How to Choose the Right Cable Duct
The right cable channel for safe and sustainable cable management
Cable ducts organize and protect cables in cabinets and installations. The choice of material affects fire safety, flexibility, and long-term durability. Here we compare Cable ducts in PVC, halogen-free cable ducts from Unex, halogen-free cable ducts from Licatec and flexible ducts.
The right cable channel for safe and sustainable cable management
Cable ducts organize and protect cables in cabinets and installations. The choice of material affects fire safety, flexibility, and long-term durability. Here we compare Cable ducts in PVC, halogen-free cable ducts from Unex, halogen-free cable ducts from Licatec and flexible ducts.
PVC
- Standard: UL 94 V-0
- Advantages: Low-cost, easy to cut, widely available
- Limitation: Not halogen-free, produces toxic smoke in case of fire
- Typical industries: Automation, standard installations
Halogen-Free – Unex (U43X Series)
- Material: U43X base raw material PC
- Standard: EN 60754-2 (halogen-free), UL 94 V-0 (self-extinguishing), IEC 61034 (low smoke emission)
- Advantages: High fire safety, halogen-free, low smoke emission in case of fire
- Limitation: Slightly higher cost than PVC
- Typical industries: Construction, public buildings, tunnels, infrastructure
Halogen-Free – Licatec
- Material: halogen-free plastic (PC/ABS)
- Standard: EN 60754, IEC 61034
-
Advantages:
A more affordable alternative to halogen-free cable ducts - Limitation: Slightly higher cost than PVC
- Typical industries: Automation, industrial cabinets, buildings
Flexible duct
- Standard: UL 94 V-0
- Advantages: Flexible design for easy cable routing
- Limitation: Not as stable as solid ducts
- Typical industries: Robotics, moving applications
Comparison Table
The choice of cable duct is guided by fire safety, environmental requirements and how the installation will be carried out. The table below compares PVC ducts, halogen-free alternatives from Unex and Licatec and flexible ribbed ducts based on standards, benefits and typical applications.
| Material | Standards | Advantages | Typical uses | Brand |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PVC | UL 94 V-0 | Low-cost, easy to cut | Not halogen-free | Automation, standard installations |
| Halogen-Free – Unex | EN 60754-2, UL 94 V-0, IEC 61034 | Halogen-free, low smoke, fire safe | More expensive than PVC | Construction, public buildings |
| Halogen-Free – Licatec | EN 60754, IEC 61034 | Halogen free | More expensive than PVC | Automation, industrial cabinets |
| Flexible duct | UL 94 V-0 | Flexible, easy routing | Less stable | Robotics, moving environments |
Summary
- PVC ducts are cost-effective and easy to cut, but not halogen-free. Common choice in automation and standard installations.
- Halogen-free channels from Unex offers high fire safety and low smoke generation – suitable for buildings and public environments.
- Halogen-free channels from Licatec are adapted for industrial applications where halogen-free requirements meet the need for robust cabling.
- Flexible Ducts are flexible and service-friendly, especially appreciated in robotics and applications with moving cables.
More information
Standards
- EN 60754-2: Halogen-free materials (gas emission)
- IEC 61034: Smoke density
- UL 94 V-0: Flame retardancy
Industry Use Cases
- Construction & infrastructure: Unex halogen-free for highest fire safety and low smoke emission
- Automation & Industrial Cabinets: Unex or Licatec halogen-free with accessories for installation flexibility
- Robotics: Flexible ducts for movable cable routing
- Standard Installations: PVC for cost-effective projects
FAQ – How to Choose the Right Cable Duct
Why choose halogen-free over PVC?
For fire safety, reduced smoke, and compliance with public building requirements.
Is Unex or Licatec better?
Unex is best suited for construction and public environments with high fire safety requirements. With excellent finish and no burrs, this is our best cable duct.
Licatec is well suited for industrial environments and cabinets.
Can I use flexible ducts inside cabinets?
Ja, men de är vanligare i rörliga installationer.
Do you need help choosing the right cable duct?
Our experts will help you with sizing, accessories and technical questions.
