Metal Cable Ducts for Fiber Optic Cables

CobiNet metal cable ducts for the surface-mounted installation of fiber optic cables in escape and evacuation routes

As fiber optic networks continue to expand, fiber optic cables often need to be installed surface-mounted in existing or older buildings. Existing conduits are frequently occupied, too small, or simply unavailable.

The route from the building entry point in the basement through the stairwell to the individual floors and units typically passes through escape and evacuation routes, where specific fire safety requirements must be met.

CobiNet metal cable ducts made of galvanized sheet steel (Building Material Class A1) are specifically designed to meet these requirements. They ensure standards-compliant installations while offering a clean, professional appearance thanks to a comprehensive range of accessories.

Compliant with MLAR and VDE 0800-730:2026-02 – Building Material Class A1

Schematic illustration

Fiber Optic Installation in Existing and Older Buildings: The Typical Installation Route

In existing buildings—especially older properties without suitable conduits—fiber optic cabling is typically installed as follows: The fiber optic cable is routed from the building entry point in the basement or ground floor through the stairwell to the upper floors. At each floor, a core hole is drilled through the ceiling into the corridor above, from where the cable is routed to the individual apartments or rooms.

Stairwells and corridors serve as critical escape and evacuation routes in the event of a fire. As such, they are subject to stringent fire protection requirements, ensuring that no additional fire load is introduced. With CobiNet metal cable ducts, you can rely on a safe and compliant solution. Manufactured from non-combustible galvanized sheet steel (Building Material Class A1), they meet the fire protection requirements of VDE 0800-730:2026-02, enabling safe, standards-compliant, and durable surface-mounted fiber optic installations.

Schematic illustration

The CobiNet Metal Cable Duct System at a Glance

All components are manufactured from galvanized sheet steel, powder-coated in RAL 9016 (Traffic White), and designed for fast and efficient installation. The system includes everything required for neat and professional cable routing across multiple floors, around corners, and through wall penetrations.

Cable Duct with Cove

The core component of the system. The cover snaps into place without the need for tools and can be reopened at any time for future upgrades or modifications. Mounting holes (Ø 6.3 mm) are pre-punched at 250 mm intervals for quick installation. Standard length: 2 m.

Depth	Height	Art.-Nr.:	Online-Shop
16 mm	16 mm	128148	Shop
26 mm	30 mm	128155	Shop

Connector

Connects two cable duct sections while concealing visible cut edges at the joint. Simply clips into place—no tools required.

Depth	Height	Art.-Nr.:	Online-Shop
16 mm	16 mm	128150	Shop
26 mm	30 mm	128157	Shop

90° Corner Connector

Provides a clean 90° change of direction without the need for mitre cuts. Eliminates visible cut edges and avoids time-consuming on-site cutting.

Depth	Height	Art.-Nr.:	Online-Shop
16 mm	16 mm	128152	Shop
26 mm	30 mm	128159	Shop

End cap

Provides a clean and secure closure for open cable duct ends, for example at wall penetrations or cable termination points.

Depth	Height	Art.-Nr.:	Online-Shop
16 mm	16 mm	128151	Shop
26 mm	30 mm	128158	Shop

Duct Expansion Section

When drilling through a ceiling close to a wall, the drill cannot be positioned perfectly flush against the wall due to its physical dimensions. As a result, the ceiling penetration is inevitably located several centimetres away from the wall. The CobiNet duct expansion section provides an elegant solution by bridging this offset. It simply clips onto the installed cable duct and extends it to the ceiling penetration.

This completely conceals the ceiling opening, leaving no visible gaps or exposed cables. The enclosed design also helps prevent unauthorised tampering while creating a clean, professional installation appearance. The result is an aesthetically pleasing, secure, and standards-compliant solution that also simplifies building inspections and final acceptance.

Suitable for depth	Suitable for height	Art.-Nr.:	Online-Shop
16 mm	16 mm	128153	Shop
26 mm	30 mm	128160	Shop

Technical Specifications:

(The following technical specifications apply to all system components)

Material:

Galvanized steel
Surface finish:

UV-resistant powder coating
Color:

RAL 9016 (Traffic White)
Material Thickness:

0.6 mm
IP-Class:

IP30 (DIN EN 60529)
Impact Protection Rating:

IK07
Impact Resistance:

5J
Operating Temperature:

–5 °C to +60 °C
Halogen-free:

Yes
RoHS Compliant:

Yes
REACH Compliant:

Yes

Differences in Standards Compliance Between Metal Cable Ducts and Enclosed Plastic Cable Ducts:

Eigenschaft	Metallkabelkanal	Kunststoffkabelkanal
Building Material Class (DIN EN 13501-1)	A1 – Non-combustible	B to F – Combustible
Fire Load in Escape Routes	None	Present
Permitted in Stairwells (MLAR)	Yes	No
Halogen-free	Yes	Depending on the product

Designed in Germany. Made for Fiber Optic Network Expansion

The metal cable duct system is specifically designed to meet the requirements of FTTH deployments in new builds, existing buildings, and older properties. It provides a standards-compliant, installer-friendly solution for fast, professional surface-mounted fiber optic installations.