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Cable storage and organization is more important than it has ever been. We’re connected to more devices than at any point in history and almost all of it uses wiring and cables. Protecting those connections is essential to keeping everything up and running effectively.
A proper cable trunking system from RS is the right place to start. But before you go investing in protecting your wires and cables, you need to know the differences between trunking and conduit first.
What is Trunking?
The term itself is a reference to enclosures that protect wires and cables. Most of the time, they are square or rectangular in shape, using a lid that can be removed in order to access the cables or wiring within. Trunking systems can be used on their own but are oftentimes used in correlation with conduits.
Trunking is relatively easy to install since you only need to drill a hole and attach wiring through the conduit and into the trunking system. Trunking provides protection and improved organization versus standard practices or just letting wires and cables hang loose.
What is Conduit?
Knowing more about trunking, it helps to know what conduit is. Conduit is basically the material that covers insulated conductors. That can include a channel, pipe, or tube and it works to protect the cable’s outer sheath from any potential electrical damage.
A major benefit to using conduit is that it can be changed or even rewired whenever possible. Conduit also comes in a variety of different materials like stainless steel, steel, and PVC. Both are used to protect and preserve cables and wiring from potential damage and exposure to detrimental elements. All of which extend the life of that cabling for a lot longer.
The Main Difference Between the Two
Generally speaking, electrical trunking systems are made up of copper, aluminum, or rigid PVC. You would want to use trunking whenever you have different electrical cables that are in one specific area. That’s because trunking can help carry a compound current. Furthermore, having an electrical trunking system can protect your wires and cables from deterrents like moisture, humidity, and dust.
On the other hand, electrical conduits can be made of either plastic or metal. It works to not only protect but to route electrical wire throughout a building or structure. Like trunking, conduit protects the wires from any moisture as well as physical impact. They are also really easy to withdraw, making the process of replacing the conduit quite easy. On top of all that, the conduit is both durable and reliable, lasting for a long time to come.
When to Use One Versus the Other?
The million-dollar question is, “When do you use trunking versus conduit?” Conduit tends to be more ideal for external installations because of the exposure to the weather. Conduit will protect conductors from chemicals and moisture that would otherwise permanently damage them. Conduit is also preferable for buildings where there will be substantial changes in the near future. Conduit is very easily removed and altered, can be submerged in water, and can actually minimize any electromagnetic interference that may be in the area.
If your setup requires higher currents, that’s where trunking would be more ideal. Currents to not only buildings but equipment or switching yards would benefit greatly from using trunking systems. Using trunking means being able to distribute current where there are multiple electrical cables involved. It is possible for the two to be hand in hand but each of them offers something that can prove beneficial in nearly any situation or setting.
