Republic of the Philippines

City of Iloilo
TECHNICAL INSTITUTE OF ILOILO CITY
MOLO CAMPUS
M.H del Pilar St., Molo, Iloilo City
Email: tiicmolocampusic@yahoo.com Tel. No. (033) 337-6711

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LESSON 2: Installing Raceways

Site: TESDA Online Program

Performing Roughing-In Activities, Wiring and Cabling Works for Single-Phase Distribution, Power, Lighting
Course:
and Auxiliary Systems

Book: LESSON 2: Installing Raceways

Printed
Rekhnor Magbanua
by:

Date: Wednesday, 24 August 2022, 1:19 PM

Table of contents
 Introduction
 TOPIC 1: Installing PVC Moulding, PVC Trunking and Cable Duct
o Task Sheet: Installing PVC Trunking
o Task Sheet: Installing Cable Trays

 TOPIC 2: Installing Cable Bus/ Bus Duct

 TOPIC 3: Installing Auxiliary Gutter
o Task Sheet: Installing an Auxiliary Gutter

 TOPIC 4: Installing Floor-Mounted Raceways

Introduction

We have learned in the previous lesson the different types and purposes of wireways and cable trays.
When installing them, it is important to keep in mind the permitted conditions in order to maximize
these raceways’ purpose.

In this lesson, we will discuss the installation procedures of the different raceways.

TOPIC 1: Installing PVC Moulding, PVC Trunking and Cable Duct

Non-metallic raceways such as PVC Moulding, PVC trunking, and non-metallic cable ducts can be
used in exposed installations, except in hazardous locations, locations that would expose them to
physical damage and sunlight unless they are listed as sunlight resistant, and to locations that have
unsuitable ambient temperatures unless listed by the material. They can also be used in wet locations
and other places that are exposed to corrosive vapors. 

Installing PVC Trunking and Cable Tray

The videos below show the steps in mounting and installing PVC Trunking and Non-Metallic Cable
Trays. Click the image to view the video.

NOTE: Ensure that the entire installation conforms to and follows the design intent of the project for the
Electrical and Low Voltage System. It must also adhere to and comply with the specifications and
approved shop drawings based on the Local and International Standards.

TYPICAL SPECIFICATION DETAIL FOR INSTALLING CABLE TRAYS

 Cable trays must be laid in a single-tier on the cable tray unless otherwise accepted and neatly
installed

 Cuts on cable trays must only be along a line of plain metal and not through perforations. 

o all cut edges must be prepared and treated accordingly to the metal’s original finish

o If the cable tray has been welded and galvanized, treat it with a zinc-rich paint

 To prevent damage to the PVC covering, the holes cut in cable trays used for the passage of
PVC covered cables must have grommets or brushed/lined to Cable Tray 853/11

 The cable tray must be made from perforated mild steel and hot-dipped galvanized finish
  Cable trays must have the following dimensions:

Width (mm) Flange Height (mm) Thickness (mm)

100 - 150 13 1.5
225 13 1.5
300 - 450 20 1.5
600 - 1200 20 2.0

 Bends and tees, and straight trays must have the same material, finish, and thickness.

o There should be a minimum of 100mm straight run at each end of the bends and tees.

 Mild steel galvanized brackets must support cable trays at regular intervals of 1.2 mm
maximum, and at 255 mm from bends and tees. Use mushroom-headed steel roofing bolts and
nuts to install and connect trays. There must be enough depth in the cable tray brackets to
make the tray’s rear accessible for PVC saddle type fixings installation.

 Secure all cables to cable trays using PVC-covered copper saddles of the two screw-fixing type
or PVC-covered metal strips with non-corrodible cheese-headed screws and nuts. The shanks
of the screws must protrude beyond the nut by more than three threads.

o Purpose-made cable fixing devices may also be used.

o The horizontal and vertical clearance between cables must be sufficient enough not to
have rating reductions.

