Anthony Rodriguez
Sylvia McBride
It would seem that cable management is a fairly straightforward process, but it is more than simply routing horizontal cable. The term "cable management" is used to describe the organization of copper or fiber horizontal cable, and the related copper or fiber hardware components, into a variety of configurations to achieve a well-organized cable system. Whether in the telecommunications closet, at the interconnect point or at the desktop, an array of cable management aids is available. The benefits include cable organization and protection, ergonomic cable routing and transfer, flexibility in handling and organization, and cable loading/unloading ease.
Cable protection is provided through raceway systems, support brackets, Velcro ties and enclosures. Throughout the channel, a minimum bend radius is required to achieve a smooth-operating system. At intermediate points, multimedia and junction boxes provide vital channel organization and multitasking functions. These cable-mounting boxes help address the minimum bend radius requirements for slack storage, and facilitate easy integration for future expansion. At the workstation, faceplates provide protection and identification, and give a polished appearance.
Cable management products must meet UL-flammability and other safety requirements. Ease of installation is also a principal concern for installers. Hinged wiring blocks and other hinged cable management products offer alternative cable routing/loading options. Velcro cable ties prevent cable cinching when cable is secured. Clear identification of cable components is desirable and is achieved through use of colored identification icons, colored modules and color-coded caps.
Aesthetics can be an important consideration in planning interior designs that involve cabling. Cable management systems should provide a neat and finished appearance once installed, concealing cable bundling groups. A pleasing appearance is created when covers, cabinets and enclosures are used to seal off or obscure unsightly cable threading.
At times, specialty vendor cable components can cause confusion when they require additional ordering processes or additional labor, or when the components are incompatible with the existing cable management configuration/layout. Quality systems easily incorporate any moves, additions or changes.
ANTHONY RODRIGUEZ is mechanical design engineer, and SYLVIA MCBRIDE is marketing coordinator, International Connectors and Cable Corp. (ICC), 16800 Edwards Road, Cerritos, CA 90703; (888) 275-4422; Fax: (562) 356-3100; E-mail: arodriguez@icc.com; Web site: www.icc.com.
