canaletas

Canaleta is a term used in Spanish to describe several types of channels, grooves or troughs designed to guide or collect liquids, cables or other materials. The meaning varies by context, but all uses share the idea of a narrow passage that directs flow or containment.

In civil engineering and architecture, canaletas are shallow channels or grooves that collect and direct water. They can be found on roofs as drainage channels, along pavements or in plazas to guide rainwater, and in floors or corridors to prevent water accumulation. Canaletas can be exposed or concealed, and they may be part of a larger pluvial drainage system or a decorative element that also serves a functional purpose.

In electrical and telecommunications installations, canaleta refers to a conduit or trough used to route and protect cables. These cable canaletas can be made of PVC, metal or other materials, and are used in buildings, industrial facilities and data centers to organize, separate and shield wiring and cables, often with access points for maintenance.

In some contexts, canaletas may also denote drainage channels in gardens or landscapes, designed to control runoff and prevent erosion. They may be integrated with grates or covers and connected to a larger drainage network.

Etymologically, canaleta is a diminutive form of canal, from Latin canālis, indicating a small channel or groove. The term is widely used in Spanish-speaking regions, with variations in specific usage depending on local building practices.