[ Focus: Cable management ]
IPXXD or IP4X protection when used with single insulated or non-sheathed cables. Nigel Leaver of Legrand explains: ‘This small amendment meant that the vast majority of metallic cable trunking systems were no longer suitable for use with the most commonly used cables in the UK and sent everyone scurrying back to the drawing board.’
Energy saving
End users welcome anything that can help to reduce carbon emissions and certain types of cable management can contribute to energy savings.
Electricity transfer generates energy losses in the form of heat, so by reducing the operating temperature of the power cables, substantial savings can be made. Cablofi l’s Paul- Edouard Courson, says: ‘The open structure of steel wire tray maximises ventilation and reduces operational costs, which helps to deliver the spirit of Part L of the Building Regulations in terms of reducing carbon emissions.’
Modern offi ces contain more voice, data and power cabling than ever before
The drive towards sustainability has also been recognised by Bob Masters, category manager for Newey & Eyre, who comments: ‘In the past, where our customers may have purchased in standard 3m lengths and then spent time cutting it down to shorter lengths, they are now choosing to order lengths that have been pre-cut to the correct size, so as to avoid unnecessary waste.’ This is one of the reasons why modular cable management systems continue to be popular amongst contractors and end users looking at cost saving, labour effi ciency and fast track construction methods. By supplying a system from the consultant’s drawings, manufacturers can fabricate the components, which are then sent to site fully factory tested and boxed up ready for installation.
consultant, it will have a tremendous impact on specifying and installing the correct cable management solution.’ Three-compartment uPVC trunking can accommodate
power, data and voice cabling, and it is usual to see two of the three compartments being used for cabling, with the third centre compartment providing cable segregation as well as room for easy termination. Wire tray continues to gain market share in this area, as it is fl exible, quick and easy to install. The range of different fi nishes available also means that the type of wire tray used can be tailored to a specifi c application.
Rules and regulations Although the Building Regulations have no direct legislative bearing on the way in which cable management is used, The Disability Discrimination Act 2005, through compliance with Part M of the Building Regulations, should be addressed. MK Electric’s Emma Segelov, comments: ‘It is perfectly acceptable to install wiring devices at skirting level, despite the widespread belief that Part M forbids this. However, to meet the requirements of Part M, it might be necessary to install wiring devices in a different colour to a trunking system, or to provide a means of contrast by using a different coloured fl ange either side of the wiring device.’ The most significant recent example of regulatory change was the amendment to the 17th Edition IEE Wiring Regulations that stipulated the need for trunking to deliver
Avoiding the pitfalls When it comes to specifying and installing cable management systems, there are a number of issues that contractors must consider. ‘The fi rst question that always needs to be addressed is the type and size of containment to use, which is very much dependent on the installation’s location and the type, number and weight of cables required,’ advises Legrand’s Nigel Leaver. Taking a long-term view of cable management is vital, according to Bob Masters of Newey & Eyre, who says: ‘It is important to provide extra capacity to allow for any additional requirements of the end user at a later date.’ Steve Davis of Marco agrees and adds: ‘All too often we
About the author
Rob Shepherd Rob Shepherd is a freelance journalist and regular contributor to ECA Today. He has worked in the electrical contracting industry for more than 12 years.
see cable management as an afterthought. Users spend tens of thousands of pounds on the latest structured cabling networks, but the use of unsuitable or inadequate containment systems can increase installation time and costs, as well as dramatically reducing the network performance and reliability.’
Look ahead Modern working environments now contain more power, data and voice cabling than any time before, and the reliance upon these elements of a building’s infrastructure cannot be overstated. Therefore, cable management has become an important part of the planning and specifi cation process and needs to be given the consideration it deserves.
May 2012 ECA Today 37
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