic trunking like PVC

• Stainless steel

• Silver enamel on zinc coating

• Grey enamel on zinc coating

• Hot dipped galvanized coating

Typical Trunking Sizes

Trunking for electrical cables is available in a range of sizes. However, the following are the most common trunking sizes:

• 50mm x 50mm

• 75mm x 50mm

• 75mm x 75mm

• 100mm x 50mm

• 100mm x 75mm

• 100mm x 50mm

• 100mm x 100mm

• 150mm x 75mm

• 150mm x 100mm

• 150mm x 150mm

• 200mm x 100mm

• 225mm x 150mm

• 250mm x 150mm

• 300mm x 250mm

What is Conduit?

Now that you know what trunking is, let us discover more about a cable conduit. Simply put, a conduit is a pipe, channel, or tube that covers insulated conductors. It protects the outer sheath of a cable from mechanical damage. The good thing with a conduit installation is that it can be rewired or changed at any time. Like trunking systems, there are various conduit types. Find out about different types of conduit below:

• Steel

• PVC

• Stainless steel

Steel Conduit System

This type of conduit system is manufactured according to the specifications provided by the British Standards Institute. The most popular type, hot dip galvanized steel features a welded seam and heavy gauge, making it the best option for damp and external installations. Steel conduit is the go-to option for many users because it is affordable, reduced risks, easy to rewire, and can be used as Circuit Protective Conductor (CPC). However, steel conduit system is susceptible to corrosion, and can be quite costly.

The best way of bending steel conduit is using a bending machine. However, a bending machine is not suitable for bending steel conduits with more than 32mm diameter. Instead, portable ratchet benders are used.

PVC Conduit

PVC conduit is popular because it can withstand acids, alkalis, pests, fungi, bacteria, aggressive soils, and rodents. What is more, PVC conduit can be installed under sea, concrete, plaster, and lime without wearing out.

Hot bending is usually used to bend PVC conduit with more than 25mm diameter. When hot bending PVC conduit, the right bending spring.

What are Trunking and Conduit Used for?

Trunking systems are used in a variety of applications, including industrial and commercial applications. For instance, lighting trucking is usually used for fluorescent fittings used to light a large room, while cable trunking is installed on the walls of buildings. Multi-compartments are necessary for cabling needs required in close stations. Conduit systems are then used to provide needed outlet points. Both conduit and trunking are used to protect cable systems.

What is the Difference between Electrical Conduit and Trunking?

Electric conduit is a tube made of metal or plastic that protects and routes the electrical wiring of a structure or building. It helps to protect the electric wiring from moisture and mechanical impact. Another benefit of the electric conduit is it ensures safety since it will be easy to withdraw the conductors that are currently there are replace them with new ones. Electric conduit is also essential since it is reliable, durable.

On the other hand, the electrical trunking system consists of a rigid piece of PVC, copper or aluminum and is used where different electrical cables come together since it helps to carry a compound current. Electrical trunking system ensures safety from dust and humidity. It also prevents damage of the cable insulation and is long lasting. Examples of the pipe trunking options include the small fiberglass cable and PVC coated.

When to Use Trunking or Conduit?

Conduit system is ideal for installations in external and damp environments. It protects the conductors from harmful substances, including moisture and chemicals. Moreover, it is the best wiring systems for buildings that will undergo changes in the future since it can be altered and removed easily. It can be submerged in water. Installation companies can also use metal conduit systems to minimize electromagnetic interference.

Trunking system is ideal for the distribution of high currents in buildings, equipment, and switching yards. Wire trunking distributes current when multiple electrical cables are used.

Where to Buy Conduit and Trunking?

When you need trunking and conduit systems for electricity or commucation system protection, be sure to check China LESSO. We provide cable conduit and trunking systems made of different materials, such as stainless steel and PVC, to meet the electrical needs of different buildings.

FAQs

1.How to Push Wire Through Conduit?

You can use a fish tape or wire puller to push the wire through a conduit. First, insert the fish tape into one end of the cable conduit and pull it through until it emerges from the other end. Second, attach the wire to the fish tape, then pull it back through the electric conduit slowly and steadily.

2.How to Tie Cable in a Trunking Neatly?

Firstly, arrange the cables properly and avoid entanglement. Then, use cable ties to bundle them in sections, making sure they are not too tight to avoid damage. Finally, place the bundled cables into the trunking systems and secure them with additional ties if necessary.