Electrical Containment Types Explained

What Are Electrical Containment Systems?

They’re commonly used in commercial, industrial and public sector environments that require large volumes of cabling to be managed efficiently. Each system is designed for specific cable loads, environments and installation methods. They’re considered a necessity for cable management and to support compliance with British Standards and electrical installation regulations. 

Why Are Cable Containment Systems Important?

In nearly every commercial and industrial building, there will be some form of electrical containment system in place. While many systems are designed to blend into the structure of a building or remain hidden from view, they play a critical role far beyond appearance and organisation.

Electrical containment is a key part of maintaining compliance with UK electrical installation regulations and industry standards. Properly installed containment systems help ensure cables are adequately protected, supported and segregated in line with standards such as BS 7671 Requirements for Electrical Installations. Failure to comply with this standard can result in safety risks, cable damage and financial penalties.

Conduit

Conduit systems provide enclosed protection for electrical wiring and cables. They are commonly used where cables need additional mechanical protection or where installations are exposed to harsher environments.

Types

There are several types of conduit available depending on the installation requirements and environment, including:

• PVC conduit
• Flexible conduit
• Steel conduit
• Rigid conduit
• Class 4 HDG (Hot Dip Galvanised) conduit
• Pre-galvanised conduit tubes

Features

Conduit systems are designed to fully enclose and protect electrical cables. They are available in a range of materials, diameters and configurations to suit different installations.

Benefits

One of the main benefits of conduit is the high level of cable protection it provides. Enclosed systems reduce the risk of accidental damage, exposure to contaminants and wear over time. These systems also help improve a building’s appearance by keeping cables organised. 

Uses

Conduit is widely used across commercial, industrial and infrastructure projects. Common applications include:

• Office buildings
• Manufacturing facilities
• External electrical installations
• Data centres
• Underground cable routing
• Rail infrastructure
• Agricultural buildings

Cable Trunking 

Cable trunking systems are enclosed channels used to organise and protect groups of electrical cables. They provide a practical solution for managing wiring in a durable casing. 

Features 

Cable trunking is available in different sizes to suit different applications. Systems are often manufactured from steel, as well as PVC and aluminium. Many trunking systems include removable covers, allowing quick access to cables for inspection, maintenance or future modifications.

Benefits

Cable trunks help keep electrical installations organised, secured and accessible. These solutions are excellent for easier cable management, improved aesthetics and faster maintenance. 

Uses

Cable trunking is commonly used in environments where large numbers of cables need to be routed efficiently and safely.

Cable Baskets 

Cable baskets provide an open support structure for routing electrical cables. They are commonly used in environments where accessibility, airflow and flexible cable management are important.

Types

Cable baskets are available in different duty ratings and designs, including:

• Light duty cable baskets
• Medium duty cable baskets
• Heavy duty cable baskets
• Wire mesh cable baskets

Features

Cable baskets offer an open design that allows cables to be easily installed, inspected and modified. They are typically lightweight while still providing durable support. 

Benefits

Cable baskets provide excellent ventilation around cables, helping to reduce heat build-up and improve cable performance. Their open structure also makes maintenance and future expansion much easier. This design simplifies modifications, which can help save money if you decide to update your routing systems.

Uses

Cable baskets are widely used in projects where cable accessibility and scalability are important.

Common applications include:

• Data centres
• Commercial buildings
• Manufacturing facilities
• Warehouses
• Telecommunications infrastructure
• Retail and office fit-outs

Key Considerations When Choosing Electrical Containment

It’s important to choose the right electrical containment system. Some settings may require highly durable containment solutions capable of withstanding impact, while others may prioritise ventilation and accessibility. Selecting the right system helps prevent these issues while ensuring compliance. 

Cable Type 

The type of cable being installed is a major factor when selecting containment. Power cables, data cables and communication wiring all have different protection, spacing and segregation requirements.

Size and Amount of Cables

Cable quantity and overall cable size directly affect the containment system required. Overcrowded containment systems can lead to overheating, reduced accessibility and difficulties when carrying out future upgrades.

Environmental

The installation environment plays a key role in determining which containment system is most suitable. Moisture, chemicals, dust, temperature extremes and external weather exposure can all impact containment performance. For outdoor environments, galvanised steel systems are often ideal, while PVC systems may be more suitable for lightweight indoor applications.

Accessibility and Maintenance 

Some installations require regular maintenance, inspections or cable modifications. In these situations, easily accessible containment systems such as cable baskets or trunking with removable covers can simplify ongoing maintenance work. This not only saves time on reconfigurations, but it can also save money by not having to undergo a complete overhaul.

Key Sectors for Cable Containment 

Electrical containment systems are used across a wide range of different industries. Different sectors often require specialist containment solutions based on environmental conditions, cable volumes and operational demands. 

Railways 

In railway environments, cable containment systems are used to support signalling systems, communication networks, power distribution and station infrastructure. Since they’re exposed to outdoor elements, it’s important to prioritise durability and choose a containment system that is resistant to corrosion.

Data Centres 

Data centres rely heavily on structured cable management to support servers, networking equipment and power systems. Cable baskets and trunking systems help organise large volumes of cabling while improving airflow, accessibility and future scalability. In this instance, a cable basket might be a good choice, especially for promoting airflow and ventilation. 

Agriculture 

Agricultural environments often expose electrical systems to moisture, dust, chemicals and changing temperatures. Suitable containment systems help protect electrical wiring used for lighting, machinery, irrigation systems and automated equipment across farms and agricultural buildings. HDG trays are a good choice as they’re resistant to moisture, even more so than standard galvanised containment systems.

Construction and Manufacturing 

Construction sites and manufacturing facilities require robust containment systems capable of supporting heavy cable loads and demanding working environments. Cable containment helps protect power and control systems while organising installations throughout industrial facilities. The overall environment will play a major role in selecting the best containment system. 

Electrical Containment Types at Lenson Select  

Lenson Select supplies a wide range of electrical containment systems designed to support commercial, industrial and infrastructure projects. We can also offer guidance on selecting the most suitable containment systems for specific environments, cable types and installation requirements. Give us a call on 0121 553 6699, fill in our contact form or email us at sales@lenson-select.co.uk to discover how we can find the right containment solution for your application.