Plastic vs Metal Wire Raceway

A wire raceway is used for the installation of new outlets, switches, or just running wiring to different components. These wire raceways are mounted on top of the wall surface so that there is no need to do any cutting, drilling, or repair work. A wire raceway is very convenient for DIY homeowners, as they are easy to install, work with, and use for quick installation of new wiring. One of the questions associated with wire raceways is whether to use plastic or metal.

Depends on Load

Plastic wire raceways are ideal for simple applications that do not require a lot of wattage or heavy wiring. The metal counterpart is much more suited because of it conductivity and ability to handle heavy gauge wire. 

Different Mounting Systems

A metal wire raceway is held to the wall through a system of metal clips and screws. The plastic raceway is generally mounted with the use of double-sided tape or velcro, which does not require any type of tool to install. 

Colors and Styles

When you use a wire raceway to do your surface wiring, you will want it to blend into the surrounding wall, furniture, and colors. While you can paint the metal wiring case, a plastic one is ideal for blending in because of the colors, molding, and other ways that it is styled and used.