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When you’re running cables for a renovation or a new build, conduit and trunking are the unsung heroes that keep everything safe, tidy, and code-compliant. Pick the wrong size or material and you’ll end up with cramped cables, awkward bends, or corrosion down the line. Get it right and your wiring looks neat, stays protected, and is easier to maintain—think of conduit as the piping that makes your electrical system behave like a well-trained team rather than a chaotic traffic jam.
There are a few standout items that pros and DIYers reach for time and again. You’ll see channel trunking for surface-mounted runs, mini trunking for tight spaces, slip-type bends for neat corners, and contractor kits that bundle the connectors, seals, and glands you need. Below I break down the most common options so you can decide what fits your job.
This slim white channel is ideal for light-duty surface cable runs where a discreet look matters. At about 1.0 inch wide, it’s perfect for single low-voltage runs, telephone lines, or small power cables when you don’t need a deep trunk. It’s easy to cut with a hacksaw and snaps closed for a clean finish—great for retrofits where chasing walls is off the table.
Flat-angle fittings help you turn corners without bulky joins. With dimensions around 1.0 inch by 0.63 inch, this piece is designed to match shallow channel and creates a low-profile corner that keeps cables protected and out of sight. Use these where aesthetics are important, such as hallway runs or along skirting boards.
If you need a longer run of discreet trunking, the mini trunking that measures roughly 1.6 inches by 1.0 inch and comes in a roll equivalent to about 98.4 feet is a strong choice. It gives you more internal depth for handling multiple cables while still being compact enough to hide under cabinets or along cornices.
Slip-type bends are lifesavers when your run needs a smooth curve. This black slip bend, sized for roughly 0.8-inch conduit, lets cables glide around corners without sharp kinks. Black finishes are handy for installations where you want the trunking to blend with darker backgrounds.
Contractor kits from Wiska include a selection of glands, seals, and plastic braces to create waterproof, secure entries for your conduits. The M20 and M25 kit sizes correspond to common conduit entry diameters—about 0.79 inch and 0.98 inch respectively—and are great for small junctions, outdoor fixtures, or control boxes where a neat gland seal is essential.
For larger cable entries use the M32-grade kit—roughly 1.26 inches. This kit suits heavier cable bundles or power runs where you need more room for thicker insulation. The parts are robust, making them suitable for installations exposed to vibration or outdoor environments.
Organising and supporting conduits on steelwork is simple with universal beam clips like the Britclips package. These clips anchor conduit and trunking to beams securely and speed up installation when you’re running multiple lines across ceilings or through industrial spaces. A pack of 100 keeps you stocked for larger projects.
The core decision you’ll make is material. PVC (plastic) conduit is light, inexpensive, corrosion-resistant, and easy to cut. Metal conduit—EMT, Rigid, or flexible metallic conduit—offers higher mechanical protection and grounding options. Flexible conduit is the bendy option for tight runs or where movement and vibration are expected. Think of PVC as the plastic straw, metal as the steel pipe, and flexible conduit as the gooseneck—you pick based on strength and shape needs.
PVC is nonconductive, so there’s no need for separate grounding through the conduit, and it resists chemical corrosion. It’s best for indoor and damp locations but avoid PVC where temperatures get extreme or where mechanical damage is likely, since it’s more brittle than metal.
Metal conduit gives you superior mechanical protection and can serve as a grounding path. If the run is exposed to impact, metal is the safer bet. Downsides include higher cost and the need for more careful cutting and threading tools.
Flexible conduit bends easily around corners and through machinery, making it the go-to for retrofit work, appliance connections, or where vibration is present. It’s not ideal for long straight runs because it’s bulkier and harder to staple neatly.
Size matters in conduit selection because cable fill affects heat dissipation and ease of pulling. A common mistake is cramming too many conductors into too small a conduit. As a rule of thumb, don’t exceed 40% fill for a single conduit run containing multiple insulated conductors. If you picture conduit capacity like highway lanes, you want enough lanes so traffic (the cables) can move without rubbing and overheating.
Start by measuring the diameter of your largest conductor and estimate the total cross-sectional area. Then choose a conduit size that gives enough internal area at or below the recommended fill percentage. If you’re unsure, go one size larger; a slightly bigger conduit is far easier to work with than one that’s too tight.
