Quick Qu: Where can I get in-wall trunking?

[da_murphster]

Well after much searching and lurking my masterpeice is nearly complete.

My last hurdle is wire hiding - I have used PVC pipes for most wires but now intend to sink trunking into my wall - one pipe for HDMI and Scart and one for power.

Problem is I cannot find pipe big enough for the scart.

Where can I easily source some rectangular pipe - wide enough for scart?

[wingnut121]

waste pipe used for plumbing? either solvent weld or push fit pipe, it comes in sizes 32mm/40mm/50mm or even 75mm any plumbing murchants will help you out

[albriscoe]

Almost all elelctrical contractors sell pvc trunking that has a snap on lid, its usually white in colour and comes in lots of different sizes certainly large enough for a scart cable

Try CEF,CPC or Erye & Ellistons

cheers Al

[Sanders79]

I got mine in the B&Q in reading, including a 50 x 100 mm section for scarts Sinking it into the wall was great fun!!

[da_murphster]

Having spoken to an electrician he said he often uses ventalation trunking.

Got some from Screwfix but concerned that it is too big! (110x55)

Especially as I was going to do separate ones for scart etc and power.

Now I am concerned that if I sink it in the plaster may not stick to it of that the trunking will flex and the plaster will crack.

Am I paranoid?

Should I just get the drill out and go for it?

[Danno72]

If you sink it deep enough it will plaster over just fine. Or use a PVC trunking (YT4) you can have the lid flush with the plaster finish and paint it in.

Scrim tape (look in the plastboard section of B&Q) will stop the cracking. Its a self adhesive netting about 2 inches wide and is used for jointing plaster board etc.

[DaveCHCI]

I used re-wirable scarts - got them from the forum sponsors. They have removeable plugs so the cable will feed through a much narrower tube.

[Sanders79]

Originally Posted by da_murphster

Having spoken to an electrician he said he often uses ventalation trunking.

Got some from Screwfix but concerned that it is too big! (110x55)

Really? Sounds perfect Get a couple of 47 mm back boxes, one for each end of the trunking and two double gang brush plates to finish it nicely.

Originally Posted by da_murphster

Especially as I was going to do separate ones for scart etc and power.

You could always get something smaller for the power leads... It only needs to be big enough for the plug that goes into the TV etc.

Originally Posted by da_murphster

Now I am concerned that if I sink it in the plaster may not stick to it of that the trunking will flex and the plaster will crack.

Sink the trunking in so it is about 10mm below the surface of the wall. Then before the finish coat use a coat of bonding plaster (sticks to anything include non-porous surfaces). Scrim tape shouldn't be necessary but certainly won't hurt.

Secure the trunking in the channel you cut using screws and plugs. The trunking should be rigid enough that when secured it won't flex at all. Certainly what I used in my living room was fine. I have more than enough space for any cables I could possibly ever need and the finish is great.

If you're feeling nervous about it then perhaps you shouldn't do it. If you have faith in your DIY skills and the tools/patience to do it then you will be pleased with the results. If you do take the plunge, just take your time planning it and you'll be fine.

[da_murphster]

Thanks for that Sanders.

Decided I could save a lot of hassle by making up my own power lead (maplins do everything) so will just need a small trunk for that (was thinking a metal one to protect it).

I already have brush plates!

I reckon I will go for the large vent - will give me lots of flexibility on the future!

[Sanders79]

Hello again!

I don't think you'll need metal trunking, plastic will be more than enough, you're not likely to be drilling anywhere near it in the future are you?

[da_murphster]

I was thinking about people in the future not expecting power cables going up the wall.

Might not bother though.

Thanks for the help!

[Sanders79]

If you're planning on putting something permanent in there (i.e. a spur socket of some description), then yes I think metal capping would be a good idea for protection. Surprisingly it isn't a requirement, but it is is good practice in my opinion.

If it's a removable cable in the trunking, I really wouldn't worry, it should be obvious from the entry/exit points to avoid that bit of the wall...

Good luck! And post some pics when you get cracking. I have some on the camera if you need some inspiration (or you need to see how not to do it maybe ).