G'day! Whether you are fitting out a new home office, organizing a server rack, or just trying to hide that ugly bundle of cords running along the skirting board, messy wiring is a universal headache. It looks like a dog's breakfast, collects dust, and can be a genuine trip hazard. The most effective, professional solution to this chaos is cable duct.

This simple yet essential product transforms a tangle of loose wires into a neat, protected run. It is the standard for commercial fit-outs and industrial switchboards across Australia, but it is just as useful for the savvy homeowner looking to clean up their entertainment unit or garage workshop.

What is Cable Duct?

Cable duct (often called wiring duct or trunking) is a rigid channel, usually made from high-impact PVC or metal, designed to house and protect electrical cables. Unlike conduit, which is a tube, ducting generally features a removable lid or cover. This design allows you to lay cables in easily rather than pulling them through, and makes future maintenance or additions a breeze.

It comes in various profiles to suit different jobs. You can get slimline rectangular ducting for running a TV cable down a wall, or massive, wide industrial ducting for carrying heavy mains power cables in a factory.

The Different Types for Different Jobs

Not all ducting is the same. Choosing the right type depends on where it is going and what it is protecting.

Slotted Duct If you look inside any commercial switchboard or server cabinet, you will see this. It features "fingers" or slots along the side. This design allows cables to break out of the duct at any point to connect to breakers or terminals. It is the gold standard for organising complex wiring looms.

Solid Wall Duct This is what you use when appearances matter. It has solid sides and a clip-on lid, completely hiding the cables from view. It is perfect for running power or data cables along skirting boards or up walls in an office environment.

Floor Duct Running cables across a walkway is a safety nightmare. Floor duct is designed with a curved, low-profile shape that allows people to walk over it without tripping, while protecting the cables inside from being crushed.

Why Use Ducting?

Protection Cables are vulnerable. In a workshop, they can be snagged; in an office, they can be chewed by office chairs. Cable duct provides a hard physical barrier that stops insulation damage and prevents short circuits.

Organisation and Airflow In high-density setups like server racks, bundling cables tightly can cause heat build-up. Ducting keeps wires organised and spaced, allowing for better airflow and cooling.

Ease of Upgrades Because the lid pops off, adding a new data line or power cable later down the track is simple. You don't have to rip the whole system out; you just open the duct, drop the new line in, and snap it shut.

Sourcing Professional Quality

When buying ducting, the quality of the plastic matters. Cheap, brittle PVC can crack when you try to cut it or yellow quickly in the sun.

Professional installers and switchboard builders know that using trade-grade material is essential for a compliant job. They typically head to a trusted electrical wholesaler to source ducting that is self-extinguishing (fire rated) and easy to cut without shattering. Using the right quality gear ensures the installation looks sharp and meets Australian safety standards.

A Note on Installation

For data cables, speaker wires, or 12V setups, installing cable duct is a safe and satisfying DIY task. You can cut it with a hacksaw and stick it to the wall or screw it in place.

However, if you are using ducting to enclose 240V mains cabling (single insulated cables), there are strict rules. The duct must be secured properly, and often requires the use of tools to remove the lid to prevent accidental contact. Any termination of mains cables inside the duct must be done by a licensed professional.

Get Organised with Schnap Electric

If you are ready to clean up your cabling, you need a supplier that stocks the full range of sizes and styles.

Schnap Electric Products is a leading supplier for the trade industry in Australia. They stock a comprehensive range of cable management solutions, including high-quality cable duct in slotted and solid variations. Their inventory includes the wide, narrow, and tall profiles needed for any application, from domestic renovations to industrial switchboards. By providing the same professional-grade equipment you would expect to find at a major electrical wholesaler, Schnap Electric ensures your wiring is neat, safe, and professionally managed. For a tidy finish, choose the range from Schnap Electric.