Good planning cuts install time in half. Map your route, measure twice, and check for obstacles like studs, pipes, or ductwork. Use a fish tape for pulls and make sure you chamfer the ends of cut conduit to protect insulation. Tight bends kill pulls, so use sweep bends or junction boxes where runs change direction sharply.
Use a fine-toothed hacksaw for PVC and a tubing cutter for EMT if you can. Always deburr the inside edge after cutting to prevent sharp edges from abrading cable insulation. For PVC, solvent weld fittings create a strong joint; for metal conduit, use threaded couplers or compression fittings designed for the specific conduit type.
Whenever conduit enters a wall, ceiling, or floor, seal the gap with an appropriate sealant or firestop compound to maintain fire ratings and block drafts. For outdoor entries, use weatherproof glands and gaskets to keep moisture out. Think of seals as the door sweep that keeps the weather and pests on the outside where they belong.
Support conduit at regular intervals to prevent sagging—more often for flexible conduit than rigid runs. Universal beam clips and specialized brackets make attaching to structural steel or timber quick and secure. Over-supporting is better than under-supporting; it keeps the run tidy and reduces strain on connectors.
A successful conduit job uses a lot more than just pipe. Here are accessories that turn good installs into great installs: end caps, adaptors, duct seals, junction boxes, cable glands, trunking lids and connectors, sweeps and bends, and contractor kits that bundle these bits for convenience.
Contractor kits bundle assorted glands, seals, and fittings sized to common conduit entries. They’re handy when you want to avoid repeated trips to the store mid-job and reduce the guesswork on matching thread sizes. Kits designed for specific thread sizes—like those sized for 0.79 inch, 0.98 inch, or 1.26 inch entries—save time on compatibility checks.
Don’t forget the little things that finish the job: lids that snap on cleanly, end caps to close off runs, and internal partitions to separate power and low-voltage cables inside bigger trunking. These small items keep the final look professional and the cables separated for safety.
When shopping, compare spec sheets: internal diameter, fire rating, UV resistance, and compatible fittings. Manufacturer brands like Falcon, Wiska, and Walraven are widely used for a reason—they offer reliable, spec-driven products. Use comparison sites and specialist electrical suppliers to check prices and read reviews before buying—this helps you balance cost against quality and warranty.
Costs vary widely depending on material and size. Small plastic trunking and fittings are budget-friendly for short indoor runs, while long runs of metal conduit and industrial-grade clips add up. Plan for both materials and a modest allowance for cutting tools, sealants, and fasteners—these incidentals often push a small job into the mid-price range. If you pay a pro, labor is typically the biggest line item, so do the math on whether DIY is worth your time.
Avoid these frequent errors: under-sizing the conduit, skipping deburring, using the wrong fittings for material, and neglecting proper support. Also, failing to separate power and data cables can lead to interference problems later. Fixing these mistakes after the walls are closed is expensive—plan properly and you’ll thank yourself later.
Not pre-planning the route, ignoring access points for future runs, or failing to check local electrical codes will bite you later. Always check the code requirements for burial depth, conduit fill, and outdoor exposure before you start cutting materials.
Pushing too many cables into one conduit or making tight-radius bends are top installation blunders. Use sweep bends, increase conduit size when in doubt, and invest a couple minutes in proper sealing and support to avoid headaches down the road.
Design runs so that future upgrades are easy—leave pull strings inside conduits, use accessible junction boxes, and pick trunking with removable lids. Periodically inspect exposed runs for damage or wear and replace UV-degraded plastic or corroded metal sections. A bit of maintenance keeps your system safe and adaptable for new tech.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to conduit and trunking. For simple indoor cable management, slim trunking and mini trunking perform beautifully. For outdoor, heavy-duty, or industrial runs, step up to metal conduit and robust clips. Contractor kits and universal clips cut installation time and headaches, while careful sizing and support prevent long-term failures. Treat conduit selection like choosing the right tool for the job—pick something that fits the workload, environment, and future needs, and you’ll get a clean, durable result.
Ready to tackle your next wiring project? Take your time at the planning stage, list the runs and cable sizes, pick conduit that gives you comfortable cable fill, and stock up on the small but essential accessories that make installations professional. Your future self will thank you when upgrades and repairs are fast and straightforward.
| £ 183,28 |
