The rapid pace of construction and the need to save money are increasingly making it necessary to lay electrical wiring in an open way. Where cable and wire products are exposed to negative environmental influences and mechanical damage. Therefore, in accordance with the requirements of clause 522.6.2 of GOST R 50571.5.52-2011, cable corrugation can be used as additional protection in electrical wiring. We will look at what it is used for and what design features it has in this article.
Application of corrugation
There are a number of reasons for using corrugated pipes in electrical applications as an additional insulator.
- For safety reasons, when installing wires, it is recommended to additionally lay them in a corrugated pipe in buildings that are constructed of highly flammable materials. On wooden, PVC, chipboard surfaces, it is necessary to install corrugated wires.
- Using corrugated pipe as additional protection for wires. By laying the wires in a corrugation under the finishing material, you will significantly reduce the risk of a nail getting into the cable when installing shelves or pictures. The solid pipe body provides additional safety.
- Cable corrugation is used when pouring the floor. The pipe reduces the pressure on the cable; if it burns out, you can change the cable without damaging the floor. The cable under a poured concrete floor is more susceptible to destruction.
- Outdoors, the corrugation protects the cable from exposure to weather conditions and sun rays.
Outdoor cable corrugation must be able to withstand temperature changes and their excess, both extreme heat and severe frost. It should not be destroyed under the sun's rays.
When laying the cable in the ground, use a corrugated waterproof pipe with a high level of rigidity.
Remember that even metal corrugation cannot protect you from electric shock during repair work. The only hope is that you know how the drill got into the void and stop in time. When installing cables, give yourself a clear cable layout. This will make future repairs much easier for you.
Installation procedure
Laying electrical wiring using corrugated wires has some specific features that can cause difficulties for an inexperienced person. In order to avoid difficulties, it is recommended to adhere to the following algorithm of actions:
- The first step is to calculate the size of the wiring and cut the pipe to the required length. If metal corrugation is used, you will need metal scissors, and a polyvinyl chloride or polymer tube can be cut with a regular knife. Using side cutters or nippers, the broach is also shortened. It should be remembered that the wire is under tension and to prevent it from jumping inside, it should be held with your hand before cutting, and then bent. If a piece of the broach is missed, it will be necessary to make another cut to remove it.
- Now you need to pull the wiring through the corrugation. To do this, a rope or twist is created, fastened to a broach. Some craftsmen suggest lubricating the cable to make it easier to put on the corrugation, but for a beginner this can only complicate the process.
- The next step is installation of the corrugation on the surface of the construction site. Plastic clips or mounting tape are used for fastening. It should be noted that it is not recommended to lay the cable over a single piece of pipe longer than 25 m. The main thing is to secure the material from sagging. Wiring to switches or distribution boxes must be done so that the edge of the corrugation fits into the housing and does not leave the wiring visible.
Types of corrugations for cable laying
- Easy. The most flexible type of pipe used for installation under coverings on walls and ceilings. It breaks under light load.
- Average. A little stiffer than light corrugation, but not hard. Can be used under screed and wall covering. But she shows her qualities fully in the screed.
- Heavy. The type of corrugated pipe is suitable for screeding floors, as it is quite rigid and heavy, but not very elastic. Corners are used to strengthen turns. This corrugation can be used for laying cables underground, as it protects well from moisture and dust.
- Reinforced. The frame of the plastic pipe is reinforced with iron wire. It can be used both for laying cables underground and for hanging.
Plastic cable corrugation has different rigidity and strength, which determines its scope of application.
How to choose the right one and which one is better
The corrugation for electrical wiring is selected based on the following factors:
- Wiring location (street, room, floor, ceiling or walls)
For street wiring it is necessary to use increased strength protection (solid or metal).
- If these are walls, you need to understand what material they are made of
For monolithic walls it is necessary to choose polypropylene corrugation, for brick, concrete, panel and block walls - from high-pressure polyethylene. If you need to protect the wire indoors, but not hidden in the walls, a flexible, lightweight HDPE sheath is ideal.
- Cable purpose.
Before choosing corrugation in a store, pay attention to the following nuances: White bundles (wires) are used for laying computer networks, black and gray are for general purpose, red are for external outdoor installation on the street, and green indicates products for telephone cables.
Types of corrugated pipes
To make it easier to insert the cable into the pipe, it is equipped with a pull-through. The cable is fixed at one end of the broach; the cable is fixed and pulled out with the opposite end of the broach.
