Otherwise known as cable ducting, cable channel, or wireway, cable trunking is a cable management system used to organise, route, and protect electrical cables and wires in buildings and industrial settings. It provides a safe and tidy method of housing cables, helping to improve installation appearance, accessibility, and cable protection.
Cable trunking typically consists of a rectangular enclosure manufactured from materials such as PVC, metal (steel or aluminium), or other engineered plastics. Most systems feature removable covers that allow access to cables for installation, inspection, modification, or maintenance. Depending on the design, trunking may be compartmentalised to separate power, data, control, or communication cables.
At RS Malaysia, we work with leading cable trunking manufacturers to stock a comprehensive range of trunking systems across PVC, metal, adhesive, and flexible formats, in sizes and enclosures for residential, commercial, and industrial installations.
Types of Cable Trunking
- PVC Cable Trunking: Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) trunking is one of the most commonly used cable containment systems. It is affordable, lightweight, and easy to install. PVC trunking is available in different sizes, shapes, and colours, allowing for flexibility in cable management.
- Metal Cable Trunking: Metal trunking, commonly manufactured from steel or aluminium, provides increased mechanical strength and is frequently used in industrial, commercial, and infrastructure installations where enhanced durability is required.
- Adhesive Cable Trunking: Adhesive trunking, also known as self-adhesive trunking, comes with a pre-applied adhesive strip on the back. It simplifies installation by allowing the trunking to be directly stuck to walls, ceilings, or other surfaces without the need for additional fixings. Adhesive trunking is commonly used in situations where drilling holes for mounting is not desirable.
- Flexible Cable Trunking: Flexible wire trunking is designed for applications where routing changes, curved paths, or movement must be accommodated. Flexible cable-management products may include flexible ducting, corrugated trunking, or protective cable wraps depending on the application.
Industry Applications of Cable Trunking
Cable trunking and ducting systems are crucial components across various sectors in Malaysia, streamlining cable management and enhancing safety and efficiency. Selecting the right format, whether metal trunking or PVC cable duct, depends on the demands of each sector. By segregating and protecting wires and cables, trunking systems help to address industry-specific needs, from enhancing operational efficiency to complying with strict regulatory standards.
- Commercial and Office Buildings: Cable trunking is commonly used to route and protect power, telecoms, and data cabling, from ethernet cables to fibre optic cables, keeping office environments tidy and safer to work in.
- Manufacturing and Industrial Facilities: Metal and heavy-duty trunking systems protect wiring from heat, dust, and mechanical damage in demanding operating conditions, and are often paired with cable ties for secure bundling inside the run.
- Healthcare Facilities: Cable trunking supports the routing of power, communications, and medical equipment cabling, including feeds to uninterruptible power supplies, while allowing safe access for ongoing maintenance.