Kabelrinne

Kabelrinne is a term used in electrical engineering and building infrastructure to describe a cable trench or cable duct system designed to route and protect electrical, data, and control cables. The concept covers troughs and channels that can be surface-mounted along walls or floors, or integrated into the building structure. The name literally means “cable trough” in German.

A Kabelrinne typically consists of a base or channel, sidewalls, and a removable or hinged cover. Materials commonly used include metal such as steel or aluminum, and plastics like PVC or polycarbonate. Variants exist with open profiles for easy access, or closed and weatherproof designs for outdoor or industrial environments. Some configurations allow segmentation to separate different circuits or voltage levels, and may include mounting accessories, bend pieces, and junction boxes.

In practice, Kabelrinne systems are employed to organize and protect long runs of cables, simplify maintenance, and improve safety and heat dissipation. They are used in commercial buildings, data centers, manufacturing facilities, and transportation infrastructure. Installation considerations include cable fill capacity, segregation of high- and low-voltage cables, accessibility for inspection, and compliance with local electrical codes and fire safety requirements.

Standards and safety guidance for Kabelrinne components generally reference national and international electrical installation standards. In German-speaking regions these align with DIN VDE practices, while broader European contexts refer to EN standards for cable management systems. Proper design, installation, and periodic inspection are essential to ensure reliable operation and safe cable management.

See also: cable tray, cable duct, trunking, wire management systems.