Both indoor cable protectors and outdoor cable guards cover trailing cables that people need to walk or drive across. But while they're both doing the same job, using the wrong one in the wrong environment causes problems in both directions.
Where an outdoor guard fails indoors
Outdoor cable guards are built to take vehicle weight, including forklifts and HGVs. That's why they sit proud of the ground, structured like a speed bump. Bring one indoors and the raised profile becomes a trip hazard. It also gets in the way of the wheeled kit already using the floor: cleaning trolleys, pallet trucks, wheelchairs. What works in a yard doesn't work in a corridor.
Indoor covers are designed for pedestrian areas, so they're not designed to withstand cars or forklifts. Use an indoor cover outdoors, and they'll be crushed the moment a vehicle drives over them, causing damage to the cable underneath.
Choosing between an indoor cover and an indoor guard
Once you've committed to indoor kit, the choice narrows to what's crossing the run. For a route that only sees foot traffic, an indoor cable cover sits low enough that chair castors and shoes pass over it without noticing. If your route also sees cleaning trolleys, pallet trucks, or light wheeled equipment, look for a heavier-gauge indoor cable guard that won't shift when they cross.
If you're not sure whether your setup calls for indoor or outdoor kit, call the team on 0808 175 4375.
What's the difference between a floor cable protector, a cable ramp, and a cable mat - and which do I need?
Floor cable protectors are slim, channel-style covers that sit directly over cables to protect them and eliminate the trip hazard - ideal for offices and retail spaces where a low-profile solution is needed. Cable ramps are slightly raised and designed to allow wheeled traffic like trolleys, wheelchairs, or light vehicles to pass over cables smoothly without damaging them. Cable mats cover a larger floor area and maintain an even lower profile than ramps, making them suited to environments where aesthetics or minimal obstruction matter. The right choice depends on the volume of cables, the type of traffic crossing them, and how much floor space you can allocate.
Do indoor cable protectors help meet workplace health and safety requirements?
Yes. Trailing cables are one of the most common causes of trips and falls in UK workplaces. Fitting cable protectors is a straightforward, documented way to demonstrate that a known trip risk has been actively managed - which matters during HSE inspections or if a liability claim arises.
Can these cable protectors handle multiple cables at once?
Yes, depending on the product. The channel-style floor cable protector accommodates one or two cables. For runs with multiple cables needing protection in the same location, the cable mats offer broader coverage across a larger floor area. If you're running several cables across a route with vehicle or wheeled traffic, the outdoor multi-channel guards may be a more appropriate solution, available separately in our range of outdoor cable protectors.
