Prewired Raceway Offers Many Benefits
Perimeter raceway has long been a popular alternative to "in-the-wall" wiring because it provides the fast, easy access required to support constantly changing space requirements and ever-evolving technology. One of the newest trends in this type of wire and cable management is prewired raceway. Prewired raceway installs in about one-third the time required for conventional raceway - a major benefit for contractors looking to reduce labor cost and get off the job faster.
Fast installation 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 educational buildings, laboratories, municipal facilities, and large office facilities.
Labor-Saving Features
Prewired raceway differs from conventional "component" raceway in that much of the time-consuming work is done at the factory, not on the job site. Whole raceway sections are manufactured to job specifications, complete with electrical wiring and receptacles. Packaged to reduce jobsite handling, bases and covers arrive on the job in specified lengths, with all circuits and devices installed exactly as shown on the drawings. There is no on-site cutting of base or cover sections. Electricians simply mount the sections, connect the feeds, and put the cover in place./p>
In contrast, component raceway is shipped to the job in standard lengths that must be cut to size on site, a time-consuming process. Often, a standard length must be extended by joining it with another raceway section. In these instances, errors in measurement or improper cutting of covers or base units create waste and additional expense for contractors. Once the bases are attached to the wall, electricians must still install all receptacles and wire them up individually.
Time studies and field experience demonstrate that prewired raceway installs in about one-third the time required for component raceway. Most of the time saving results from eliminating cutting and reducing the amount of on-site wiring. Since raceway sections are shipped as whole units, the problem of chasing after lost or missing parts and pieces is eliminated.
In addition to higher productivity as measured in hours, prewired raceway has been designed to take out unnecessary steps and repetitive tasks so that electricians can put their skills to more productive use. Contractors also report that supervisory time is sharply reduced when installing prewired raceway. Moreover, accuracy to the plan is assured.
A Full Range of Solutions
Steel, aluminum, and nonmetallic prewired raceway systems are available in a variety of sizes and configurations. Single-channel units provide for power only. Multi-channel raceways offer power at predetermined locations, along with one or more channels for data/communications cabling. Openings for communications activations are pre-punched at specific locations according to drawings. Connectivity devices can be pre-loaded or field installed, but cable terminations must be made in the field due to the "home run" nature of data cabling.
Prewired raceway units may be packaged and labeled by a specific room, area, or floor with complete documentation and blueprints. Delivery to the job site can be staged for maximum efficiency and minimum storage requirements.