D-Line FAQs

Which D-Line should I select?

Product selection should consider the volume of cables being concealed. Check the D-Line dimensions provide sufficient capacity for your requirements.

Any tips for measuring up?

Remember to leave space (between D-Line lengths) to accommodate accessory required. Use the accessory as the template. Pencil mark the surface and the length. After installing the lengths, then inserting the cables, the smooth-fit accessory will retro-fit into the space(s) you left.

If using clip-over accessories the gap does not have to be precise but ensure the lengths are spaced so the rear tabs will grip i.e. the lengths are not too far apart! Clip-over accessories will fit over the gaps you left.

Any tips for cutting D-Line lengths?

For best results use a junior hacksaw (32 teeth per inch) and - if preferred - cutting block to help keep blade straight. If using smooth-fit accessories a straight cut is important so the accessory can fit neatly upto the length.

Professional Installers using D-Line regularly may prefer the Cutting Tool which is the quickest option.

Pictures show the click-lock at the top side. Can it be at the base instead?

Yes, an installation can be reversed, but the lid then no longer acts as a cable retainer . Installers usually prefer the hinge at the base, so cables are not dropping out along the way!

How many times can the hinge be opened?

D-Line lengths can be opened and closed thousands of times, making it easy to later add or remove cables or cords. The hinge is tensioned so it is not too stiff or slack, making D-Line easy to handle.

Any tips for installing ¼ round?

To start, peel the self adhesive tape and stick to the skirting so the hinge is at the base of the length.

The accessories are designed to be quick and easy to use. For clip-over Internal and External Bends to use between lengths around 90 degree corners, and also in-line Connectors (which can transform as a Cable Inlet or Outlet piece) ensure there is sufficient space so the rear tabs can be fully inserted over the body of the lengths to secure an effective grip behind the top of the lengths. Use adhesive dots to give extra grip to those External Bends, and the Inlet/Outlet also, if there is a risk that these parts maybe knocked.

Can you rely on the self adhesive for permanent fixing?

For Micro, Mini and ¼-round D-Line lengths the tape gives a strong bond so take care before securing to the surface. It is possible that tapes can eventually lose effectiveness as adhesive elements vaporise over time but we have known lengths stuck to smooth clean surfaces (by our self-adhesive) for many years.

If using a profile with base larger than 40mm (such as our TV drop 50mm x 25mm) then because of the greater weight and strain on the tape, we always advise installers to also use a secondary fixing (rawlplug & screw) spaced every 30cm.

Can D-Line be drilled?

Yes. We know some installers prefer to drill and screw-fit. This is recommended for profiles larger than 40mm wide because of the greater weight and strain on the tape.

What if there is a gap between the length and an accessory?

With care and attention to measuring and cutting this should not arise. However any gaps can be filled using decorators caulk or similar.

Any tips for painting?

First gently scuff the surface using a fine sand paper or similar abrasive, and then apply paint. The paint adheres better to a scuffed surface. Usually 2 coats are required.

Can D-Line be bent?

The Micro lengths will bend on a gentle radius and the Mini also but not much! (D-Line ¼ round will not bend)

Can D-Line be used outside?

While D-Line is designed for indoor applications, we know it is often used externally. It is UV stabilized so will not discolor or turn brittle in sunlight. It is stable between -30 degrees C (-22 F) to + 60 degrees C (140 F).

Lengths are also splash proof, and will repel rain. The accessories however are open backed (they fit over the cables) so will let in water, but this is often irrelevant if there are no exposed electrical connections and the lengths are covering insulated / sheathed cables only. To make the installation splash proof (IP65) any gap behind an accessory can be sealed with silicon. Also length lids can be glued for vandal resistance.

What 'green' credentials does D-Line have?

D-Line utilise only virgin plastics to achieve greatest control over production quality. Our manufacturing processes are lead-free.

D-Line lengths can be recycled. Our lengths are produced from a combination of two types of plastics, namely PVC for the base and lid, and TPE for hinged material. As such, it cannot be reconstituted as a purely PVC product. It can however be micronised and used in floor matting for example.

D-Line accessories can be fully recycled. The material can be used over and over again in the same form.

Can D-Line be installed around bay windows?

For ½ round lengths or ¼ round lengths, in our accessories range we offer 90 degree bends. Bay windows (with 45 degree or greater angles) can pose a problem as, because of the way the lid functions, once closed in this application then lids will not easily open.

To fit D-Line lengths around a bay window we suggest (after measuring) mitering the lengths, so cutting special (45 degrees or greater) angles that match your bay window. A good tip is to practice cutting the desired angles on spare pieces to ensure the right fit.

Next close the lids and insert the cables and cords before the lengths are fitted – if necessary use a drawstring to insert the cables.

With the lengths cut specifically, and the lids closed with the cables inside, the lengths can be stuck into position using our adhesive-backing. If any gaps occur we advise they be filled with decorators caulk.

Can D-Line lengths be used to hide entry / exit cords to Cable Tidy Units?

Yes, if a Cable Tidy Unit is against a wall D-Line lengths are the perfect solution for this query!

Can D-Line Be Used to Conceal Pipes?

Our profiles are primarily designed to conceal cables. That said, the 60mm x 30mm profile (w x h) is sometimes used to conceal new pipework. It is not used for retro-fitting to hide existing pipes, as the stand-offs and width between pipes already installed is invariably too much for the profile. By contrast on a new installation the user can position the pipes sufficiently close to enable containment within the 60mm x 30mm capacity.