Panel Trunking

In our Panel Trunking section we’ve got a complete range of cable trunking, trunking cutters and accessories to help you protect and insulate cables.
This includes a selection of different slot variations and sizes from industry-led brands IBOCO and SES

What is Cable Trunking?

Cable trunking is a popular cable accessory that is used to maintain good cable management. It helps protect the cables from any damage by ensuring cables are organised, tidy and bundled together. Cable trunking is usually a square or rectangular shape with hinges on the sides to assist with accessibility. It provides a clean aesthetic appearance to electrical work and is used in many application where a embedded or partly concealed wiring runs needs further protection. This includes electrical work that has wire runs going across ceilings, underground or outdoors. However, for cabling running across an open floor surface, it can be more useful to use cable protectors and Cable Covers for safety.

In general, cable trunking is sometimes the preferred accessory over Conduit for more complex electrical installations. It can be the ideal solution for applications that have various exposed runs needing to be carried in larger spaces. Similar to conduit, cable trunking comes in a variety of different sizes, shapes and materials, such as halogen free, black or white and PVC. The type of cable trunking you’ll need will depend on your application and the environment that the trunk is exposed to.


What is the difference between Cable Trunking and Cable Trays?

Although they both sound similar, cable trays and cable trunking are two different types of accessories. Cable trays act as a support system for electrical installations. They are not usually covered or enclosed and the sides are usually raised to ensure the cable does not slip. They are most commonly used for light electrical cabling and are ideal for any overhead or underground application.

In contrast, cable trunking is an enclosed rectangular or square cover that is U-shaped and has hinges to assist with cable installations. It is used when current needs to be carried from multiple devices and terminals. It protects cables from dust and water, making it the ideal solution for any application that is subjected to harsher conditions, such as extreme temperature, moisture and UV weathering.


What is the difference between Trunking and Conduit ?

Both Conduit and trunking are used to help protect cables and wires during installations. However, each have differences that make them more suitable for specific applications. Conduits are generally a long round tube that can be made from various materials including PVC , Galvanised Steel and Nylon PA6 . It can be flexible or rigid and can help protect wires from moisture and mechanical impact. It is normally cheaper than trunking and is most commonly used when smaller cable bundles or individual wires are being run between two terminals. Unlike conduit, trunking is used when different electrical cables come together as it helps to carry a current. It is more suitable for larger cabling projects and it ensures safety from dust, humidity and other harsh environmental conditions.


What are the benefits of Panel Trunking?

Panel trunking is a type of cable trunking that is made from various plastic materials. It is known to be one of the most popular and affordable material types. It has many benefits that will help improve the organisation, safety and cable management of electrical installations. To help you understand, we’ve summarised some of the most important ones below ;


  • Cable Protection: One of the most important reasons to use panel trunking is that it can protect the cable from any potential damage. It helps keep the cable organised, reducing the chance of cables being physically damaged from environments that are prone to abrasions and high temperatures. More importantly, the enclosed features of trunking provides further protection from dust and humidity, reducing the risk of fires, shocks and electrical failures.


  • Improved Aesthetics : Panel trunking is an excellent accessory to help your electrical work look more organised, professional and tidy. It enables the consolidation of many wires into one container, helping group and bundle cables together. Without trunking, there is a greater risk of loose cables around walls and floors, which will look messy, unorganised and create more electrical hazards.


  • Easier Cable Management: In comparison to other wiring systems, panel trunking is easier to install and maintain. The hinges allow for easy access to the wires, making maintenance, repairs and troubleshooting a more efficient process. More importantly, trunking provides cables with a high level of protection which will reduce the risk of damages and repairs in the future. Therefore, it can protect against conditions that would have a negative impact on the cable lifetime, such as moisture and extreme weather conditions. Trunking will keep the cables organised, separated and enables cool air within cables for safe operations which will increase the life longevity and make cable management easier to maintain.


  • Lower Risk and Injury: One of the most important benefits of cable trunking is that is can prevent injury and reduce the risk of any electrical hazards. Poor cable management presents many risks such as tripping hazards, fires and even death. Therefore, by organising and protecting the cable effectivity, cable trunking keeps wires and cables safely stored reducing the number any potential electrical hazards.


What are the different types of Panel Trunking available?

At Express Electrical we offer a wide selection of different PVC panel trunking in various colours, sizes and material properties. To help you understand what one is best for you, we’ve summarised a few important terms below;


  • Halogen Free Panel Trunking – Halogen free panel trunking, such as the GN-HF-A6/4 , is a specific type of trunking that is free of any halogens such as chlorine or bromine. When a plastic containing halogen burns, the halogens released produce toxic fumes that poses a greater risk for fires. Therefore, halogen free panel trucking is an excellent solution for any applications that is requiring a high level of flame retardancy and smoke resistance.

  • Open Slot Panel Trunking – Products such as the open slot trunking by SES , is the ideal solution for wiring larger sized cables with power panels. The thick sides and base can provide excellent cable retention and stability under heavy loads. At Express Electrical, we offer a wide range of open slot panel trucking available in a wide variety of colours, including Blue and Grey .

  • Narrow Slot Panel Trunking - In contrast to open slot panel trunking, Narrow Slot Trunking has a more restricted slot opening, making it ideal for small sized cables with electronic control panels. Although it is more narrow than a standard cable trunk, the slot “fingers” can be removed to accommodate larger cables when required.

Still unsure on what Panel Trunking is right for you?

Not to worry! – We’re always happy to help you with any questions you have. Simply contact us or use the live chat function below to speak to a representative right away!

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