Technology Update
By Trevor Olsen and Jennifer Pasek
Today's telecommunications cabling infrastructure is a big investment. With an expected lifespan of 10 to 20 years, a key component to maintaining and protecting this investment over the long term is a solution for properly managing the cable. Cable management should not be overlooked as it is essential in greatly reducing or eliminating any potential problems and in maintaining the value of the cabling infrastructure.
As demand for high-performance cabling increases, there is also a renewed focus on the importance of cable protection. Bend radius control is essential to maintain the integrity of the cables. Systems should utilize products that provide proper bend radius control to prevent potential problems or faulty data transmissions. Protecting cables from being crushed, pinched or over-stressed enhances the reliability of the system.
Changes within telecommunications cabling have become a fact of life. When changes occur, it is easy for a telecommunications closet to become an unmanageable mess. Companies need organization in their closets to enable quick and efficient moves, additions and changes. This reduces downtime and promotes system performance. Closed, duct-style cable management products provide a controlled and organized system and open D-ring-style systems provide a quick patching solution.
An increasing number of companies are displaying their telecommunications closets as a showcase for the technology they are using. Cable management solutions should provide an aesthetically pleasing, professional look. Examples include flush-mounted covers, clean cable transition pathways and routing troughs for large cable runs.
Standard racks are no longer the only solution available for telecommunications closets. Now, users can purchase racks that incorporate built-in vertical cable management, covers, power outlet solutions, cable tray pathways and more.
A final note is that the rack should be strong enough to accommodate and support all network equipment.
TREVOR OLSEN is Divisional Manager, Rack Systems Div., and JENNIFER PASEK is U.S. Marketing Manager, Network Connectivity Group, Panduit Corp., 17301 Ridgeland Ave., Tinley Park, IL 60477-3091; (888) 506-5400; Fax: (708) 460-2897; E-mail: tno@panduit.com and jpa@panduit.com; Web site: www.panduit.com/ncg.
Fiber Distribution System
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The Opticom HD Fiber Distribution System includes equipment racks, integral cable management with bend radius control, and high-density enclosures and connector modules. It has up to 1,728 simplex SC connections in a single 7.0' rack. Other features include a minimal footprint, D-rings, 1.5" bend radius control, integral fiber protection and slack management. The fiber enclosures accommodate up to 192 fibers in three rack units, and accept FJ, FC, SC, ST, E2000 and LC connector styles. Network Connectivity Group, Panduit Corp., Tinley Park, Ill.
Cabling System
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The Interlink Cabling System is said to be a comprehensive solution for premises wiring using UTP or fiber optic cable, offering full fiber optic capability. The system includes FiberSmart passive interconnnect components, fiber management products and test/termination kits. Building entrance and communications closet hardware, wire and cable management systems, and workstation connectivity are available. The Wiremold Co., Bristol, Conn.
Cord Wraps
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Cord-Lox are reusable Velcro cord wraps available in a range of sizes, styles and colors. They are designed to keep cords neat and organized. The Coil'n'Carry handle keeps bundled cords up to 9" in diameter together. Custom imprinting and fabrication are available. Toleeto Fasteners International, San Ysidro, Calif.
Cable Clips
EZ Clips are designed for use with data and communications cables. Constructed from aluminum alloy, they are said to easily mold around cable with the push of a screwdriver blade. They are available in 0.125, 0.250 and 0.500" diameter sizes, in brushed aluminum, white and brown colors. Designed for all weather applications, the products reportedly resist rust and UV rays. Gardner Bender, Milwaukee, Wis.
Cable Tie Holder
This Flat Tie Holder is offered in three sizes with a double-backed, rubber-based adhesive. Designed to be an alternative to acrylic-based adhesives, it is reportedly suitable for most surfaces and offers a quick-stick solution when parts will be used soon after application. Other mounting options are also available including screw-fastened, rivet-fastened, arrowhead-style and masonry mount. Richco Inc., Chicago, Ill.