- Without an additional cable for installation, it is problematic to place the cable in the pipe.
- With a short length, this task can be accomplished, but the pipe must be rigid.
- If there is a need for a long cable length, it will be difficult to install it without pulling it.
- Corrugated pipe has two types. The first one is ribbed both inside and outside.
- The second type is ribbed only on the outside, but smooth on the inside. The second type of pipe allows you to easily stretch the cable yourself in the presence of turns and long distances.
- With the first type of corrugated pipe, you won’t be able to install the cable yourself without pulling it through.
Metal corrugations for cables are also made. They are made from galvanized or stainless steel. Metal corrugated pipes are also coated with a polymer coating, which improves the quality of water resistance and dust resistance.
Design and types of cable channels for electrical wiring: types, product prices
The cable channel is a box for electrical wiring made in the form of a closed profile. In most cases, the products have a triangular or rectangular shape, although there are other options. The design consists of a metal or plastic box and a lid. The product is fixed to the surface in various ways.
The cable channel is a structure made of a metal or plastic box and cover
For installation the following are used:
- rivets;
- self-tapping screws;
- special glue;
- screws, etc.
After the product is installed and secured, the cables are laid into the channels, and then the cover is closed. Thanks to the special design, all parts of the device are held securely, so there is no need to purchase additional clamps. Various accessories may be included in the package. It is used to install additional elements.
The standard set usually contains:
- adapters;
- L- or T-shaped connectors;
- cable channel plugs;
- corners, etc.
Cable channel connection diagram using additional accessories
If any of the parts were damaged during the installation process, they can be purchased separately at any hardware store.
The following types of wires can be laid in cable channels for electrical wiring:
- computer;
- power;
- television;
- telephone;
- low-current (video surveillance and fire alarm).
The scope of application of structures, mainly plastic, extends to office and residential buildings, industrial and administrative facilities, medical and educational institutions, baths and entertainment complexes.
Advantages of installing electrical wiring in a cable channel:
- Long lasting results.
- Safety and practicality.
- Protection of wiring from mechanical and chemical damage, as well as from the influence of moisture and temperature.
- Aesthetically attractive appearance.
- Economical.
- Quick access to wiring.
Plastic cable ducts are most often used in residential or office premises.
Characteristics of metal cable channels
Metal structures are considered to be of higher quality than plastic boxes for electrical wiring. For their manufacture, manufacturers use two types of materials: galvanized steel and anodized aluminum. Such products can withstand heavy loads.
Products made of galvanized steel have fire-resistant properties. They are used to install warning and video surveillance systems. Steel boxes protect wires from mechanical damage and the influence of electromagnetic radiation. The price of these products is much higher than plastic ones. The cost of a galvanized cable channel 60x40 mm, 2 m long (manufacturer OBO Bettermann) is 1175 rubles/piece.
Boxes made of anodized aluminum do not allow electromagnetic radiation to pass through to the wiring. This type of material is resistant to fire and mechanical stress, it is practical and durable. Purchasing an aluminum mini-channel 65x40 mm for one section (manufacturer SIMON) will cost 3,500 rubles/piece.
Metal cable ducts are of higher quality and more durable than their PVC counterparts
Advantages of metal products:
- simple installation system;
- high level of fire safety;
- large selection of colors;
- the presence of a lid equipped with a reliable latch.
In addition to this, the steel box has high impact resistance, resistance to temperature changes and direct sunlight.
Characteristics of plastic boxes for wires
Plastic boxes for electrical wiring are in high demand. These structures can have a square, triangular or rectangular cross-section. In the assortment of modern stores you can find plastic products of all types and sizes; cable channels of this type can perform a protective function and at the same time act as a decorative disguise for wires.
Advantages of plastic boxes:
- lightweight structure;
- resistance to corrosion;
- simple fixation system;
- installation of the cover does not require the use of tools;
- affordable price;
- high decorative properties of PVC cable channels allow their use in any interior;
- no special care required;
- the material lends itself well to cutting and allows you to obtain pieces of any length;
- does not undergo deformation changes under the influence of temperature changes.
Cable channels differ from each other in material of manufacture, configuration and dimensions
Materials for making corrugation
Corrugated pipes are usually made from plastic or metal. Additional admixtures and composition are prepared based on the purpose of the pipe.
- Polypropylene. The corrugated pipe is blue. It is not subject to combustion. This pipe can be used both indoors with high humidity and outdoors.
