1. What are the advantages of pre-cabled pipes?
The use of pre-cabled FLEX Cab™ pipes reduces installation times by 50%. Only one worker is needed to install them and the time consuming cable threading operations are eliminated, along with all related risks (damage to the wires, frictions, etc.).
2. What will I save therefore by using pre-cabled pipes compared to empty ones?
A system realised with pre-cabled pipes costs 25% to 30% less compared to a system realised using the traditional method.
Example:
Labour cost per hour 20
1000 m of PVC Pipe Ř 20 (Euro) 80
3 * 1000 mt of 1.5 sq mm energy cable (Euro) 225
Total cost of materials (Euro) 335
Time required to lay and thread 1000 meters, including travel time (hours) 43
Labour cost for laying and threading (Euro) 860
Total cost using empty pipes (Euro) 1.195
1000 m of FLEXCab pipes diam. 20 with 3 x 1.5 sq mm power cables (Euro) 455
Total cost of materials (Euro) 455
Time required to lay 1000 meters, including travel time (hours) 21
Labour cost for laying and threading (Euro) 420
Total cost using pre-threaded pipes (Euro) 875
Savings guaranteed 26%
This simulation was performed using the average sales price for cables and pipes on the Italian market in October 2009 - data processing was performed by PM Plastic Materials.
3. Which type of system can install these pre-cabled pipes?
FLEX Cab™ can be used to realise all types of installations: conventional wall systems, on plasterboard walls, divider walls, in false ceilings, chased under the floorboards, buried in concrete or liquid cement.
4. How do you use pre-cabled pipes?
The laying of pre-cabled pipes is very easy because the weight of the wires makes the pipe very stable. There are just a few jobs to do before you can reap the full benefits of the speed and safety that pre-cabled pipes can give. Watch the FLEX Cab ™video in the "FLEX Cab™" area which provides full instructions on how to install this system to top workmanship standards.
5. How does the distribution of the electrical system change when using pre-cabled pipes?
The form of distribution recommended by the various pre-cabled pipe standards is the "star" method, starting from the distribution box, connecting one pipe for every individual utility; this distribution will have a lower current load, lower electromagnetic fields and a simple and straightforward system. On the contrary, "cascade" type distribution is to be avoided as it is more disorganized and less secure.
6. Can I thread other cables through the pre-cabled pipes?
Of course: thanks to the internal lubrication feature, you can easily thread other cables through the pipes.
7. How do I unwind the pre-threaded pipes?
Using the appropriate PM EASY unwinding tool which ensures smooth and easy unrolling of the pre-cabled pipes, whilst leaving the packaging intact on the roll that will be used in the future.
8. How much waste is there when using pre-threaded pipes?
The same as for empty pipes, the minimum length used for connections which is about 2 meters.
9. What is the theft risk on work sites when using pre-cabled pipe?
If the power and junction boxes are protected with the appropriate covers, the pipes are not "visible" at the worksite; moreover, as the cables are fairly small in diameter and have a very low copper content, they are not particularly attractive to thieves.