 Install a continuous run of 25 mm x 3 mm tinned copper strip to the tray’s full length to ensure
earth continuity. Provide jumper links for all breaks in cable trays and at connections. A
complete run of the tray must be earthed using 25 mm x 3 mm tinned copper strips as
necessary. Occupy only 40% of the cable tray space. Forward the calculation for acceptance.
Increase the cable tray size if required in order to meet the calculation without extra cost.

Task Sheet: Installing PVC Trunking

Download this Task Sheet and practice at home with extreme caution (if there are available resources)
or at the training center. Afterward, you can evaluate your performance using the Performance Criteria
Checklist.

Task Sheet: Installing Cable Trays

Download this Task Sheet and practice at home with extreme caution (if there are available resources)
or at the training center. Afterward, you can evaluate your performance using the Performance Criteria
Checklist.

TOPIC 2: Installing Cable Bus/ Bus Duct

A cable bus is an electrical system that transfers electrical energy through a set up of insulated
conductors installed on a metal housing with cable support blocks attached to it. The support blocks
help in keeping cable spacing and protecting against short circuits. Like other busways, a cable bus
has other components for equipment connections such as elbows, flanges, wall seals, lugs, etc.

Advantages

1. Lower Cost – Less copper is used due to the free air rating of equipment (no de-rating of
cables) and provides savings on materials and installation.

2. Reliable – Faulty splices are prevented since the runs of cable are continuous.

3. Flexible – Compared to non-segregated phase bus ducts, cable bus can accommodate field
adjustments due to unforeseen obstructions during installation. 

Cable buses can withstand harsh environments. Also, their enclosures are ventilated, which removes
the need for thermostats or heater strips. Hence, the chances of failure are lessened.

Cable buses can also be used for any voltage and current for which the conductors are approved.
They can be used in exposed locations and in corrosive and wet locations only if approved for the
purpose. The conductors are required to have an insulation rating of 75 degrees C or higher and be
1/0 or larger.

Cable Bus Installation

Tools and materials needed:

 Typical 600 V cable bus duct assembly or any size available

o ventilated enclosure cover top and bottom

o cable support blocks

o splice plates

o short circuit brace

o side rails

o termination box

o mounting clips

 fire stop

 environmental seal 

 connection/bus end flange

  power cables 

 terminal lugs

 termination kits

 structural support hangers or wall support

Installation:

1. Secure layout and drawings.

2. Clear routing and install the structural support

3. Layout the cable bus housing bottom section from one termination end to the other end,
including the termination accessories as needed. Mount the fire stops and wall seals.

4. Install support blocks and covers while pulling the cables in place.

5. Pull cables through the cable bus route using appropriate cable pulling tools to guarantee there
is no excessive tension nor excessive force on the cable themselves. While installing, ensure
that the bending radius is not violated and that the cable bus housing sections do not scratch or
scrape the cable.

 When pulling the cables through the routing, make sure they are in place inside the support
blocks' groove before fastening the support block. This will ensure the block does not pinch the
cables.

 Fasten the support blocks.

 Terminate the cables.

Cable Bus for House Section Installation

Tools and materials needed:

 Typical 600 V cable bus duct assembly or any size available

 ventilated enclosure cover top and bottom

 cable support blocks

 splice plates

 short circuit brace

 side rails
  termination box

 fire stop

 environmental seal 

 connection/bus end flange

 power cables 

 terminal lugs

 termination kits

 mounting clips

 silicone sealant

 rubber cork seal tape

Installation:

1. Lay the bottom section along the route on top of the supports

2. Fasten the housing section to the supports.

3. Fasten the housing section together with the splice plates.

4. Tighten the 6 mounting hardware,  washers, bolts, and nuts to ensure the housing section's
electrical integrity.

5. Install the environmental seals, first remove the bolts.

6. Remove the seal blocks.

7. Place a rubber cork tape to ensure environmental sealing.

8. Mark out the opening.

9. Apply silicone sealant along the edge of the bottom seal block 

10. Return the seal block to its original position.

11. Apply silicone sealant at the center of the seal block. This will ensure that there is a weather-
proof seal around the cable.