- PVC (polyvinyl chloride). Corrugated pipe, gray, waterproof. It does not tolerate moisture; this must be taken into account during construction.
- HDPE (low density polyethylene). Corrugated pipe comes in orange or black colors. Not fire resistant. Must be used in the construction of buildings made of non-combustible materials.
- Metal corrugated pipe, made of stainless or galvanized steel. Protects well from moisture. It is also fireproof. Used for installation in wooden structures or outdoors.
From a safety point of view, it is necessary to use a metal corrugated pipe, since it protects well from moisture penetration, loads, and is not flammable.
If during a short circuit the switch does not operate and sparks are formed, the likelihood of a fire is minimal; it is almost impossible to burn through a 2mm pipe wall with a spark.
No. 6. Manufacturers of corrugated pipes for electrical wiring
When purchasing corrugated pipes, it doesn’t hurt to inquire about the availability of quality certificates. This is not a mere formality, but an important security requirement. It doesn’t hurt to look at the name of the manufacturer, since large companies will not risk their reputation and produce products of inadequate quality. Among the largest manufacturers of corrugated pipes, whose products are presented in domestic stores, it is worth noting:
- LLC "is a domestic enterprise that produces and sells a wide range of materials for electrical wiring, incl. produces corrugated pipe. The range includes products made from PVC, HDPE and PP, light and heavy pipes, with and without a probe, of different diameters. Production is standardized according to ISO 9001, and products meet all European requirements;
- JSC " RUVINIL " is one of the largest Russian manufacturers of electrical products. Since 1998, the company has mastered the production of a huge range of products, using modern technologies and high-quality raw materials. The company produces corrugated pipes from PVC, HDPE and LDPE with a diameter of 16 to 63 mm;
- is another fairly large domestic company that produces a solid range of electrical installation products. Corrugated pipes here are made only from PVC, diameter from 16 to 55 mm, there are products with and without a probe, light and heavy;
- Delta LLC produces products under the EnergoPlast brand. The assortment includes PVC and HDPE pipes, light and heavy, with and without a probe;
- Tyumen Corrugated Pipe Plant produces PVC pipes of various diameters;
- NASHORN is a company that today is called one of the largest manufacturers of plastic pipes. For installation of electrical wiring, they only produce corrugated pipe made of PVC; the range is not very large.
Corrugated pipe sizes
The dimensions of the cable corrugations vary from 1.5 cm to 6.5 cm. When buying corrugation, carefully study what diameter is indicated. Both internal and external diameters can be specified.
It is also necessary to take into account the number of cables laid in the corrugation. If there are several wires in the pipe, it is necessary to leave some free space.
When the wires come into contact with each other, they begin to heat up; the air gap allows you to avoid excessive heating and avoid fires.
Choosing a corrugation
The diameter of the corrugation varies depending on the application:
- For installation of wires to lamps, corrugation diameter 16 mm;
- For installation on sockets and switches, corrugation diameter 20mm;
- From the box to the shields, corrugation diameter 25mm;
- From one shield to another, corrugation diameter 32mm;
- Cable wiring between floors, corrugation diameter 40mm;
- Installation of television and Internet cables, corrugation diameter 25mm.
What is a muffler corrugation and why is it needed in the exhaust system?
Our experts also recommend installing them on cars in which the installation of corrugation is not provided for by the standard design, for example, cars of the VAZ family and some foreign car models. By doing this, you significantly extend the “life” of the exhaust system, get rid of vibrations transmitted through the exhaust tract from the engine, and save yourself from the risk of damaging or tearing off the exhaust system in the event of a collision with an obstacle. It is highly desirable to install corrugations on tuned cars with forced engines, i.e. To. Due to the high power and increased engine stroke on the cushions, the exhaust system is subjected to much greater loads, which leads to faster failure. Clients often contact our company with a request to manufacture an exhaust tract for power plants using engines running on various types of fuel (gasoline, diesel, gas), which are installed in private houses, cottages, dachas and special vehicles in the kung. In this case, we always recommend installing a corrugation in order to eliminate the transmission of vibration from the generator to the walls of the house or the body of the car.
The high-quality corrugations themselves are quite reliable and the main reasons for their failure are mechanical damage, a consequence of a clogged catalyst if it is installed after the corrugation, faulty engine mounts, especially on diesel engines where there is increased engine vibration.
