The pvc alternative

For installers, it is light in weight; it has natural flexibility, allowing it to cope with imperfect walls and gentle curves; and it is easy to cut and fabricate on site without producing sharp edges that might damage cables. In addition, it has good insulating properties and is resistant to corrosion and chemicals. This makes it ideal for installation in many commercial applications requiring a long, maintenance-free life. Most of all it is cost-effective to produce.

The arguments against use
Increasingly there are specifiers demanding halogen-free buildings, thus ruling out pvc as a construction material. In Europe, particularly, there is a move against pvc. In Germany for instance, there are 274 local authorities that actively avoid its use wherever possible. The European Parliament has also called on the Commission to issue a recommendation to the member states, calling on them not to use pvc as a building material in buildings with a high risk of fire.

While pvc as a material can be self-extinguishing, it does unfortunately produce heavy, black smoke when subjected to a fire. In public buildings this can create a health and safety risk. Also, the fumes produced can have a serious affect on electronic equipment.

So far in the UK there is only one local authority – Newhaven, Sussex – that will not use pvc in its buildings. There are other organisations, such as British Railways, London Underground, Eurotunnel, Bradford & Bingley Building Society, Marks & Spencer, Waitrose and many more where halogen-free alternatives must be sought. In addition to this growing list there are several schools, hospitals and numerous other public sector buildings making similar specifications.

The pvc-free choices
When faced with a brief to use halogen-free materials it is useful for contractors to know what alternatives exist.

Most obviously, several cable management manufacturers produce aluminium systems. Its proponents point out that aluminium is flexible and easy to cut and drill.

Over the years the design of aluminium systems has evolved, making their installation simpler. Secure, snap-on couplings, corner covers, end covers and lids, plus regularly spaced cable knockouts all make installation and future modification simple. In short, aluminium systems combine aesthetics and practical functionality.

Despite its advantages, aluminium is not always the ideal answer for halogen-free specifications. It is noticeably more expensive than pvc and requires additional earthing. Contractors must be careful to avoid producing sharp burrs or edges when cutting the material, which may damage the insulation on the cables.

As an alternative to aluminium there are now halogen-free plastics available. Systems manufactured from such materials are commonly used on the continent, where the demand for halogen-free construction products is higher. It is not widely known that such options also exist in the UK.

In common with the cables installed within the trunking, there are systems manufactured from halogen-free plastics. The material is more expensive than pvc but more cost-effective than aluminium. In addition, it shares many of the advantages of pvc, being easy to work with and flexible.

The UK construction industry is changing slowly. If the bureaucrats in Europe have their way, more change could well be on the way. This, plus the increasing effectiveness of the 'green' lobby means that more construction projects will be specifying pvc-free buildings. We are already seeing such moves being taken by the cable industry; it won't be long before more specifiers examine the systems carrying cables.

The number of organisations demanding halogen-free alternatives to pvc is growing all the time and is showing no sign of abating. It is time to examine all the alternative materials that are available for cable management systems when pvc is not an option.