Cable Trunking Selection Guide
Cable trunking is divided into in-panel, plastic, adhesive, floor and sheet metal types; selection is made by place of use and by matching bends and joiners from the same series.
This guide explains what to look at when choosing products in the Cable Trunking category.
Types of cable trunking and where they are used
- In-panel cable trunking: plastic trunking with slotted (perforated) side walls; conductors are brought out of the desired slot and distributed to terminal blocks and devices. Slotted trunking systems fitted inside enclosures are covered by IEC 61084-2-3.
- Plastic cable trunking: trunking with closed side walls and a cover; used in surface-mounted installations on walls and ceilings. Internal corners, external corners and end cap pieces are selected from the same series.
- Adhesive plastic cable trunking: trunking with adhesive tape on its base; intended for installation without drilling on flat, clean and dry surfaces.
- Floor (herringbone) cable trunking: trunking with a domed cross-section that covers the cable where it is walked over; available with and without tape.
- Sheet metal trunking: trunking made of galvanized sheet, carried on hangers and brackets along under-ceiling and wall routes. The requirements and load tests for cable tray and cable ladder systems are defined by IEC 61537.
- Sheet metal trunking accessories: horizontal and vertical bends, T and cross junctions, reducers, joiners, covers, hanger rods, brackets and anchors.
The trunking bodies, end caps and 45x45 socket mechanisms of the Schneider Electric PKS and OptiLine 45 series are listed directly on this page without being split into subcategories.
How to read type, size and coating on sheet metal trunking
The three numbers in a UKS product name are, in order, the side height, the width and the sheet thickness: "40x300x2,0 mm" means trunking of 40 mm height and 300 mm width made of 2.0 mm sheet. What separates the heavy-duty type from the normal type is the fold formed on its edges toward the inside of the trunking; UKS states that this fold increases the load-carrying capacity and widens the support spacing. For the cable weight to be carried and the hanger spacing, rely on the manufacturer's load table.
There are two types of coating. Pre-galvanized sheet is galvanized on a continuous line before it is formed (EN 10346); edges cut afterwards have no zinc coating, and the coating is relatively thin. In hot-dip galvanizing, the part is dipped into a zinc bath after it has been manufactured (EN ISO 1461), so the edges are coated as well. Pre-galvanized is for dry, non-corrosive indoor spaces; outdoors and in damp or corrosive installations, hot-dip coating is preferred. The final decision is made by the project specification.
Select bends, T pieces, reducers and covers in the same type, height, width and coating as the trunking. Covers, hanger rods and brackets are separate products under Metal Trunking Covers and Metal Trunking Hangers and Brackets.
Choosing the size of plastic trunking
Plastic trunking is referred to by two side dimensions (mm), such as 25x16 or 60x40; confirm from the manufacturer's size chart which dimension is the base width. The cross-section is chosen according to the outer diameters of the cables that will go in: the cables should fit without being squeezed, the cover should close without force, and there should be room left for lines to be added later. For in-panel trunking, determine the height according to the depth left by the adjacent devices and the enclosure door.
To separate power and low-current cables on the same route, divider partitions are listed for plastic trunking and separator pieces for sheet metal trunking. Trunking is for fixed routes; for end connections that move on a machine or vibrate, spiral tubing is used.
Brands in this category
- UKS: sheet metal trunking and all sheet metal trunking accessories; with pre-galvanized and hot-dip coating.
- Schneider Electric: PKS series trunking bodies and end caps, and OptiLine 45; 45x45 socket mechanisms are also listed under this brand.
- Adal Pano: perforated panel trunking, boxed and adhesive trunking, herringbone trunking and corner pieces with internal covers.
- Akiş Plastik: gray perforated (panel-type) PVC trunking, closed-type trunking, trunking with adhesive tape and surface-mounted herringbone trunking.
- Mutlusan: standard and adhesive plastic cable trunking.
Order notes
Trunking bodies are mostly listed by the meter, while bends, connectors and hanger pieces are listed by the piece; some of the sheet metal trunking covers are per meter and some per piece. For products sold by the meter, the minimum order quantity is written on the product card; UKS gives the standard length of its sheet metal trunking as 2500 and 3000 mm. For made-to-order products, the delivery time is confirmed before the order. You can find the product you are looking for through the site search by manufacturer code (for example AD8028 or ETK10134EZS).
Cable trunking comparison table
| Trunking Type | Standard | Structural Feature | Application Area | Product Group |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Slotted panel wiring duct | EN 50085-2-3 | Slotted sidewalls for easy wire breakout at any terminal point | Internal wiring of distribution and automation control panels | Panel Wiring Ducts |
| Surface-mounted & skirting trunking | EN 50085-2-1 | Snap-on cover with modular corner, tee, and end fittings | Surface power and data distribution in offices and commercial buildings | Installation Trunking |
| Floor / over-floor ramp trunking | EN 50085-2-2 | Crush-resistant low-profile curved geometry | Open-plan office floor crossings and walkways between machines | Floor Cable Trunking |
Frequently asked questions
How are cable trunking sizes read?
On plastic trunking, two numbers such as 40x16 or 60x40 give the side dimensions of the trunking in millimeters; which one is the base width is confirmed from the manufacturer's size chart, depending on the brand. Sheet metal trunking has three numbers: in UKS names, 40x300x2,0 mm means 40 mm side height, 300 mm width and 2.0 mm sheet thickness. When choosing accessories, look for the same height and width.
What is the difference between pre-galvanized and hot-dip galvanized cable trunking?
In pre-galvanized trunking, the sheet is galvanized on a continuous line before it is bent and punched (EN 10346); the cut edges are left uncoated and the coating is relatively thin. In hot-dip trunking, the finished part is dipped into a zinc bath (EN ISO 1461) and the entire surface, including the edges, is coated. Pre-galvanized is for dry, non-corrosive indoor spaces; outdoors and in damp or corrosive installations hot-dip is preferred, and the project specification determines the choice.
What is the difference between normal and heavy-duty sheet metal trunking?
In UKS heavy-duty trunking, the edges are folded toward the inside of the trunking; the manufacturer states that this fold increases the load-carrying capacity and widens the support spacing. The size notation is the same for both types: height, width and sheet thickness. Determine which type is needed from the manufacturer's load table according to the cable load and the support spacing; also select bends and T pieces in the same type as the trunking.
What is the difference between in-panel cable trunking and closed plastic trunking?
The side walls of in-panel trunking are slotted along their full length; conductors are brought out through the slot at each device, so it is used for wiring between terminal blocks and switchgear. The side walls of closed plastic trunking have no slots and it completely covers the cable along the route; it is for surface-mounted installations on walls and ceilings. The choice is made according to where the cables will leave the trunking.
On which surfaces is adhesive cable trunking used?
The tape on its base holds on flat, clean, dry and dust-free surfaces; painted flat walls, furniture and metal surfaces are examples. On rough plaster, on dusty or damp surfaces, and when the trunking is completely filled with cables, the tape alone may not be sufficient; in that case the trunking is also fixed with screws. Wiping and drying the surface before installation improves adhesion.
Do the cover and hanger pieces of sheet metal cable trunking come with the trunking?
No, they are separate products. The trunking body is in the sheet metal trunking category; covers, bends and T pieces, joiners, hanger rods, brackets and anchors are listed separately under sheet metal trunking accessories. For a route, work out the body length, the number of bends and the number of supports from the project, and order all of them in the same size and coating.