What Is a Wiring Duct?
Wiring ducts are used to store all the wiring for switchboards, distribution boards, lighting fixtures, etc., inside to secure and protect the wiring routing.
Wiring ducts, for example, are generally in the form of a square cylindrical enclosure. Wiring ducts for wiring indoor lighting fixtures, such as those used in stores, often have a rail shape that only allows one or a few thin wires to pass through.
In addition to wiring ducts, other common names for such shapes include lighting rails and duct rails. In addition to grouping and protecting wiring and ensuring routing, such lighting rails also serve to maintain aesthetics.
When installing a hanging light fixture, such as a ceiling light, a hook-and-loop ceiling with a power source may be used in place of a wiring duct.
Uses of Wiring Ducts
Wiring ducts, as mentioned above, are used to organize electrical wires.
Outdoors, it is often used in solar power generation wiring. It is also commonly used in conjunction with transformer cubicles for supplying electricity to large structures such as buildings and commercial facilities. They are also used in switchboards that actually transmit electricity to power sources. Since switchboards are often installed outdoors along with cubicles, wiring ducts are also used outdoors.
Wiring ducts used outdoors are exposed to rain and wind, so materials that are waterproof and durable are suitable. In addition, products have been developed for outdoor wiring ducts that have double layers, with the outer layer being weather-resistant and the inner layer being self-extinguishing.
Wiring ducts are also used to protect the wiring from the distribution board to each room in a house and the wiring for lighting in houses and stores. For such wiring ducts, environmentally friendly, non-halogen materials that do not emit toxic gases when burned are suitable. In particular, products that do not use halogens, as specified by the EU RoHS law, are required.
Principle of Wiring Ducts
Wiring ducts are used to protect electric wires and ensure their easy handling by bundling them so that they are not exposed.
For this reason, as mentioned above, many ducts for outdoor use are made of materials that are resistant to rain and wind, waterproof, and are not easily affected by weather conditions.
On the other hand, for indoor use, materials that are particularly reliable against fire are preferred, and materials that do not emit toxic gases when burned are used.
Wiring Duct Materials
Depending on the location and application of wiring ducts, flame resistance and weather resistance are required, so it is necessary to select materials that match the application.
Aluminum
Wiring ducts made of aluminum are surface-treated with anodized aluminum to enhance corrosion resistance. They are 30% lighter than their steel counterparts for the same size and construction.
Polyphenylene Oxide (PPO)
Polyphenylene oxide is a halogen-free material. However, ether, gasoline, and organic solvents may cause cracking, so care must be taken when using this material.
Polypropylene
Polypropylene is another halogen-free material that is environmentally friendly. It has high oil resistance and flame retardance, and due to its lighter weight compared to stainless steel and other materials, it is used in airplanes and railroad cars, contributing to weight reduction.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Rigid PVC
Both polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and rigid vinyl chloride are commonly used materials. They are halogen-used materials, although they are resilient and do not corrode. However, materials with enhanced insulation and self-extinguishing properties have also been developed.
Wiring Duct Shapes and Installation Methods
Wiring ducts generally come in the form of a square cylindrical enclosure, but products with holes on the sides or bottom are often used. However, since dust and other particles can enter through these holes, products without holes or other processing are suitable for locations where dust tends to accumulate.
In addition, wiring ducts are generally shaped with a cutout in the vertical direction or a hole drilled with nippers, etc. to facilitate wiring inside.
There are also different types of wiring ducts.
Direct-Ceiling Type
This type of wiring duct is generally installed directly to the ceiling. They are easy to install.
There are also many types of caps, such as the L-shape and T-shape, which can be used to connect wiring ducts together or to block the end of a wiring duct, allowing the wiring duct to be freely arranged and the wiring inside to be freely arranged.
Ceiling-Mounted Type
This type is directly embedded in the ceiling, so unlike the direct-mount type, it can make the overall room look cleaner.
Ceiling-Suspended Type
This type is used in rooms with high ceilings and allows the light fixture to be installed in a low position.
Simple Installation Type
This is a convenient product that can be installed at the point where electrical wiring is connected, such as a ceiling or rosette, in a typical home.
As you can see, wiring ducts can be installed in a variety of ways, depending on the application and your preference.
Also, there are a variety of materials and colors to choose from, so you can select the one that best fits your preferences, taking into consideration the installation method, material and color, and the location where it will be used and the lighting fixture.
Differences From Raceways
Raceways are a common component for installing lighting fixtures other than wiring ducts, and the differences between the two are described below:
First, the most important feature of a raceway is that its function is to supply electricity.
Therefore, they are used as equipment to install fluorescent lights, etc., and are often used in factories and warehouses. In general, those with a width of 5cm or less are classified as raceways, while those with a width of more than 5cm are classified as wiring ducts.
Wiring ducts are often installed in homes, as well as in cafes and boutiques that require spotlights and downlights to enhance the mood of the room, and can be easily installed or removed, so that lighting fixtures can be moved or changed in type according to their intended use.
Raceways, on the other hand, are primarily used in factories and warehouses, so they do not require as much support for moving and changing types of light fixtures as wiring ducts, and do not have as many features to accommodate replacements.