Overview of Cable Management Practices – Part 2
As mentioned in Part 1, the wired industry continues to grow despite the trend towards wireless communications during the past decade because of security concerns. Concrete trenching and floor decking were discussed as two of the four main practices of cable management. Part 2 will discuss Overhead Cabling/Cable Drops and Underfloor Cable Management. Consult with experienced professionals to make your cabling project a long-term success.
OVERHEAD CABLING/CABLE DROPS
Deployed within single-story and multi-story buildings, overhead cabling provides flexibility. This method uses overhead space, which can either be a dropped ceiling or an exposed ceiling. Cables and conduit are suspended from the ceiling, and cable drops, which are concealed by chaseways or poles, descend to serve work areas.
Advantages
This method does not require any cutting or trenching of concrete cutting. Unoccupied areas are used to install conduit and cabling.
Disadvantages
It will be a challenge to reroute cabling as technicians will need to use a ladder all along a line. Cable drops are generally considered an eyesore, and so this practice is highly discouraged for facilities that emphasize customer experience, such as retail. It may not be appropriate in the work areas of certain professions such as law offices.
UNDERFLOOR CABLE MANAGEMENT
Utilizing access flooring for the routing and concealment of cables, underfloor cable management may be the most advantageous. Cables can be routed beneath the flooring or within the floor itself in low-profile access flooring.
Advantages
Underfloor cable management does not require concrete cutting or trenching. It is not necessary to work inside ceiling space. There is flexibility in routing, and cable rerouting is easy. Low profile floors are only one to three inches in height. There is almost an unlimited number of possibilities for layout designs. It can be rapidly installed during construction, and business disruption is minimized whenever additions and changes need to be made.
Disadvantages
The method takes up space of one to three inches in height. There will be an extra step in the installation process.
Union Network Cabling
When union work requires a unionized cabling group, call on Union Network Cabling for your commercial Cat5e/6/6a and fiber cabling projects. Specializing in cabling for data, voice, security and even the latest WiFi and LiFi solutions. Phone: (202) 462-4290