The Basics of Electrical Duct Banks: What They Are and How They Work

Electrical duct bank is a crucial element in commercial electrical systems. They serve as housing systems, connecting various types of utilities and offering robust protection for cables and wires to ensure they can stand the test of time. In our next blog, we will review what duct banks are in more detail and cover the basics of electrical duct bank’s functionality and design.

What is an electrical duct bank?

An electrical duct bank is, essentially, a PVC and concrete-made encasement designed to protect electrical cables and wires installed under the ground. Duct banks protect telecommunications and electricity wires from physical impact and other environmental elements. 

Electrical duct banks are unlikely to be installed under residential homes, but they are commonly found under commercial and industrial buildings like malls, factories, schools, hospitals and office buildings. 

How do duct banks work?

Electrical duct banks serve as cables’ protection system from strain, earthquakes and other elements of the environment. They are also a great organization tool for multiple utility cables, separating and organizing them under the ground and making the replacement and maintenance easy for the crews. There are two levels of protection offered by duck banks: 

• PVC-made conduits which protect the cables and wires;
• Concrete-made encasements which separate conduits and prevent them from touching each other.

There can be multiple duct banks installed under a single building: to house telecommunications cables, electricity and/or data cables, etc.