Steel trunking behind existing bulkhead

the_amazing_raisin · 04-11-2022 10:42AM #1

Hi folks, I have an existing bulkhead in my kitchen which conceals some air ducts (see picture)

I'd like to install some steel trunking in that duct to allow for some cables to be installed

I'm wondering if there's any way I can realistically get the trunking in without ripping apart the entire bulkhead?

The ducting has to be steel because there will be electrical cables inside and I can't get armoured cable in the type I need. Also I'll probably be putting more cables in there in the future, so having a duct to just pull the cables through would be handy

The bulkhead is around 6 meters long and the trunking is in 3 meter lengths. So in theory I could cut a hole in the middle and angle them in.

Of course there's two probable flaws in my plan, steel doesn't bend easily and I'll likely need to fix the trunking to the studs, can't imagine leaving it sitting inside the bulkhead would be good

I'm hoping someone has some magic idea to get around my issue?

The Continental Op · 04-11-2022 10:49AM

Have to ask why do you need steel trunking for the cables? Is there some regulation that says it needs to be done that way?

the_amazing_raisin · 04-11-2022 10:54AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119831795#Comment_119831795

The cables in the trunking won't be armoured cable because they're DC solar cables, so I want some protection against the cables accidentally being drilled or cut through in future

The Continental Op · 04-11-2022 11:19AM

Sorry to be so inquisitive. Why can't you find suitable armoured cable? Armoured cable is still cable and all you are looking for is a suitable diameter copper conductor relative to the cable resistance and length of run.

I'm used to running much smaller ethernet cables and even then I wouldn't fancy my chances of pulling a couple of them next to ducting, just too much chance of something getting in the way. Then if its flexible ducting you'll be through the side of it in no time.

Because you are going to make a mess anyway why not just leave the current boxing in alone and put another over the top of it?

Would quadrant trunking fit in aesthetically?

eggy81 · 04-11-2022 11:58AM

If you can get to the end of the duct could you use 32mm or even 50mm conduit and cut it as long as the room allows and join it together as you slide it into the duct from one end

the_amazing_raisin · 04-11-2022 07:59PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119832087#Comment_119832087

The other side of the far wall is the side passage, so I could cut a hole in the vent outside and feed it through that way

I've decided I'm going to just put some armoured AC cable behind the bulkhead. It's a bit annoying because I'll probably be putting more cables back there in future, and it would have been handy to have a duct back there

I was thinking about this, and I might be putting in new air ducts there in a few years for an MHRV. So when that comes to pass I'll need to rip the bulkhead off anyway, I can do the trunking then as well

corsav6 · 06-11-2022 08:30AM

Nym cable is double insulated and you could use reinforced flexible conduit to house it. Some 20mm copex (Flexi conduit) should fit 3 runs of 3 core 1.5mm nym.

Steel trunking behind existing bulkhead

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