Metal Raceway is a Versatile Solution
Metal perimeter raceway is an excellent choice for locating - or relocating - wires and
cables. Metal raceways are easily accessible and offer design features for a multitude of
power and communications requirements. And even though it has been around almost
as long as electrical wiring itself, metal raceway remains the system of choice where
toughness, durability, and ease of installation are important criteria.
Surface raceway was introduced in the early 1900s and helped popularize residential
electric lighting and appliances. It also became ubiquitous in school buildings across the
country. In the years since, metal raceway has evolved with new designs and sizes, full
accommodation for data connectivity, better protection for fiber optic cabling, and
prewired systems that offer convenience and labor savings.
Design Criteria
Metal raceway is offered in a wide range of profiles. The design and configuration is
based on several criteria:
Size and channels: Sizes range from small, single channel profiles that contain a single
wire or cable to large, dual-channel units that deliver power and communications
services in a single system. Separate channels are required when running power and
low-voltage communications systems within the same raceway.
Covers: Metal raceways are typically categorized as either one- or two-component
systems. A one-component raceway is a single unit through which wire or cable must
be pulled. A two-component system has a removable cover that allows direct access to
wires and cables. Raceway systems with removable covers may incorporate special
fastening hardware to increase tamper resistance.
Device housing: Smaller raceways employ device boxes to house receptacles and data
jacks. These boxes have knock-outs to accommodate a variety of raceways. Larger
systems have sufficient space to integrate devices directly into the raceway itself.
Material: Steel is the most common material, offering excellent strength and durability.
Stainless steel may be required for use in extreme environments, such as laboratories
and clean rooms. Aluminum is increasingly used for aesthetic reasons, as well as
durability.
Prewired Raceway
Although perimeter raceway is often assembled and wired on-site, it is also possible to
manufacture whole units to job specifications, complete with electrical wiring and
receptacles. This "prewired" raceway combines customized design with faster
installation and lower labor costs. Unlike field-wired raceway, which requires that
components be cut to length and wires be pulled or laid in before devices can be wired,
electricians simply mount prewired raceway lengths and connect the feeds. Prewired
raceway is especially valuable on projects with short construction cycles and jobs that
change in mid-stream, leaving less time to complete the work. Typical applications
include schools, laboratories, and similar rooms that require quick installation and
predictable, specific wiring.
Looking to the Future
Perimeter raceway is a proven alternative to conventional in-wall wiring. Metal raceway
accommodate facility requirements while providing maximum flexibility and lower life
cycle cost. Continued new product development focuses on design enhancements for
maximizing wire and cable management, aesthetics, and labor cost savings.