Cable Duct
A cable duct is a slotted plastic profile with a cover that gathers the conductors inside a panel along defined routes. It protects the cable mechanically, provides a traceable order for maintenance and makes it easier to run power and signal lines by separate paths. It is used leaving spare fill capacity.
The function of the duct is not only cosmetic. Left loose, cables sag over time, apply pull to the terminal ends, and a technician wanting to take a measurement cannot trace which core goes where. The duct solves these three problems at once.
- Fill allowance: do not pack the duct full; leave space so that the cover closes without being forced and heat can escape. It also leaves room for cores to be added later.
- Separate ducts: run power and signal lines in separate ducts where possible; if you have to share the same duct, use a divided type.
- Exit points: where the cable leaves the duct for the device it must not make a sharp transition between the slots; use edge protection if needed.
In panels on vibrating vehicles and machines the duct itself is also screwed to the plate at close intervals. Additionally fixing the harness inside the duct with a clamp at the point where it enters the panel stops pulling force reaching the terminals.
The context in which this term is used: Installation, redundancy and field continuity