Everything you need to know about GRP troughs

Whatever the industry, and whatever the size and scale of the project, effective cable management is essential.

But when it comes to more industrial settings or busy external environments, how is this achieved?

The best answer? With GRP cable troughs.

Not completely sure what they are, or if they’re really necessary for your project? Here the team at HR Kilns take a closer look at cable troughs – how they work, what they offer and, more crucially, why you need them.

What are GRP troughs?

GRP cable troughs are simple but effective.

Whether carrying electrics or utilities they are an effective way to organise, manage and protect cable, wires, and pipework.

They work by effectively creating a tunnel which provides a safe passage for the cables to travel through. This can be fixed onto or into the ground or raised above floor level. 

Where can GRP troughs be used?

This is easy – anywhere.

Thanks to their highly robust nature, troughs made from GRP can be put to good use in virtually any environment including railways, highways and for telecoms, power, or utility projects.

Made from glass reinforced plastic, troughs are inherently lightweight without sacrificing strength or durability, making them suitable for all manner of locations.

To discover if they’re right for your project speak to the team.

Benefits of cable troughing

#1 Enhanced protection

Perhaps the biggest advantage of cable troughing has to be the enhanced protection of essential networks and utilities it offers.

The trough acts as a protective barrier, helping to avoid both accidental damage and vandalism.

#2 Increased safety

It’s not just the safety of your trough’s contents that’s improved – so too is the safety of those in the surrounding environment.

By keeping cables in an enclosed space, on-site safety is dramatically increased – from reducing the chance of anyone accidentally encountering dangerous cables to minimising the threat of a trip or fall.  

#3 Improved aesthetics

Untidy premises look unattractive and unprofessional.

GRP troughs make cable routing virtually invisible – and looks far superior to loose wires strewn across the floor.

#4 Easier maintenance

Network connections and utilities require regular inspections and maintenance – this is made quick and easy with cable troughs.

With cables efficiently organised and easily located, whether it’s a routine check, a system upgrade or trying to locate the root cause of a problem, inspections and solutions will be much faster and simpler to carry out.

Why use GRP troughs?

Search for troughs and you’ll find a variety of materials available – but in most instances, we’d argue that GRP troughs are the superior choice.

Here’s why:  

– Highly resistant to corrosion

GRP is uncompromised by a wide pH range making troughs resistant to corrosion even when exposed to harsh chemicals.

– Easy to install

Incredibly lightweight, GRP troughs are far easier to handle than more traditional concrete options – making installation much faster.

– Customisable

Need a specific depth or length of trough? Angles, bends, or T section? GRP troughs are highly customisable and can be adapted to suit your bespoke requirements.

– Non-conductive 

An impressive characteristic of GRP is that it doesn’t conduct electricity, making it the ideal material for a cabling trough.

– Strong and durable

GRP has impressive bi-directional strength and load-bearing capabilities. A trough made from this material is guaranteed to be strong, long-lasting and capable of enduring both the weight of extensive foot traffic and that of heavy vehicles and machinery.

– Slip-resistant

Fit your trough into walkways and the last thing you want is to create a slip hazard! Thankfully, GRP can have a carbon and silicon grit added to the surface layer as an excellent way to minimise the risk of accidents.

Talk to the GRP trough experts

Here at HR Kilns, we offer GRP troughs and lids manufactured using high-quality GRP.

Visit our GRP troughs and lids page to find out more, or for a competitive quote please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

You can call us now on 01695 557 711 or email sales@hrkilns.com and we’ll be back in touch soon.