CABLE PROTECTION FOR THE CONNECTED HOME

Alex Smith, Technical Director at Flexicon assesses the state of cable protection for the smart home market.

According to YouGov’s latest survey, 23% of the country’s 66.44 million people own a smart item, with 8% having two or more. Coupled with research conducted by Smart Home Week, this sees more than half, a massive 57% of homes in Britain, now containing a smart device.

This increasing interest in smart home technology is driving more consumers to seek the services of qualified installers, that can help integrate devices into a connected home.

However, the data and power cabling used in an automated home, such as speaker and multimedia cables, must be able to withstand the rigors of a busy household – leading installers to seek innovative options for cable protection.

It is important for installers to identify key areas to consider when specifying flexible cable protection systems. Selecting the right system can help reduce time on the job, while also protecting vulnerable or existing cabling that may be susceptible to damage.

Retrofitting Options

So, what options are available for installers that need a simple, retrofit cable protection solution?

Retrofitting cable protection has traditionally been a complex and lengthy task, with the installer required to pull existing cabling through the open end of a conduit system. Cables used for home automation will often have preterminated plugs or connectors, which can be difficult to pull through conduits or risk damage to the connectors.

Divisible conduits, such as the Flexicon FPADS range, provide an ideal solution, allowing the conduit system to be wrapped easily around the existing cabling, because of how the system is designed and the two profiles interlock. This FPADs system consists of two open conduit profiles, which then interlock to form a protected IP40 system around the cables.

Systems such as this provide a robust, impact resistant and low fire hazard cable protection solution.

It is also important to consider the cable routing. Traditional split conduit options can potentially expose cabling when bent or routed around corners, whereas the newer, divisible conduit options will maintain more mechanical strength and continuous protection of the cabling irrespective of orientation or routing due to their interlocking design. Flexible conduit can also be purchased in different colours, giving the option of colour coding installations to identify different cables which have been grouped together.

Termination And Fittings

All cable protection should be specified as a complete end-to-end system, considering not only the flexible conduit used, but the range of termination and fittings required also.

This has traditionally been a complex area for installers in retrofit applications, as historically, there has been less focus on design innovations for fittings and accessories until recent years.

To make it easier to terminate cabling in retrofit applications, Flexicon now offers its new Flexicon FPADS range, with a hinged fitting and locknut to wrap around existing cabling, meaning no disruption with its innovative, easy to use and secure termination.

Protecting Cabling

Green retrofit solutions such as new heating systems or energy management control devices are also gaining momentum in the home, often requiring electrical cabling installations and infrastructure to be upgraded during installation.

Elsewhere, the rise of home renovations and extensions is considered as a serious alternative to moving to a larger property, alongside homeowners being encouraged to upgrade to energy efficient solutions such as solar panels and heat pumps.

These drivers are all leading to increased demand for retrofit electrical wiring systems, that will avoid major disruption to the building fabric or fixtures while enabling fast and simple installation.

Installers should also consider the range of external hazards that the cabling may be exposed to; whether that is to meet a certain IP rating in a bathroom or kitchen setting, or enhanced fire performance properties.