We learn more about why safety, compliance and fast installation is helping to ensure D-Line is one of the ‘go to’ brands for innovative cable management.
With safety often the paramount concern when it comes to cable management, D-Line – manufacturers of the world’s first half round trunking system – has raised the bar, delivering faster, more effective and safer installations through Safe-D – its range of fire-rated cable clips.
Exceptional safety
As an essential part of a surface cable installation, Safe-D fire-rated clips – which can be fixed direct to surface or in PVC trunkings – have been designed following extensive research and development, with a host of technical features and installer benefits that not only deliver safety but also excellent quality and value.
To provide assurance and peace of mind, all D-Line Safe-D clips have been certified by Exova Warrington Fire and comply to 18th Edition regulations. This requires that non-combustible fixings are to be used for all new surface cable installations.
The Safe-D Clips can withstand temperatures of 970°C for at least two hours, affording sufficient time to evacuate densely populated buildings and to prevent the potentially fatal risks for end users and firefighters of cable entanglement in a burning building, as well as being able to withstand levels of shock, vibration and water spray.
Extensive clip range
As well as U-Clips that can be fitted direct to a surface or in non-metallic trunking systems and Conduit Saddles that provide a modern look, the Safe-D range also includes F-Clips, the fire-rated, thumb-friendly, flexible cable support supplied in flat form with three fixing holes that can be folded in seconds to make a variety of shapes to most effectively secure cable installations. Labour saving, the wrap & lock Adjustable Clip comes in three sizes from 10-17 mm to 22-26 mm diameter.
Speedy installation
When it comes to speed of fixing, with D-Line’s range of Safe-D clips, installers can expect to make significant time savings on a job, thanks to their innovative design. Recent time tests where identical runs were set for fixings at 400 mm centres in brick substrate with the only variable being the fixing, pitted pliable fire-rated steel wrap & lock Safe-D Conduit Saddles plus D-Fix screws against traditional plastic cable cleats, wall plugs and screws.
The results showed that the Safe-D Conduit Saddles took on average 28 seconds per fixing verses 52 seconds per fixing for the traditional cleats – 45% faster thanks to the fact that clips are first fixable and D-Fix screws need no wall plug.
Not only is there a time and significant cost saving to be made by the installer, both they and their customers alike can be confident that all D-Line cable supports not only satisfy the regulations but also deliver a high quality, aesthetically pleasing finish.
Designed to be discrete
Whilst exceptional safety and fast installation speed are a given with Safe-D clips, these characteristics extend to D-Line’s trunking products too, which benefit from discrete design plus the desirable attributes that help make an installer’s life that much easier.
Where creating, fitting and replastering channels in walls is not an option, or is a problem in terms of time, the traditional alternative has been blocky square surface-mounted trunking strips, which look unfashionable in modern surroundings as well as having some practical drawbacks.
D-Line’s trunking was developed in the UK after calls from electricians and contractors for an attractive, quick-to-install surface solution that addressed the drawbacks of making channels in walls or using the traditional trunking that hadn’t changed since it was first created many years ago.
The iconic D-shaped profiles, in patented single-piece designs, provide surface trunking that is quick to install and can blend with surrounding décor. All D-Line trunking is non-metallic and made from high quality uPVC that is rigid, lightweight and easy to cut, as well as using UV-stabilisers so the trunking will not discolour in sunlight over time.
D-Line trunking comes in a variety of sizes, from the Micro trunking (16×8 mm) to the Maxi trunking (50×25 mm), to suit every project.
It’s also available in a range of finishes including white, black, magnolia, aluminium-effect, and oak-effect. If an installation requires a custom colour, all D-Line trunking can be sanded and painted to best match surrounding décor.
New profiles and accessory options have recently been added to the trunking range to strengthen options available to installers to provide the best route for cables.
From bends and tees to adaptors and cable outlets, for the whole trunking range, a perfect finish around joins and corner bends can rapidly and effortlessly be achieved.
Peel and stick tapes also enable quick and easy installation but D-Line lengths can also be drilled and screw-fixed, if you’d prefer.
Paul Ruddick, Founder and Managing Director of D-Line, said: “D-Line trunking is a best of both worlds solution, in keeping with the brand’s commitment to producing innovative cable management solutions for use whenever time, safety and appearance matter.
“Surface installations using D-Line provide an ongoing piece of mind that cables are securely encased; as examples there can be no danger of cables being smothered to compromise airflow, striking a buried cable when drilling into a wall, or pets chewing through cables.
“With over 20 years of innovation in cable management, we understand that the initial installation of wires and electricals may be the most expensive aspect of a project, but it is the trunking that will be the most conspicuous element of your job for years to come.”
D-Line is part of the Luceco Group, which also includes the Luceco Lighting, BG Electrical and Masterplug brands.
Browse the full D-Line trunking and wiring accessories range here
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