Well-organized and protected electrical wiring systems require proper cable management systems to ensure a safe, long-lasting operation and an easy installation. The two most common types of cable protection conduits are PVC pipes and trunking systems. While both of them have similar purposes of protecting electrical cables, each type varies in different applications, installation techniques, and benefits.
When choosing the electrical conduit pipe manufacturers, knowledge of PVC pipes and trunking helps contractors, builders, and project owners to select the appropriate solutions for their residential, commercial, and industrial projects.
What Are PVC Conduit Pipes
Conduit pipes made of PVC are a widely used construction material used to route the house wiring cables across the building. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) core makes this pipe lightweight but strong enough to resist abrasions during the installation phase. The two pipes are joined by Bends to change the direction of the cable within the electrical skeleton of the building.
Key Features
- Non-conductivity is the primary quality of PVC pipes.
- It prevents short circuits and current leakages.
- Resists the moisture and mould attacks beyond the surface.
- Smooth inner surface for easy routing of cables.
What is Trunking
Trunking is a solution provided by electrical conduit pipe manufacturers that allows multiple cables to be routed within a trunk that is surface-mounted. It is made of unplasticized PVC, which is a more rigid and stronger variant of PVC. Unlike pipes, this is rectangular or square in shape.
Key Features
- It can be maintained and accessed easily.
- The cable modification and management are faster.
- Unplasticized trunking is rigid and strong.
- Available in single lock and double lock configurations.
Major Differences
Shape
PVC pipe conduits are round and cylindrical in shape, while the trunking is rectangular in shape.
Installation Type
Round pipes are concealed within the wall. Trunking is surface-mounted on the walls and ceilings.
Maintenance Access
Trunking can be accessed for maintenance and repairs of the wiring systems without breaking the wall or ceiling. In pipes, the minor maintenance and changes can be done by drawing the wire, but it may sometimes require opening up by breaking the wall.
Best Applications of Both
PVC Pipes
These are embedded inside the walls of homes and hotels. They concealed so as not to affect the interior aesthetics. Some of them are also used in industrial environments to protect the cables from oil, chemicals and moisture.
Trunking
These are used in commercial projects, data centers and areas where cable management needs to be frequent.
Conclusion
PVC pipe conduits are strong, corrosion-resistant and better suited for concealed wiring systems. On the other hand, trunking conduit is applicable where cable inspection, faster installation, accessibility, and future expansions are in scope. Both these are provided by Tecmak, one of the leading electrical conduit pipe manufacturers. We have a large range of conduits in round and rectangular shapes made of high-strength PVC with enough flexibility. Our profiles are made for standard as well as specific wiring needs.