Section 9

Specification and Installation Guide

Cable Capacity
To comply with the Wiring Regulations the installer must ensure that the
trunking is not overfilled and unacceptable pressure is applied to the
cables.
In order to do this the installer should not exceed the 45% space factor
given in the Regs.
The 45% space factor means that the total cross sectional area of all
the cables must not be greater than 45% of the cross sectional area of
the trunking.
This figure is for trunking with a removable lid permitting continuous
access to the trunk body. Where cables might have to be pulled thru
rather than laid in a particular section of trunking, or where cable have
to cross each other, the space factor should be reduced accordingly.
CAPACITY TABLES
For each cable being used obtain the appropriate factor from the table
below. Add all these cable factors together, and then compare this total
with table on the right.
The minimum size of trunking that can be used is that size having a
factor equal to, or greater than total of all the cable factors.

Type of
conductor

Conductor
Cross-sectional
area mm

Solid
Stranded

PVC
BS6004
Cable Factor

Thermosetting
BS7211
Cable Factor

1.5
2.5

8.0
11.9

8.6
11.9

1.5
2.5
4
6
10
16
25

8.6
12.6
16.6
21.2
35.3
47.8
73.9

8.6
13.9
18.1
22.9
36.3
50.3
75.4

Factor

Dimensions of
trunking
mm x mm

1037
2371
2091
3189
4252
3091
4743
6394
9697
4671
7167
9662
14652
6251
9590
12929
19607

50 x 50
75 x 75
100 x 50
100 x 75
100 x 100
150 x 50
150 x 75
150 x 100
150 x 150
225 x 50
225 x 75
225 x 100
225 x 150
300 x 50
300 x 75
300 x 100
300 x 150

Floor trunking with service outlets presents particular difficulties for sizing to contain the required
cables. The diagram below shows a 330mm x 60mm trunking with a service outlet complete with
power and data sockets. The resultant available cabling space is shown shaded. In many instances it
is worthwhile obtaining a sample of the trunking and outlet to be installed, so that a larger trunk can
be obtained before the installation commences.

37mm
60mm

13A

Section 9
Specification and Installation Guide
Cable Segregation

In a system where mains voltage cables and lower

voltage data and telecoms cables are used in close
proximity, correct segregation of the different services
is vital.
The Wiring Regulations require segregation where theMains voltage can create interference for, and
cable systems have different operating voltages and disrupt the correct operation of, data cables.
different levels of cable insulation.
and fire alarm and emergency lighting cables.
It is a straightforward matter to provide segregation Segregation by distance or else by an approved form
within the trunking lengths. A vertical separator is
of mechanical separation.
provided between compartments, it completely seals
the compartments from each other between the base The On Site Guide to the Wiring Regulations gives
and the underside of the lid. It is also usually welded tothe minimum acceptable distances and forms of
the body so there is excellent earth continuity through mechanical separation.
the separator.
Tables 7.3A and 7.3B define the separation
Where the trunking runs change direction with a tee orrequirements for power and data cables installed in
a fourway cross, the fitting will be supplied with a
floor systems.
crossover bridge arrangement.
Table 7.4 defines the separation requirements for
other circuits and Fire Alarm and Emergency
Lighting circuits.

This crossover bridge will be supplied loose so that

cables can be laid into the trunking rather than drawn
through the crossover bridge. It is important that this
crossover is fitted into position before the system is
made live, and the crossover must be properly earthed.
It should also be noted that crossover bridges reduce
the possible cabling area by 50%.

Section 9
Specification and Installation Guide
Installation