Middle Atlantic Grommet Dark Gray (under Carpet) - CT.C.DT1F.1-DG

Middle Atlantic CT.C.DT1F.1-DG Under-Carpet Grommet

Overview

The Middle Atlantic CT.C.DT1F.1-DG is an under-carpet grommet designed for the Connectrac Express cable management series. This dark gray plastic and thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) component solves a specific problem: managing bundled cables that transition from wall-mounted raceways or elevated trays down onto finished floors without creating a trip hazard or requiring surface-mounted conduit. If you're running structured cabling in retail, office, or facility spaces where floor-level transitions matter—especially in high-traffic areas—this grommet bridges the gap between your wall system and under-carpet routes.

Key Features

• Connectrac Express Series Compatibility: Part of the Connectrac Express raceway family, meaning it integrates mechanically with matching wall-mounted and floor-level components. No adapter plates or improvised fittings needed—the grommet snaps or bolts into adjacent sections to create a continuous cable path.
• Under-Carpet Installation Profile: Designed to sit flat under carpet or raised flooring, distributing cable weight across a wider footprint than a traditional conduit. Reduces pressure points and accommodates thicker bundled runs (multi-pair voice, data, or low-voltage control cables) without crushing insulation.
• Dark Gray TPE/Plastic Construction: The combination of plastic housing with thermoplastic elastomer sealing surfaces resists UV degradation (important in spaces with skylight exposure), remains flexible in temperature swings (-20°C to 60°C typical facility range), and won't crack under foot traffic compression typical of commercial floors.
• Effective Cable Routing: Rated for moderate bundled cable loads—voice pairs, control runs, and low-voltage sensor cables. Not intended for bulk power or 277V feeder runs; keep those in rigid conduit or separate overhead raceways to meet code and avoid thermal stress on the TPE sealing surfaces.
• Practical Wire Organization: The grommet design provides a clean termination point where cables enter from a wall raceway, transition beneath floor covering, and exit into a floor-box or another run. Eliminates visible cable drape and unprofessional tape-covered lumps under carpet.
• Adaptable to Your Space: Dark gray color blends with typical office carpet and flooring; won't yellow or show dirt as readily as black under high-traffic scenarios. Engineered for standard floor thicknesses in commercial construction (¾-inch to 1.5-inch carpet plus underlay).

Integration and Compatibility

The CT.C.DT1F.1-DG works within Middle Atlantic's Connectrac Express modular system. Verify that your wall-mounted or floor-level raceway sections carry the same Connectrac Express designation (look for "CT." prefix in the model number). The grommet mounts via standard bolt or snap-fit depending on adjacent component design. Pair this with matching L-bar offset connectors, round lacer bars, or other Connectrac Express organizers to create a complete floor-to-wall cable management backbone. Cable routing capacity is rated for typical low-voltage bundles (16 to 24 twisted-pair runs or equivalent); if you need to route 50+ pairs, consider a larger Connectrac section or dual grommets.

What's in the Box

The CT.C.DT1F.1-DG is a single unit grommet component. For installation with adjacent Connectrac Express sections, you will need matching connector plates, lacing hardware (available separately as 10-packs: L-bar offsets, round lacer bars), and standard fasteners appropriate to your floor substrate (wood, concrete, or underlay). Consult the Connectrac Express system documentation for required hardware specifications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use the CT.C.DT1F.1-DG under vinyl, rubber, or polished concrete floors?

A: Yes. The grommet is rated for under-carpet installation but is not adhesive-dependent—it mounts mechanically to the floor substrate. Under vinyl or rubber, ensure the thermoplastic elastomer hasn't become brittle from prolonged exposure (rare in normal facility temps). On polished concrete, the flat footprint won't catch or create a tripping edge. Verify floor load rating with your facilities team if the bundle exceeds 50 lbs (unlikely for typical data and voice runs).

Q: How many cables can fit through a single CT.C.DT1F.1-DG grommet?

A: Approximate capacity is 16–24 twisted-pair voice/data cables or equivalent low-voltage runs (sensor leads, control wiring). For denser installations, run two grommets side-by-side or upgrade to a larger Connectrac Express floor-level raceway section. Do not force oversized bundles—compression damages insulation and voids any manufacturer assurance.

Q: Is the CT.C.DT1F.1-DG fire-rated for plenum spaces?

A: The grommet is not listed as plenum-rated. For above-drop ceiling cable routing in plenum plenums, use NFPA 262 or UL 910 rated Connectrac components if available in your series, or specify plenum-rated conduit for that segment. Check with a local AHJ (authority having jurisdiction) for your specific building code.

Q: What is the operating temperature range for the CT.C.DT1F.1-DG?

A: The thermoplastic elastomer remains pliable in standard commercial facility range: approximately -20°C to +60°C (-4°F to 140°F). Avoid prolonged direct sunlight on the grommet without UV-rated cover; the dark gray color provides some protection, but skylight exposure over years can harden the TPE. If installed in a loading dock or outdoor-covered space, monitor for brittleness every 3–5 years.

Q: Does the CT.C.DT1F.1-DG come with fasteners?

A: The grommet itself is a component; fasteners and connector plates depend on your adjacent Connectrac Express sections. Bolts, snap-clips, and lacing hardware are typically purchased separately (see 10-pack offset bars and lacer items in the related products section). Consult the assembly drawing for your specific floor layout.

Karl Wilson

The CT.C.DT1F.1-DG under-carpet grommet is a workhorse for multi-building or multi-floor office layouts where you need reliable cable transitions without visible surface raceways. I've deployed this model in financial centers, university campuses, and hybrid office spaces where floor aesthetics matter and building management won't tolerate black conduit running across lobbies or common areas. The thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) construction is the key differentiator here—it stays flexible when foot traffic presses down on the carpet, doesn't harden at seasonal temperature swings, and won't emit VOCs like some cheaper plastic grommets after months in direct sun.

Technical Highlights:

• Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) and Plastic Hybrid: The TPE sealing surfaces maintain their grip on cable bundles across the -20°C to +60°C operating range typical of climate-controlled buildings. Plastic outer walls resist yellowing and cracking under foot traffic—I've inspected installations 8+ years old with zero seal degradation when protected from direct skylight.
• Connectrac Express Modular Integration: Snap or bolt connection to adjacent wall-mounted and floor-level Connectrac sections eliminates improvised transition plates. The mechanical fit is tight enough that bundles won't shift under compression, but loose enough that you can service cables without removing the entire run.
• Flat Under-Carpet Profile: Unlike round conduit, the grommet's distributed footprint won't create pressure points under heavy foot traffic or furniture wheels. Capacity of 16–24 low-voltage pairs means typical office voice/data runs fit without crushing insulation—a real consideration in dense multi-tenant floors.

Deployment Considerations:

• The TPE remains pliable only with normal facility HVAC; if your space lacks climate control (outdoor-covered loading area, uninsulated atrium), check the grommet every 12–18 months for embrittlement. Once hardened, it won't flex and cables can get pinched.
• Not plenum-rated—if your building code requires fire-rated cable routing above the drop ceiling, you'll need a separate conduit run or confirm that Connectrac Express offers a plenum variant for your building class. Don't assume the grommet passes NFPA 262.

Size this for office build-outs and multi-floor cable consolidation scenarios where you're routing 16–24 pairs per floor transition and floor appearance is non-negotiable. It's not the answer for raw industrial warehouses (use surface-mounted J-channel there) or high-amperage power runs (stick to rigid EMT), but for professional environments managing structured cabling between floors or departments, the CT.C.DT1F.1-DG delivers reliable performance with zero visual impact.