DEE 1202 - Wiring Systems - (Electrical Trunking)

Electrical Trunking
What is Electrical Trunking?

Trunking is an enclosure provided for
the protection of cables which is
normally square or rectangular in cross-
section, having one removable side.
Trunking may be thought of as simply a
larger and more accessible conduit
system. It is available in two ranges,
ordinary wiring trunking and bus-bar
trunking. The ordinary system is further
available in either metal or PVC.
Types of Trunking
Metallic Trunking
Metallic Trunking is formed from mild steel sheet,
coated with grey or silver enamel paint for internal
use or a hot-dipped galvanized coating where damp
conditions might be encountered.
PVC Trunking
The main areas in which PVC trunking is used are
domestic and office premises. All necessary fitting
are available to complete any shape of run with
little difficulty. The accessories are usually secured
to the lengths of Trunking with a PVC solvent
adhesive.
Metal Trunking
Metal trunking is used extensively in engineering
premises. It allows a large number of cables to be
drawn into one system with relative ease and
because of its accessibility enables changes or
additions to circuits to be made with the minimum
of effort. As with conduit, it is available either
painted or galvanized. A whole range of fittings is
available, enabling the most difficult runs to be
constructed. It is available in many different sizes
and designs. For example, compartment trunking
allows the segregation of certain currents, and
support of cables in vertical runs.
Types of Trunking cont’d
Mini-trunking is very small PVC trunking,
ideal for surface wiring in domestic and
commercial installations such as offices.
A trunking manufactured from PVC or steel
and in the shape of a skirting board is
frequently used in commercial buildings such
as hospitals, laboratories and offices.
Bus-bar trunking
There are two main types of bus-bar trunking,
the Overhead type of bus-bar used for
distribution in industrial premises, and
Rising-main trunking. Overhead bus-bar
trunking is ideal for distribution in factories.
It is run at high level and the tap-off boxes
enable machinery to be moved easily. When
connected in the form of a ring and
incorporating section switches, this system
enables parts of the trunking to be isolated
when necessary, without all machines losing
supply.
Rising Main Bus-Bar Over –head Bus-Bar
Trunking Trunking
Cutting and Drilling Trunking
It is often necessary to cut or drill trunking. After
cutting, all edges should be filed to remove sharp
metal. Burrs left after the drilling of a hole should also
be filed away. When high-speed twist drills are being
used, a lubricant should be applied; this aids the
drilling process and prolongs the life of the drill. A
lard oil such as tallow is recommended for use with
steel. (No lubricant is needed when drilling PVC.) It is
often necessary to cut large holes in order to connect
conduit into the trunking system; this may be achieved
by the use of a circular hole saw or a pressure-type
hole cutter. After cutting, all hole edges must be filed
smooth and conduit entries Bushed.
Segregation of Cables
Where an installation comprises a mixture of low-
voltage and very low voltage circuits such as
mains lighting and power, fire alarm and
telecommunication circuits, they must be
separated or segregated to prevent electrical
contact (IEE Regulation 528.1). For the purpose of
these regulations various circuits are identified by
one of two bands as follows:
Band I telephone, radio, bell, call and intruder alarm
circuits, emergency circuits for fire alarm and
emergency lighting.
Band II mains voltage circuits.
 N.B. Multi-compartment PVC trunking cannot provide band
segregations since there is no metal screen between the Bands.
This can only be provided in PVC trunking if screened cables are
drawn into the trunking.
Single Compartment Trunking: Can be
used when one type of cable i.e. electrical or
data or telephone cables.
Double Compartment Trunking: Can be
used when two type of source cable i.e.
electrical & data cables or electrical &
telephone cables.
Triple Compartment Trunking: Can be
used when all three types of source cable i.e.
electrical, data, and telephone cables.
Triple Compartment Trunking
Construction
A trunking is an enclosure provided for the
protection of cables which is normally square
or rectangular in cross-section, having one
removable side. Trunking may be thought of
as a more accessible conduit system and for
industrial and commercial installations it is
replacing the larger conduit sizes. A trunking
system can have great flexibility when used in
conjunction with conduit; the trunking forms
the background or framework for the
installation,
with conduits running from the trunking to
the point controlling the current using
apparatus. When an alteration or extension is
required it is easy to drill a hole in the side of
the trunking and run a conduit to the new
point. The new wiring can then be drawn
through the new conduit and the existing
trunking to the supply point.
Installation of Trunking
Trunking Support
Trunking may be secured direct to a surface
or suspended by means of brackets.
As trunking material is thin, there is no
room for countersunk holes. Roundhead
screws are suggested, unless of course the
fixing surface requires bolts. There are
occasions when the trunking has to be
suspended by means of brackets.
Correct Screws Used to support Trunking
to walls
Typical Mounting Brackets used
Space Factor
The ratio of the space occupied by
all the cables in a conduit or
trunking to the whole space enclosed
by the conduit or trunking is known
as the space factor. The space factor
for cables within a trunking should
not exceed 45%,this means that the
cables must not fill more than 45% of
the space enclosed by the trunking.
Calculating Space Factor
To calculate the size of trunking required to
enclose a number of cables:
Identify the cable factor for the particular size
of conductor. See Table 1
Multiply the cable factor by the number of
conductors to give the sum of the cable factors.
Consider the factors for trunking and shown in
Table 5.4. The correct size of trunking to
accommodate the cables is that trunking which
has a factor equal to or greater than the sum of
the cable factors.
Table 1. Trunking, Cable Factors.
Adapted from the IEE On Site Guide
Note: (i) These factors are for metal trunking and may be optimistic for plastic
trunking where the cross-sectional area available may be significantly reduced
from the nominal by the thickness of the wall material. (ii) The provision of spare
space is advisable; however, any circuits added at a later date must take into
account grouping
Table 2. Space Factors for Trunking
Application
Trunking can be for both indoors and
outdoors , ranging from Domestic,
Commercial and Industrial purpose Many
applications includes decorative skirting in
homes, lighting fixtures in restaurants and
departments store,

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What is Electrical Trunking?

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