How to Choose the Right Cable Duct
the right cable trunking for safe and durable cable management
Cable ducts organize and protect cables in electrical cabinets and installations.
Material choice affects fire safety, flexibility and long-term durability.
Explore the right cable channel for safe and sustainable cable management
PVC
- Standard: UL 94 V-0
- Advantages: cheap, easy to cut, and widely available
- Limitation: not halogen-free, develops toxic smoke in case of fire
- Typical industries: automation and standard installations
Halogen-Free – Unex (U43X Series)
- U43X
- Base material: Polycarbonate (PC)
- Standard: EN 60754-2 (halide-free), UL 94 V-0 (self-extinguishing), IEC 61034 (low smoke emission)
- Advantages: high fire safety, halogen-free and low smoke emission in case of fire
- Limitation: slightly higher price than PVC
- Typical industries: construction, public spaces, tunnels, and infrastructure
Halogen-free – Licatec
- Material: halogen-free plastic PC/ABS
- Standard: EN 60754, IEC 61034
- Advantages: a cheaper alternative to halogen-free cable conduit
- Limitation: slightly higher price than PVC
- Typical industries: automation, industrial cabinets, and real estate
Flexible duct
- Standard: UL 94 V-0
- Advantages: flexible construction for easy cabling
- Limitation: not as stable as solid channels
- Typical industries: robotics and mobile 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 / Type | Standards | Advantages | Limitations | Typical uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PVC | UL 94 V-0 | Affordable and 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, and fire-resistant | Higher cost than PVC | Buildings and public spaces |
| Halogen-Free – Licatec | EN 60754, IEC 61034 | Halogen-free construction for safer installations | Higher cost than PVC | Automation, industrial cabinets |
| Flexible duct | UL 94 V-0 | Flexible and easy cable routing | Lower mechanical stability | 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.
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.
