
Wireways

Wireways are enclosed pathways used to protect and manage electrical wiring and cables in a building or other industrial setting. Wireways are typically constructed of metal or plastic and can be installed on walls, ceilings, or floors to provide a safe and secure channel for cables and wires.
Unlike cable tray systems, which are typically open, wireways are enclosed to provide additional protection against damage from physical contact, moisture, dust, and other environmental factors. This makes wireways ideal for applications where the cables and wires need to be shielded from exposure or where the installation needs to comply with specific safety regulations.
Wireways come in different shapes and sizes, including rectangular, square, and circular, and can be customized to fit specific installation requirements. They may also feature various components, such as covers, dividers, and junction boxes, to further enhance their functionality.
Products
More Information about Wireways
Lay-in Wireways
Lay-in wireways feature a hinged top for easy access and an opening on one side so that wires and cables can be laid in along the entire run without pulling. Lay-in wireways simplify installations of large cables and multiple wires and cables. They are also useful when installations may require future wiring changes. Lay-in wireways can connect multiple sections together for long, simple runs or different fittings can be attached for modifications.
Pull-Through Wireways
Pull-through wireways are better for simple installations with smaller cables or fewer wires and cables, than lay-in wireways. They have a pull-through design where wire and cable is inserted in one end of the wireway and pulled through to the other end. Pull-through sections provide a smooth interior surface to prevent wire damage during installation. They can be connected for long, simple runs or different fittings can be attached for modifications.
FAQs
What is a cable management system?
A cable management system is a set of components, tools, and techniques used to organize and protect cables and wires in a structured and efficient manner. Cable management systems primarily consist of various devices such as cable trays, cable ties, cable wraps, cable sleeves, raceways, and conduits.
Can cable management systems be installed in electrical boxes?
Yes, cable management systems can be installed in electrical boxes. Cable management systems are designed to organize and protect cables and control wiring, and they can be used in a variety of applications, including inside electrical boxes.
Do wireways come with hinged or removable covers?
Yes, wireways are often available with hinged or removable covers. Hinged and removable covers help to protect the electrical wiring and cables contained within the wireways.
Is a cable trough similar to a wireway?
Yes, a cable trough is similar to a wireway in that it is designed to route and protect cables and electrical wiring. A cable trough is a type of cable management system that is typically used for outdoor or heavy-duty applications. In contrast, a wireway is typically used for indoor applications, such as inside industrial plants or control panels.
What are electrical feeders or feeder circuits?
Electrical feeders, also known as feeder circuits, are a type of electrical distribution system that supplies power from a substation to a distribution point or to individual loads.
Does Schneider Electric carry cable management systems?
Yes, Schneider Electric carries a wide range of cable management systems for various applications. Their cable management systems include cable trays, wireways, conduits, raceways, and accessories such as fittings, brackets, and covers.
4 Best Practices when Fabricating a Control Panel
Use a Larger Enclosure Whenever Possible
This allows room in the panel design to properly space all of the hardware and to install larger wire ducting. Panels that have ample space tend be me more organized, while panels that have everything crammed into a small space tend to be more difficult to work in and are often less organized.
Tap Holes Instead of Using Self-Tapping Screws
It is common for panel builders to use self-tapping screws to save time during the fabrication process. While it can save time, this type of fastener does not always provide the consistent, strong connection that may be needed for the mounted hardware. This is especially true when hardware may need to be removed at some point and then later reattached. Holes that have been tapped prior to hardware installation will offer a stronger, more consistent connection point that will last longer.
Ensure that Wire Ducting is Large Enough
It is very easy to undersize wire ducting when designing a panel. It is important to always plan for wire ducting to have extra room available once all wires have been run through it, including field wires.
When in Doubt, Label it
It is a very good practice to label wires in a control panel, but it is not always required to label the other types of hardware in the panel to meet code. It is important to understand that any operators that may access this panel at a later date may not understand what the hardware in the panel is intended for. To make the panel is as safe as possible, and to allow operators to function in the panel more efficiently, it is a good idea to label everything that may come into question.