Surface Raceways
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OmniLink Surface Raceways are for wiring new office layouts or modifying network configurations. The metallic and nonmetallic raceways have removable covers and each radius fitting is said to provide the appropriate bend radius for Category 5e and fiber optic cabling. Triple-compartment, steel raceways and medium-capacity, metallic raceways that include prewired outlet sections and cord-ended strips are offered. The plastic raceways feature low-profile, two-piece versions and are made of flame-resistant PVC. Thomas & Betts Corp., Memphis, Tenn.
Cable Ties
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Used to bundle and secure wire and cable, these Cable Ties are available in a variety of styles, sizes, materials and colors. They meet certification to QS 9000 and ISO 9001 quality system requirements, and are said to be designed and manufactured for easy installation. Reportedly, the insertion force is low and the pullout force is high, which reduces the effort and time needed to apply each cable tie. HellermannTyton, Milwaukee, Wis.
J-hook Fastener
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The CableCat Cat64 J-hook Fastener is a 4" galvanized J-hook that is UL-listed to support up to 300 four-pair cables. To meet the needs of data communications installations, it can be fastened to other fasteners and then mounted to a deck, wall, beam, purlin or under-floor pedestals. The fastener has been designed with an extra-wide base loop with rounded curves to eliminate snag potential during installation and to transfer cable support to a flat surface that is said to prevent cable stress and data distortion. Erico Inc., Solon, Ohio
Copper Cable Management
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DSX-1 and DSX-3 are cable management products suited for 19 and 23" environments. They are designed to fit 7, 9 or 11' bays using varying sizes of twisted-pair or coaxial cables, including 734, 735 and RG-59. Cable rings, cross-connect jumper rings, troughs, and front and rear cable bars are said to ensure neat cable management and quick circuit identification for technicians. ADC Telecommunications Inc., Minneapolis, Minn.
Molding Raceway
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Cove Molding Raceway is said to combine the features of a surface-wiring installation within a building's natural contours. The single-channel system is reportedly suitable for routing power, data or communications wiring, and the three-channel system allows the installation of power, data and communications wires in one system. It is said to be compatible with all architectural styles, and can be installed in even the most demanding environments. Carlon, Cleveland, Ohio
Cable Panel
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This Cable Management Panel Series is designed for use with copper, fiber optic or other cable types. The series includes Ring Panel designs, for horizontal or vertical bulk cable management, and Interbay Panel designs, for horizontal bulk cable management. The panels and attached cable management rings are available in standard metal or plastic, and are compatible with all of the company's racks and wall-mount brackets. ICC, Cerritos, Calif.
Cable Clamps
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Quick Cable Clamps are designed for one-handed installation. They feature an integrated ratchet fastener, which is said to eliminate the need for a screw or other fastener. The parts are said to be self-aligning and designed to fit a 0.1875" diameter hole. The built-in handle reportedly allows for quick and easy installation without tools. The clamps are molded from nylon 6/6 and are suitable for many wire, cable or tubing routing applications. Micro Plastics Inc., Flippin, Ark.
Surface Raceway
MediaTrak 6 is a one-piece, nonmetallic surface raceway with a double-latching cover. The single-channel product is suitable for use with communications or electrical cabling. Features include fittings that have a 1.25" minimum bend radius and corner fittings that snap-on over the raceway channel. The raceway is tamper-resistant and UL-listed for use up to 600 V. It is available with or without adhesive, and the channel is marked with red indicators to suggest 16.0" centers. Hubbell Premise Wiring, a division of Hubbell Inc., Stonington, Conn.
Cable Carrier
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The E-Band Energy Chain is a cable carrier used for cleanroom applications and high-precision automated equipment, reportedly eliminating particulation. Made differently from standard designs, the carrier links are attached to a continuous strip and snap together. Stop dogs provide a set, finite bend radius to eliminate premature cable wear. Other features include the split crossbar design for fast assembly and the ability to glide on itself. igus inc., East Providence, R.I.
