Cable containment systems are a crucial part of any construction project. They are the variety of materials used to suspend, contain and protect the wiring within a structure. They include everything from trays and ladders to conduits and trunking, and help you ensure legal compliance and keep your finished projects looking sharp.
But, how do you know which cable containment system is right for you? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’re going to look at the different types of cable containment and what to consider when choosing the right system for your project.
Why is Cable Containment Important?
Without proper containment, the cables in your building, whether data or electrical, would be prone to wear, tangling and possibly mechanical interference. This means you’d be replacing cables much more often, but also presents an increased risk of fire and system failure.
Cable containment provides a physical support and shield for your cabling and keeps it running in the right direction, protecting it from tangling. This extends the life of your cabling and ensures compliance with legal requirements. It also makes future upgrades simpler, as cabling is easier to access and trace.
Types of Cable Containment
Because every construction project is different, there is a huge variety of cable containment systems available, each designed to suit specific circumstances.
Cable Ladders
Cable ladders are common in industrial and commercial construction. They feature an open, ladder-like design which creates a sturdy protective frame for cables but also allows them to be easily accessed for maintenance and provides efficient heat dissipation. Cables can be laid across the ladders and attached to the rungs for secure mounting.
Cable Trunking
Similar to cable ladders, cable trunking provides a protective structure for cabling but is typically more enclosed in its design. It can be used to house and route cables and provides a 360? shield. It protects cables from wear, prevents tangling and keeps electrical and data connections tidy. Trunking is often made from plastic, steel or aluminium, depending on the application.
Cable Baskets
Cable baskets are a more flexible solution for cable routing. Their open structure effectively shields cables while allowing for healthy cooling and ventilation, as well as easy access for maintenance and upgrades. They are usually made from metal and can be found mounted to ceilings, walls and under raised floors.
Conduits
Cable conduits are another common cable containment system. They’re composed of tubing which cables are fed through, creating a compact protective shield. Conduits prevent tangling and wear but are constrained by diameter and offer limited ventilation. They’re often made using PVC but can also be made from steel or flexible metals.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Cable Containment System
With a range of cable containment systems on offer, how do you choose the right one? Well, there are a few things to consider which can help narrow down your choices.
Project Type
The first thing to consider is the type of project you’re working on. For example, a data centre will have very different cabling needs to a home. You should evaluate the type, amount and size of cabling that each project is likely to require and base your choice of cable containment system on that.
Cable Volume
The volume of cables to be installed and routed will also have an impact. A larger volume of cables will require a physically larger containment system and one that can hold more weight. More cables close together will also generate more heat, so you should consider ventilation. There are plenty of other open systems, such as cable ladders, that will allow for constant ventilation.
Environmental Considerations
Another key factor in your choice of cable containment is environment. For example, if your cabling will be routed through an outdoor environment, you might want to choose a more enclosed containment system. Alternatively, if you’re routing cabling in a warm environment, a more open system would be beneficial, to prevent overheating.
Materials
When choosing the right cable containment system, you should pay attention to materials, as different ones have varying benefits and drawbacks. If you’re running large volumes of cables, weight may begin to become a concern, so metal containment might be the ideal choice. Alternatively, if your cabling containment is likely to be exposed to the weather, plastic might be preferable, as it’s weather resistant.
Compliance
Cable containment systems installed in the UK need to be compliant with a range of regulatory standards, including BS 7671 and Fire Safety Standards. You should make sure that the materials and systems you choose are rated for the weight of your cabling and are suitably fire-resistant.
Accessibility
At some point in the future, your cabling might need maintenance, repairs, upgrading or rerouting. Planning for these changes now can save you a lot of trouble and cost further down the road. Choosing a system that offers greater accessibility can make any required work much easier and more cost-effective.
Space
Finally, consider space. That means the space needed to route your cabling safely, but also how much space you have available to route it in. Choose a cable containment system that provides sufficient protection and ventilation while also matching the space requirements or constraints of your project.
Conclusion
So, there is a wide variety of cable containment systems available, in different styles and made using varying materials to serve different purposes. Choosing the right one for your project is a matter of considering factors such as cable volume, environment, materials, compliance and more, and the ideal system will depend on your exact needs.
If you’re still unsure, find a reputable supplier and consult with their team; they may be able to offer some valuable insight.