12. Make sure cables fit inside the support blocks' grooves before fastening the bolts.

13. Make sure cables have enough length to terminate without straining the cables.

14. Terminate cables with lugs and heat sink/cold shrink as needed.
TOPIC 3: Installing Auxiliary Gutter
An auxiliary gutter is a sheet metal enclosure that supplements wiring spaces at meter centers,
distribution centers, switchboards, and similar points of wiring systems. The enclosure features hinged
or removable covers to contain and protect electrical wires, cables, and busbars.

PEC/NEC Requirements in Using of Auxiliary Gutter

 Substantial construction - auxiliary gutters must be in substantial construction and must provide
a complete enclosure for the contained conductors. All surfaces both interior and exterior must
be suitably protected from corrosion.

 Smooth rounded edges - suitable bushing shields or fittings having smooth rounded edges
must be present where conductors pass between gutters through partitions, around bends,
between gutters and cabinets or junction boxes, and at other locations where necessary to
avoid abrasion of the insulation of the conductors.

 Outdoor use - auxiliary gutters installed in wet locations must be in rain tight construction.

 Grounding - grounding must be according to the provisions of Article 250.

TOPIC 4: Installing Floor-Mounted Raceways

Floor mounted raceways are surface connected track raceways that are installed directly on top of any
type of flooring to provide access to power and technology in open spaces. These raceways are
immensely durable and discrete. They offer a large range of power, AV, telecom connectivity options. 

Features Of The Floor Mounted Wireways

 Low-profile, durable extruded aluminum wireway

 Installs directly on top of any type of flooring

 Provides a cable pathway with no core drilling or trenching

 The multitude of power and telecom / AV options

 Pre-wired power components speed installation

 Durable, clear anodized aluminum finish

 ADA compliant

There are 48 in- and 72 in- long wireway segments that can be field-cut to a specific length and
combined as needed for the application. Clear-anodized aluminum is used as a finishing for the
segment. Each segment has a wireway base track and top cap; wire management clips; pre-applied
foam tape; and concrete screws and drill bit.

Installation of floor-mounted raceways is an ideal alternative to costly core drilling and trenching. Aside
from being convenient, the installation of these surface-connected track raceways is also adaptable,
fast, and affordable.
There is also a variety of optional accessories that can be added to the floor-mounted wireways
including:

 Grommets
 Communication boxes
 Wall channels
 Corner kits
 Rough-in boxes
 Duplex and Quad Receptacles

Installing an Underfloor Duct 

Tools and materials needed:

 No. 2 or No. 4 ducts

 Junction boxes
 Duct Supports
 Duct couplers
 Duct end closures
 Conduit adaptors
 Concrete anchors
 Marker caps
 Adjustable duct supports
 Hold down straps
 Sealant

Installation:

1. Prepare all materials

2. Locate the final grade.

3. Locate the first duct run.

4. Set lines to locate all branch runs.

5. Position the junction boxes using the arrow as a guide.

6. The internal design keeps services separated.

7. Add conduit runs as needed.

8. Level junction boxes to the finished floor height.

9. Secure junction box feet with concrete anchors.

10. Couple all duct junctions.

11. Support duct runs at 5 ft intervals.

12. Secure feet with concrete anchors.

 13. Seal all junctions and openings.

14. Maintain a 1 in spacing between ducts

15. Place hold down straps every 5 ft

16. Secure straps with concrete anchors.

17. Adjust marker caps to finished floor height.

Final Checklist

1. Inspect openings in the junction boxes. Each opening must be fitted with ducts, conduit
adapters, or box enclosures.

2. Cap all duct ends.

3. All inserts must have insert caps.

4. All presets must be leveled no less than ⅛ in beneath the leveled floor.

5. Check the proper spacing between straps.

6. Make sure all bonding screws, clips, locking screws on junction boxes, duct supports, and
couplings are securely tightened.

7. Use a waterproof sealing compound or duct tape to secure all joints against moisture and
concrete.