borewell pipe Walk into any electrical market in Pakistan and you will see two very different ways of protecting wires: the round conduit pipe, and the rectangular duct patti. Both keep wiring safe and tidy, so which one should you use for your house, shop or office? This guide explains the difference, where each one works best, and how to choose.
Quick answer: Use a conduit pipe (also called electric pipe or wiring pipe) when the wiring will be concealed inside walls, ceilings or slabs, usually in new construction. Use a duct patti (also called channel patti, wire duct or cable duct) when the wiring runs on the surface and you want a neat finish with easy access, for example in renovations, offices and shops. Many projects use both.
What Is a Conduit Pipe?
A conduit pipe is a round tube that carries and protects electrical wires. It can be buried inside walls, ceilings and floor slabs, or fixed on the surface. Wires are pulled through the pipe after it is installed, so they can be replaced later without breaking the wall again. In the market it is also called electric pipe, electrical pipe, wiring pipe or wire pipe. For a general overview of how conduit is used, see this article on electrical conduit.
Read more about our range on the PVC electric conduit pipes page, and see the matching electric fittings for bends, joints and boxes.
What Is a Duct Patti?
A duct patti is a rectangular channel with a removable cover. The base is fixed to the wall or ceiling, the cables are laid inside, and the cover snaps on top. It is also called channel patti, wire duct, cable duct, cable ducting or trunking. The International Electrotechnical Commission describes this kind of enclosure in its Electropedia entry for cable trunking system.
See our PVC cable duct (duct patti) page for sizes and details.
Duct Patti vs Conduit Pipe: The Main Differences
| Feature | Conduit pipe | Duct patti (cable duct) |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Round tube | Rectangular channel with a cover |
| Where it is used | Inside walls, ceilings and slabs, or on the surface | On the surface of walls, ceilings and floors |
| Adding or changing cables | Pull wires through the pipe | Open the cover and lay cables in |
| Appearance | Hidden when concealed | Neat, visible line on the surface |
| Best for | New construction and concealed wiring | Renovation, retrofit and cable management |
| Installation effort | Needs wall chasing or casting before finishing | Quick surface fixing, no wall cutting |
| Typical sites | Houses, apartments, plazas, factories | Offices, shops, banks, schools, existing buildings |
When to Use a Conduit Pipe
- New house or building: conduit is laid before plastering, so the wiring is fully concealed.
- Slabs and walls: concealed conduit keeps wiring out of sight and protected.
- Long, planned wiring routes: wires can be pulled in and replaced later.
- Surface runs in rough areas: conduit is also used on the surface in many factories and workshops.
When to Use a Duct Patti
- Renovation or an existing building: you can add wiring without cutting walls.
- Offices and shops: power, data, telephone and CCTV cables stay neat and easy to reach.
- Adding cables later: the cover opens, so new cables can be laid in at any time.
- Visible but tidy finish: a duct patti hides loose wires and gives a clean line.
- Low-voltage cabling: CCTV, LAN, internet and telephone cables are often run in duct.
Using Both Together
You do not have to choose only one. Many good installations combine them. For example, concealed conduit carries the main wiring through the walls, and a duct patti carries the final cable runs on the surface, such as the cables to a row of office desks or a CCTV system. A cable tray is a third option, used mainly in large commercial and industrial buildings, as described in this overview of a cable tray.
To complete the system, you will also need electric fittings and quality electric cables.
How to Choose the Right Size
For conduit pipe
- Count the wires that will run in each pipe, and check their thickness.
- Choose a size that leaves spare room, so that the wires pull in easily.
- Use fittings of the same size as the conduit.
For duct patti
- Count the cables, and check how thick they are.
- Do not fill the duct completely. Leave space for future cables.
- Choose matching corners, joints and end caps for a clean finish.
Not sure which size to pick? Contact our team with your wiring details and we will guide you.
Installation Compared
| Step | Conduit pipe | Duct patti |
|---|---|---|
| Planning | Mark box and switch points, plan the pipe route | Plan the surface route and measure lengths |
| Preparation | Chase the wall or place conduit before casting | No cutting of walls required |
| Fixing | Join with fittings and fix with saddle clips or inside the wall | Fix the base with screws, keeping it straight and level |
| Cables | Pull wires through the pipe | Lay cables in the base without overfilling |
| Finishing | Plaster over concealed pipe | Snap on the cover and fit corners and end caps |
Always have a qualified electrician handle the wire connections and testing.
Safety and Standards
Wiring work should follow the rules that apply to your project. International standards for electrical technology are developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), and in Pakistan, product standards and the Pakistan Standards (PS) certification scheme are managed by the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA). For a general background on how buildings are wired, see this article on electrical wiring. Keep power and data cables separated as your electrician advises, and never overload a conduit or duct.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overfilling the pipe or duct: it makes installation hard and leaves no room for future cables.
- Mixing sizes: fittings that do not match the pipe or duct leave gaps and weak joints.
- Choosing only on price: thin or poor-quality material can crack or deform.
- Using duct where conduit is needed: concealed wiring inside walls is normally done with conduit.
- Doing wiring without an electrician: fixing duct is simple, but connections need a qualified person.
For the latest price of either product, request a quote with your size and quantity. To see how pipe pricing works in general, read our guide to pipe price in Pakistan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between duct patti and conduit pipe?
A conduit pipe is a round tube, often used for concealed wiring inside walls and slabs. A duct patti is a rectangular channel with a removable cover, used for neat surface wiring that you may need to open later.
Is duct patti the same as channel patti?
In the local market, duct patti, channel patti, wire duct and cable duct generally describe the same type of product: a channel with a cover for surface wiring. Sizes and designs differ between products.
Which is better for house wiring, conduit or duct patti?
For a new house, concealed conduit is the usual choice. For an existing house or a renovation where you do not want to cut walls, duct patti is a practical option.
Can I use duct patti for CCTV and LAN cables?
Yes. Duct patti is widely used for CCTV, LAN, internet and telephone cables because it keeps them organised and easy to access.
Can conduit and duct patti be used together?
Yes. Many installations use concealed conduit for the main runs and duct patti for the final surface runs.
Where can I buy conduit pipe and duct patti in Pakistan?
Adam Jee supplies PVC conduit pipes, fittings and cable ducts across Pakistan from our Faisalabad facility. Contact us or call 041-111-232-653.
Final Word
Conduit pipe and duct patti are not rivals. Conduit suits concealed wiring in new construction, while duct patti suits neat, accessible surface wiring in renovation, offices and shops. Choose by where the wiring will run, how easily you need to reach it, and the sizes your cables require.
Adamjee Plastics Industries Pvt. Ltd. manufactures PVC, uPVC, PPRC and HDPE pipes and fittings in Faisalabad, along with electrical conduit, fittings and cable ducts. Browse everything on our products page, learn more about us, read our guide to the top 10 PVC pipe manufacturers in Pakistan, visit our blog for more guides, or return to the Adam Jee Pipes homepage.
Planning an electrical installation? Tell us your conduit or duct sizes and quantity.
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